Lisa Nandy MP reacts to Wigan Athletic takeover

The Wigan MP took to social media to welcome the news Latics have found new owners in the form of Phoenix 21 Limited.

She hopes to sit down with members of the consortium 'as soon as possible' to discuss their future plans.

But she says any fears she may have had about their background have already been dispelled.

"The last nine months have been nothing short of a nightmare for Wigan Athletic fans, the players, the staff and our town," she wrote on Twitter.

"I know many fans will be relieved by today's news that Phoenix 21 Limited, owned by Mr Abdulrahman Al-Jasmi, has exchanged contracts, and the nightmare of administration is nearly over.

"I also know others will be anxious about the prospect of unknown new owners after the ordeal we have endured.

"I want the fans to know that I have had several discussions with the EFL about this bid in recent weeks.

"When it became clear this was the administrators' preferred choice, I asked the EFL to undertake comprehensive checks in relation to the background of the new owners and the finance behind the bid (as I had about previous preferred bids).

"This included questions about political independence, corruption, human rights and financial propriety in addition to standard checks.

"I have been assured that thorough and extensive investigations have been carried out and that these specific questions have been discussed by the EFL board.

"Although I am not privy to any sensitive information held by the administrators for the EFL, I have been assured that no red flags were raised in the investigations.

"I have also had positive conversations with the incoming chief executive about the new owner's plans for the club and the membership of the new board.

"Unlike the last owners, they have proven to be open, and accessible to me, the Supporters Club, the Council and the other local stakeholders including Wigan Warriors, answering our questions at length and proactively seeking to discuss any concerns with us.

"Their willingness to work in partnership with us to secure the club's future is welcome news.

"As soon as possible I hope to meet the incoming chairman and new owner.

"It is my cautious hope that with the club free from the administrators' control, we can finally close the door on the nightmare of recent months and begin a new chapter for Wigan Athletic.

"Whatever the future holds, please rest assured I will always fight for our club."

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