Wigan's Whelan threatens walk-out

Dave Whelan has threatened to quit Wigan if a simmering row over policing costs is not resolved amicably.

Matters were likely to come to a head today, with Greater Manchester Police expected to apply for the removal of the JJB Stadium’s safety certificate.

Whelan told BBC GMR: “I will be so upset I may as well walk away from the game; I may as well walk away from Wigan altogether.”

Key to the problem is Wigan’s belief they are being charged for policing outside the stadium – which Whelan does not think they should be responsible for.

The Wigan owner reports he has not even received a reply from local MP and Labour Party chairman Ian McCartney to a letter outlining his grievances.

Efforts to have the matter settled in court have also failed – so as the situation presently stands, next weekend’s clash with Millwall will be Wigan’s last before their stadium is closed.