Why Wigan Athletic's Good Friday fixture against Leyton Orient has been moved
Wigan Athletic's League One fixture against Leyton Orient, scheduled for Good Friday, has been brought forward a day to Thursday, April 2.
The decision was taken after Latics approached the London club about the possibility of moving the game, to allow both clubs an extra day to prepare for their Easter Monday games.
It's understood discussions started before Ryan Lowe parted company with Latics earlier this month, with new boss Gary Caldwell in agreement at the switch.
Orient have already confirmed they will put on free coaches as a gesture to fans now looking at a 400-mile round trip for a night game rather than a Bank Holiday afternoon.
“Easter can be a crucial time in a season and we were offered the opportunity by Wigan to move our Friday match forward to the Thursday," said Orient head coach Richie Wellens.
“As we will also be playing on the following Monday, we have agreed to the change. That extra recovery time after Wigan could be very important for us; I appreciate that some of our fans will be disappointed with the move but I hope they can appreciate our position.
“Their support means a lot to us and it is great that the club have again decided to offer free coach travel to a long-distance away match. I hope that can help and that as many fans as possible are still able to make the journey to Wigan.”
Latics have already seen several Saturday afternoon home fixtures moved this season due to FA Cup commitments and international call-ups for the opposition.