I was hoping that the EFL would recognize the extraordinary circumstances and refuse to penalize Wigan, but maybe it's funnier if they do.
Certainly the sort of match where the lack of fans hurts. Cannot even imagine the release of tension you'd hear from a Wigan crowd that would have entered with an (absolutely justified) taste for blood, only to see it swing this dramatically.
COVID doesn't appear to have been a driving force here. Wigan was 'sold' (for a profit) between two companies that appear to be strongly connected to one another, after which ownership of the second company changed hands, and the club was almost immediately thrown into administration, with the new owner nowhere to be found. That the EFL may choose not to hand out a punishment owes to the fact that none of this is normal, and the head of the EFL himself suggested that he had heard rumours that a large sum of money was placed on Wigan getting relegated (at a time when the odds would have been quite generous):
What is quite surprising is their wage Bill. 19 million. Quite how they pay that on gate of 12-13 thousand, I do not know. Anyhow, I hope Wigan avoid the drop. it's the Jamal Lowe snd Paul Cook effect.
That isn't particularly high for the Championship. One of the lowest in the league, actually: median wage bill in 2018/19 was over 30m.
Literally 10 years ago, Those figures are obsurd, Fortunately we got promoted very quickly, So it didnt hurt us.
Reportedly they were prepared to write off losses of that level (would have been a bit under 20m without the promotion bonuses) for 3-4 years, but we beat expectations. Yeah, it would have been decision time if several years passed and we were unable to get over the hurdle, a not-uncommon result in the Championship.
the connection was pointed out at the time. It’s a sham. Disgrace and if the EFL dock them 12 points, they are a disgrace too.
If the fit and proper test is still running, then I suggest we have a fit and proper test for the people working on the panel. It seems to me they need scrutinising. Would really enjoy hearing from one of the cowards on how Wigans mess occurred.
I love these fascinating stories that the beeb occasionally dredge up from the mists of time... https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53403363
Probably the most underwhelming result of the night - Real Madrid 2, Villareal 1, thus giving them the title. Barca just gave up, losing to those giants of Spanish and European fooball, Osasuna!!!
I smell a rat coming on Sunday. Leganés are in 18th spot oñe point behind Celta Vigo. Leganés are a club from the Madrid área. Guess who they play on Sunday? Real Madrid!
Hey Ides, as you're both a Portsmouth and Southampton fan, could I ask you to take a look at the thread I made in the Portsmouth forum? I'd be interested to hear your views.