'Important we try to finish the season', insists Wigan Athletic administrator

Latics are currently eight points clear of the Championship drop zone, with six matches to play.

However, the are looking at the possibility of a 12-point deduction for entering administration.

Paul Stanley, one of the joint administrators of Begbies Traynor, says it's in no-one's best interests not to play on.

"There wouldn't be a point of administration if that wasn't your aim," he said.

"If you don't finish the season there's another load of points deductions.

"You usually get 12 on administration and there are more if you don't finish the season, which makes it less attractive for a purchaser.

"For the integrity of the game as a whole it's important we try and finish the season."

He also explained what he expects to happen next.

"The intention is not to sell off the assets, it's not to sell the stadium and the players, it's to sell the club as a whole," Mr Stanley said.

"In the short term, you may have to sell things to enable you to get to the next stage.

"If wages need paying, you may have to sell a player to pay the wages.

"But the idea is we find a responsible buyer for the club who can take the club forward with the board or if you get a very wealthy owner, take the club to the next level."

Mr Stanley was also asked whether he was surprised the recent takeover - which saw ownership transfer from IEC to Next Leader Fund LP - was allowed to go through by the EFL.

"I know nothing about the takeover," he added. "I know there was one a couple of years ago and recently ownership changed, but I've no details of that.

"From our point of view the previous owner has no say in the administration, and no involvement in any of our decisions.

"Our duty is to the court and then the creditors. The owners may be creditors as well - but they have no say in the decisions we make."