Sponsored by
Lenagan takes over at Wigan Warriors
Ian Lenagan today took control of the Wigan Warriors and immediately outlined the blueprint for the club's future.
In a lunch time press conference at the JJB Stadium today he revealed:
* Former Wigan favourite Joe Lydon as the club's new chief executive.
* The agreement becomes effective on December 1.
* Brian Noble will remain as head coach.
* He takes ownership of Wigan by acqusition of 89 per cent of the club's shares, also guaranteeing protection of the remaining shares held by private individuals.
* The acqusition includes the option to stay at the JJB Stadium through to 2050, the freehold of the training facilities and stadium at Orrell.
Lenagan said: "Completion of the deal has taken longer than anticapted and today's announcement is needed to end speculation for supporeters and staff alike.
"I am delighted to announce that Brian Noble will remain as head coach."
Born and raised in Wigan, Lenagan has all the credentials to control arguably the biggest club in rugby league.
A hugely successful businessman, he made his millions when he floated his computer software company, Workplace Systems, in 2000.
His passion for rugby league was evident when he set up a 300,000 scholarship scheme to help young players get into Oxford University and when he took over as chairman of Harlequins.
He will step down in his role at The Stoop on December 1, but will keep a 65 per cent share.
Now his main goal will be to end Wigan's trophy drought.
At the start of next season that will stretch back six years in the Challenge Cup - and a full decade in the league.
Lydon was the golden boy of Central Park for years and as well as being a Wigan great and hugely popular, he has built up an impressive CV in both coaching, sports development, marketing and business.
He worked with the RFU as England U19s, sevens and backs coach.
As a player, Lydon was brought to his hometown club from Widnes for a then-world record 100,000 fee when Maurice Lindsay was at the helm in his first spell.
Lydon said: "I'm delighted to be returning to Wigan and while respectful of the past, now look forward with enthusiasm to thew challenges of helping shape the future of the club."
Check back here soon for more news from the Warriors take-over press conference.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Wigan
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
