' Championship club's Chairman resigns '

Dave Whelan has resigned from his position as chairman of Championship side Wigan Athletic.

Tuesday 3rd March 2015

The 78-year-old will stay as owner but his grandson, 23-year-old David Sharpe, will take over the running of the club.

Whelan took over at Wigan in February 1995 and oversaw their rise from the fourth tier to the Premier League.

He was banned from football-related activity for six weeks and fined £50,000 in December for making racist comments after accepting an FA charge.

But Whelan denied the remarks he made during a newspaper interview were racist and, prior to his punishment being announced, had stated that he would resign as Wigan chairman if he was "found guilty of being a racist".

The FA Disciplinary Commission said it was "satisfied" Whelan "is not a racist" and did not intend to cause offence by his comments.

Whelan's reign as chairman ends with Wigan 23rd in the Championship and nine points from safety with 12 league games to play, but his impact on the club during his 20 years at the helm has largely been a success.

"The time has now come to hand over the reins," he said in a club statement.

"I am approaching 80 years old and spend an increasingly long time abroad, and cannot make it to games. It is a decision I have been mulling over for some years and I believe David is now ready.

"Contrary to some suggestions, there are no plans to sell the club, which will remain in family hands and I have every confidence that David, along with chief executive Jonathan Jackson, will lead us forwards with wisdom."

Whelan added: "I would like to say huge thank you to the board of directors, all the staff at the club, and of course the wonderful supporters of Wigan Athletic, who have helped make the journey over the past 20 years such an exciting and memorable one."

Wonder if thats linked to the new evidence provided against Malky

Wonder if thats linked to the new evidence provided against Malky

Or if it is the fact that he is almost 80 years old and spends ann increasing amount of time abroad?

But your reason is probably the best one eh?

Happy retirement David Whelen.

Nice to see it's staying a family run club. Not that I'm jealous at all

Wonder if thats linked to the new evidence provided against Malky

Or if it is the fact that he is almost 80 years old and spends ann increasing amount of time abroad?

But your reason is probably the best one eh?

Could be either reason to be honest.

The timing would make me wonder if it is linked to Malky though, may not be. After his rercent embarresing interviews he may just think its time to give it a rest.

Wonder if thats linked to the new evidence provided against Malky

Or if it is the fact that he is almost 80 years old and spends ann increasing amount of time abroad?

But your reason is probably the best one eh?

Could be either reason to be honest.

The timing would make me wonder if it is linked to Malky though, may not be. After his rercent embarresing interviews he may just think its time to give it a rest.

And he did say he would go, if he was found guilty of any racist remarks. Imagine that, a Chairman/Owner with principles!

It is odd timing though, given the new Malky/Moody situation but I guess only time will tell on that one!

Wonder if thats linked to the new evidence provided against Malky

you'd have to say it does seem pretty good timing

Nothing to do with the "new evidence" He said about three weeks ago that he was retiring as chairman as he wants to spend more time abroad, and he will only come over for the matches

Also his grandson is 23yrs old! according to radio, bit young even with wheelan in background

Top man, top chairman.

Top man, top chairman.

Great loss to football. One of the last proper chairmen/owners of football clubs.
Played the game, built a small club into a premier team against all the odds (tiny club in a rugby mad town, surrounded by massive established clubs).
His lnowledge and experience will be greatly missed and doubt will ever be repeated.

His grandson will hopefully carry on his legacy for as long as possible. Although only 23 he will know more than the prick who owns our club.

Top man, top chairman.

I agree to top bloke in my opinion done brilliant for Wigan

This thread had me slightly hoping!!

However, DW's resignation marks the end of an era (although his grandson will carry the torch).

He made a fortune from playing football and subsequent business successes. However, he chose to plough his well-earned cash into his home club. What a legend! A true lover of the beautiful game and gave more than enough back.

I will miss his comments, normally dropping in the obligatory anecdote where he broke his leg in "that" final.

Best wishes for the future!

Also his grandson is 23yrs old! according to radio, bit young even with wheelan in background

The work experience painter and decorator must have been busy.

Top man, top chairman.

Great loss to football. One of the last proper chairmen/owners of football clubs.
Played the game, built a small club into a premier team against all the odds (tiny club in a rugby mad town, surrounded by massive established clubs).
His lnowledge and experience will be greatly missed and doubt will ever be repeated.

His grandson will hopefully carry on his legacy for as long as possible. Although only 23 he will know more than the prick who owns our club.

Absolutely. I would love some like DW running our club instead of the dick we are stuck with.