Whelan set to step down from JJB post

Wigan Athletic owner David Whelan was today said to be preparing to end 30 years at the helm of sports retailer and health club group JJB Sports.

Mr Whelan is expected to stand down as executive chairman, although he will continue to have a day-to-day involvement in the business and may also keep a position on the company’s board, the FT reported today.

It is believed the move will allow Mr Whelan to devote more time to Premiership new boys Wigan Athletic, the club that he owns.

Mr Whelan, who is 68 and grew JJB from four shops bought in 1976, is expected to announce his decision at the company’s annual general meeting on Wednesday.

Mr Whelan moved into retail after a broken leg put an early end to his own football-playing career.

The business now has 449 stores and is the UK’s largest sports retailer with a 25% market share.