Anthony Barry offered to waive wages to help Wigan Athletic

Latics didn’t get a fee to release him but didn’t want to stand in his way.

“He offered to waive his wages – which we didn’t accept, we didn’t feel that was right,” said co-administrator Paul Stanley.

“He’s been first class, he deserves his chance.”

Stanley also played down any suggestion of a rift with Paul Cook which led to his resignation as manager.

Cook told TalkSport this week he decided to quit when a fee was agreed for Kieffer Moore without his knowledge.

“The transfer window wasn’t open until after the season, Moore’s agents had had offers from five clubs... he was the most sale-able asset,” said Stanley.

“We had to pay the wages, we had a conversation with the manager, the player and his agent were fully aware there were offers.

“I think Paul’s issue was more, going forward the decision to sell players wouldn’t be his.

“His attitude was first class and when I’ve met him, he’s lit the room up. He did a fantastic job at this club.

“When he came to see me after the relegation there was a mood of sadness.

“He and the players had given everything, he was gutted.

“He decided given his cost and the fact the club probably couldn’t pay his wages in League One, he took a brave personal decision. He was in no way pushed.

“I still talk to him now – he’s been top-class. “