I'm still here as 'last resort' for Wigan Athletic - Smurthwaite

The administrators are understood to have given interested parties until today (Friday) to submit revised proposals following the collapse of the Spanish bid.

They announced earlier this week that three of those had come forward to enter 'formal discussions'.

Smurthwaite - the former Port Vale owner - says he has kept in touch with developments after initially contacting administrators at the beginning of the process.

And if none of the revised bids are deemed to be suitable, Smurthwaite says he is in position to be able to take control himself - if those involved want him.

"When I got a phonecall to tell me it had fallen apart, I got straight on the phone to the EFL to see if I was still considered 'fit and proper' - which I am," he told Wigan Today.

"But I've heard nothing from the administrators since the email on September 30 telling me they had accepted an offer from the Spanish.

"When I spoke to the EFL last year, they were struggling to approve the Spanish, and it was pretty obvious a month ago the thing wasn't going to work.

"They say they have other parties waiting, we'll see what happens."

Smurthwaite was initially interested in buying the 'job lot' - including the training ground at Euxton AND Sharpy's restaurant adjacent to the DW Stadium.

But he was unable to come to an agreement with the administrators, and he stepped back into the wings.

"My offer was some way short of what the administrators were wanting to accept at that point," he acknowledged.

"The first bid included the Euxton training ground and the chip shop, which have both been sold.

"Without those, the bid would have been worth around £2.25-2.5million for the club, the stadium and the other training ground.

"I know they won't want me unless I am the very last resort out there. But there's only two options as far as I can see.

"Firstly, they can liquidate the business, which will give them something, not much, and a load of grief that would come with that.

"Secondly, they can accept an offer that's below par, and means they don't get what they've budgeted for.

"But I know I am the only party involved who has already passed the 'fit and proper person's test'.

"Nothing's changed since May 2019, when I sold Port Vale, so there's not going to be an issue there."

Smurthwaite would be a somewhat controversial option, given the well-documented falling out he had with the Vale fanbase during his time in charge.

As a result, he says he would look to work with the Latics Supporters Club, who have £660,000 from fans' donations behind them.

"I've still to hear back from the Supporters Club, and I've always said it would be down to them if they wanted to involve me," he added.

"I don't need their involvement financially, but at the same time I don't want to be swimming upstream like salmon.

"I did say at the beginning that they should treat me as a last resort, and I remain in that category.

"I've emailed and WhatsApped the administrators, so every party knows I'm still here.

"I know they won't accept my offer, because it means they won't get paid as much.

"They'll be desperate to find any other buyer, even though I have the resources, I have proof of funds, and have been cleared by the EFL."