Jones has sympathy for Wigan fans as Latics go into administration

Luton boss Nathan Jones has real sympathy for the supporters of Wigan Athletic after it was announced that the Latics had gone into administration yesterday.

Paul Cook’s side had made a stunning start to the Championship resumption, winning all three matches to look like they had virtually won their battle to stay up this term.

However, news broke on Wednesday afternoon that the DW Stadium side were going into administration, which could lead to a 12 point deduction.

That would see Wigan drop to the bottom the table and boost Town’s own chances of staying up this term, moving them closer to safety.

Jones said: “It’s nothing we can affect, if that happens, it happens, all we are concentrating on is us and getting our points tally and then whatever happens externally, we can’t control that.

“It’s a shame for any club to have financial problems, because Wigan’s been renowned for being a very well run club, in terms of the people there have run that for years, and have really done a great job.

"So it’s a shame, I feel for the fans, but there’s nothing we can do about it.

"When that’s clarified then fine, but all we can do is concentrate on us and getting the points that we need.”

Wigan had been owned by Dave Whelan until 2018, reaching the Premier League in 2005 and winning the FA Cup in 2013, when former Luton chief Graeme Jones was assistant manager.

Whelan sold the club to Hong Kong-based International Entertainment Corporation in November 2018, while Next Leader Fund had only taken over in May, under two months before the financial issues hit.

On whether there needs to be changes to the EFL’s fit-and-proper-person test ahead of taking over a club, Jones continued: “That’s very difficult for me to answer because it would be wrong of me to comment on anyone.

"I know, I understand, and I feel for the club because I know the history of here and of what our fans have been through.

"To come out of that, especially since 2020 has taken over and the vision and the work that has gone into it, I understand what fans go through.

"And that's why we feel for Wigan, but I don't know the ins and outs of it, so I'm not going to comment on the situation, but you feel for fans at this time.

"I know Wigan very well, I don't live too far from there, so I've been in and around it.

"I obviously know Dave Whelan and his family and what they did for the club.

"I'm good friends with David Sharpe (former Wigan chairman) as well, so I do understand what the club's about. You just feel for fans, really.

"The fit and proper persons test, I don't really know all the rules and regulations.

"Football is now so in demand in terms of buying clubs, and you do see people like Bury in real financial trouble.

"So you want good people in charge of course, but for me to comment is very difficult because I don't know the ins and outs really.”

Meanwhile, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee have warned that Wigan could be followed into administration by '10 or 15' clubs unless some financial help comes from the top of the game.

Jones believes that the issues clubs are facing due to lack of income since the coronavirus hit will eventually lead to a change in the way the game is run going forward.

He added: "Football has to have a little bit of a reset because the money spent in football, at times a little bit off the cuff or willy-nilly, has to change.

"There has to be I readdressing of that, which obviously now is essential anyway, but they had to be that.

"Then, obviously, you want the right people in charge of football clubs, spending money in the right way.

"So, they brought in profit and sustainability (rules), so you can only spend a certain percentage of your revenue , which again is a good thing.

"Obviously, once the pandemic hit it decimates people, and well-run clubs are really struggling so it’s a time where football needs to come together and they need leadership in the right areas, to make the right decision to preserve clubs and help clubs.

"They’re obviously seeking help from elsewhere, which is going to be essential.

"Hopefully, football can come out of this.

"It’s going to be a tough time in the next year especially, but hopefully football can come out of this with a little bit of a reset button pressed and be stronger and more sustainable for it.”