Takeover boost inspired Wigan Athletic success, admits Leam Richardson

The Latics fans were buoyed pre-match with news the Bahrain-based consortium bidding to take control had agreed a reduced price with the administrators to complete the deal.

And a thumping 3-0 victory - which lifts Latics to within a point of safety with 13 matches to go - continued the massive feel-good factor on and off the pitch.

"We had a bit of news around the place, verbally, and when you've been living in this situation for eight or nine months, it's great to hear," acknowledged Richardson.

"It filtered into the dressing room before the game, and I think it filtered its way out onto the pitch in the way the lads performed.

"I've been at the forefront of it in recent months - having been here for three and a half years - and I know exactly how solid this football club is, with so many unbelievable people still here.

"The fanbase is fantastic, and I know what this club is capable of with the right people in charge.

"To hear that news...for the Wigan fans, for the Wigan people, for the town of Wigan...when we went into administration, the first thing we wanted to do was make sure there's a club here for future generations.

"Thankfully it looks like that'll be the case, for when fans are allowed back into grounds, and able to watch their team play again.

"As everybody knows, there's no better feeling than going to the match on a weekend with your family and your friends.

"Fingers crossed this good news is just the start, we'll have some good people coming in, and the club will be able to make a giant leap forward very soon."

Richardson has been one of the few constants since Latics were placed into administration last July.

And he admits a light at the end of the longest of tunnels would mean everything to players, staff and the town itself.

"All we've been dealt in recent weeks and months is knocks, and that's not healthy to be the case for so long, because it's people's lives and it's people's livelihoods," he added.

"To get that positive verbal news - and we all know it's not done yet - it filters through, and it gives you that lift.

"I've spoken in the past about what a lift some sort of leadership and direction could give this place going forward.

"For everyone to be getting on the same bus and going in the same direction, it would be fantastic.

"Fingers crossed, we've got some good people coming in, and Wigan can start to make those small steps forward to where this club needs to be."

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