Wigan Athletic boss secures future - as wages are paid late again

Wigan Athletic boss Leam Richardson has signed a new three-year contract - amid claims the club has been late paying the wages for the THIRD time in six months.
Leam Richardson, with Latics chief executive Mal Brannigan and club owner Abdulrahman Al JasmiLeam Richardson, with Latics chief executive Mal Brannigan and club owner Abdulrahman Al Jasmi
Leam Richardson, with Latics chief executive Mal Brannigan and club owner Abdulrahman Al Jasmi

A report in the Daily Mail on Tuesday evening claimed the wages had again not been paid on time.

Read More
Jack Whatmough blow increases strife for Wigan Athletic boss

The wages for May and June had previously been paid late, with Latics chief executive Mal Brannigan issuing a statement via Wigan Today to explain the situation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A technical issue processing the payments from the club’s parent company, before hitting the club’s account, was blamed for the June delay.

The previous month’s pay had been delayed by a similar, but unrelated, issue around the Jubilee weekend.

“We are really sorry that the staff did not receive their salaries as scheduled," said Brannigan.

“I am really mindful of this club’s recent past, so we felt it was important we addressed the issue publicly to avoid unnecessary speculation and alarm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The payments processes have been changed, so this will not occur again.

"The club has offered to assist any staff who have suffered immediate hardship as a result of the delay.

"The financial health of the club is strong and stable.”

However, alarm bells will be ringing after the situation has seemingly happened again.

The Daily Mail article also claims 'third parties have been approached and asked to find potential buyers' for the club, with a figure of £15million quoted.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The club has been contacted for comment, with the supporters desperate for answers and reassurances.

But Wigan Today understands from a cast-iron source the situation has now been resolved and the wages have been paid.

In the meantime, though, chairman Talal Al Hammad took to social media to announce Richardson had agreed a long-term extension to his contract.

Alongside a picture of Richardson and Brannigan seemingly in the office of owner Abdulrahman Al Jasmi, the chairman tweeted: "Reunited but in Bahrain this time!

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It’s great to have you here and we are optimistically looking forward to the rest of the season.

"We are also extremely delighted to announce the renewal of Leam Richardson’s contract for the next three years."

Latics return to action at the weekend when Watford are the visitors to the DW Stadium.