Wigan Athletic takeover: It's over to you, IEC

The '˜new era' at Wigan Athletic is almost upon us, with the takeover by International Entertainment Corporation expected to be formally completed on Wednesday.
The Whelan family took centre stage in the DW Stadium directors box for the last time on SundayThe Whelan family took centre stage in the DW Stadium directors box for the last time on Sunday
The Whelan family took centre stage in the DW Stadium directors box for the last time on Sunday

It’s been an emotional few days in and around the DW Stadium, with the Whelan family saying their goodbyes after IEC announced the takeover had been given the green light at an EGM, with 99.9997 per cent of the vote.

Sunday’s Championship clash against Leeds saw long-time owner Dave Whelan and David Sharpe, who took over from his grandad as chairman in March 2015, thanked by the crowd for an incredible 23-year stint.

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And from Wednesday it’s all about the new regime, who will attempt to take the club to the next level.

IEC are expected to unveil the new-look board of directors after Sharpe, brother Matthew and Garry Cook stepped down last week.

Latics chief executive Jonathan Jackson will remain on the board, and he’ll be joined by former Everton and England forward Joe Royle, and his son Darren.

According to IEC’s initial statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the Royles will ‘pursue designated objectives for the future of the club’ along with Jackson, who has been with Latics since the summer of 2010.

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One of the first jobs for the new regime will be to address the contract situations concerning captain Sam Morsy and star man Nick Powell.

Both men are in the last 12 months of their deals and, as things stand, can discuss their options with rival clubs from January 1.