Dave Whelan on Wigan Athletic administration shock

In an exclusive interview with WiganToday he said: "I am in total and utter shock. When I got a phone call this morning about the club going into administration it came as terrible news.

"When I sold the club several years ago it was in good financial condition and I felt I had taken it as far as I could.

"When you sell on a club you don't know what the next owners are going to do with it and how much they are going to invest.

"But I was left with the impression that they wanted to go big and take Wigan back into the Premier League.

"It's so sad, upsetting and very strange. It's Wigan Athletic: I helped that club reach new heights and I built that stadium. To hear the club has gone into administration is heartbreaking.

"I had no idea that the club was in any difficulties. I've not been to a game since last December and of course have had nothing to do with its running, so this came as a complete surprise. I don't know what's gone wrong."

Asked if he would step in to save the club from oblivion, Mr Whelan said: "I can't promise anything. I'm 83 - I'll be 84 later this year. Age is age.

"And I have no idea about the depths of the club's financial problems and how much they owe.

"You can't blindly make commitments to bail a business out come what may. We sit on the fence and wait to see what details - if any emerge."