We need fans to help save Wigan Athletic, says Jonathan Jackson

The official supporters club has launched a 'Save Our Club' fundraising campaign and set a target of £500,000 - by next Monday.

In a worse case scenario - and no buyer comes forward - this money raised would be a safety net to ensure the League One outfit can start the new season and isn't liquidated.

Jackson, a director of Latics and the former chief executive, is working with the supporters club on the drive.

He said: "We're two weeks from the start of the season, we need to ensure the club survives.

"We're asking the supporters to come together to raise as much as possible for the future of the club.

"Time is ticking... and the alternative is absolutely unthinkable."

If the club is sold in the meantime, the supporters club plan to meet with the potential new buyers about taking a stake in Latics. If they choose not to, those who have pledged money will be refunded.

There are three tiers of pledges, raising from £250 to more than £1,000, though smaller donations are also being welcomed on the Crowdfunder website.

"We've seen examples in the past of clubs owned by supporters trusts, in times of difficulty, they come together and save the club," said Jackson, a lifelong fans and the long-standing CEO.

"We're in a position we do need to save the club.

"If the club is sold in the meantime, if they want the supporters to play a part in that ownership model - if they want them to have equity in Wigan Athletic 2020 - that's a choice for them.

"If not, everyone who pledges money will get their money back.

"I hate to say it, but if there's no solution found... they'll get their money back then as well."

He says liquidation is a "real possibility" if enough isn't raised but hopes fans' support and pledges will stave off that threat, if the administrators - who have been in charge since July 1 - can't find a buyer for the club.

Warriors chairman Ian Lenagan has bid for the DW Stadium and Latics' Euxton training base is set to be sold to Preston North End.

Wigan Council has offered its support and Jackson says they have had talks with the EFL.

"The EFL want Wigan Athletic to survive," he said. "Everyone does. The club is embedded in the community, it's a community trust, it's the 7,000 season ticket holders who come every other week, it's the 88 years of history.

"It means so much to the town, to the community. We can't lose that."

The crowdfunder page can be found here