Ian Lenagan's vast experience working in football

Ian Lenagan handed Latics the League One trophy in his role as EFL chairman

News emerged today he is bidding to rescue Latics from administration.

Lenagan served as chairman of the English Football League for two years until late 2018, having joined the board five years earlier.

During his time as chairman, the Football League was rebranded as the EFL and attendances broke the 18 million barrier for the first time in more than 50-years during his tenure.

Previously, he had been the representative of clubs in League Two.

His appointment as EFL chairman - an independent position - saw him end a decade-long association with Oxford United.

He funded the club's promotion out of the Conference in 2010, before he became more prominent two years later, taking over as chairman following Kelvin Thomas’s departure.

He reduced his stake to 38 per cent in 2014 and then sold his remaining shares to chairman Darryl Eales two years later. Eales is also involved in his bid for Latics.

Lenagan, 74, was also in charge of Harlequins RL from 2005 but he relinquished control to take over hometown club Wigan two years later.

After two steady seasons, he has helped restore the club to being one of the English game's real heavyweights - the Warriors have either won a trophy or reached a final in all but one of his 10 seasons in charge.

Lenagan has frequently spoken of his passion for both Wigan clubs to thrive.

"I’d rather it be Wigan against the world than Wigan Warriors against Wigan Athletic. There’s no point doing that," he said in '18, hosing down hostilities between some sections of supporters. "I go to many Wigan Athletic games. I think if there iis animosity from 20 years ago, you’re talking perhaps two per cent of the supporting base. We have lots and lots of season ticket holders who are Latics season ticket holders as well.

"I have a passion for Wigan Athletic as I do for Wigan Warriors.”

Warriors recently relocated their headquarters and training base to Robin Park, next to the DW Stadium - which he hopes will also open up some extra revenue streams. The Super League club have reported losses for several successive years - the highest £1.4m in 2017 - which Lenagan has covered out of his own funds. He has previously spoken of his desire for the club to be able to stand on its own two feet.

A proud Wiganer, he made his millions through his own software company, Workplace Systems, and has several other business interests.