Warrior Gildart has soft spot for Wigan Athletic

Latics went into administration earlier this month and 75 members of staff have already been made redundant.

And they're relying on David Phillips QC to overturn a 12-point deduction imposed by the EFL or they'll be playing in League One next season.

For Gildart, a proud Wiganer, it's been especially tough to watch.

“It’s really sad what’s happened to them and I just hope everything works out,” he said.

“Everyone is thinking about the football – and they’ve done great recently – but you have to think of all the people who’ve lost their jobs through no fault of their own.”

Gildart makes no secret of the fact he is a Manchester United fan.

But he has also followed Latics for years and witnessed many of their key moments over the years.

“I’m a massive United fan and I know it’s pretty criminal to have two teams – I’ve taken some stick for it – but I enjoy watching both,” he said.

“I used to go to Latics with my grandad.

"I was there when they got promoted to the Premier League – I ran onto the pitch!

"I went to Cardiff for the Carling Cup Final... Jason Roberts was my favourite player, but I liked Gary Teale and Jimmy Bullard, too.

“I don’t know the history of why some have got a rivalry, but it does my head in because if people supported both, the atmosphere would be way better at both.

“Look at Leeds – they get behind both teams, football and rugby – and it’s the same at other towns and cities so I don’t know why we can’t be the same, both would benefit.”