adminThe Latics’ preparations for the trip to the runaway Championship leaders, Burnley, at the weekend, was overshadowed by the club confirming wages had been late for a fourth time this season.
The Latics lost 0-3.
The situation could lead to the suspended three-point penalty, which was placed on the club by the EF, being enforced, which would further hamper Latics’ attempts to avoid the drop.
On the field, the Clarets cruised to the three points against a Latics side that played with 10 men for three-quarters of the contest after Omar Rekik was sent off for two bookable offences.
All of which left manager Shaun Maloney with mixed feelings as he reflected on the sequence of events.
“It’s been a very difficult 48 hours or so,” said the Latics boss.
“In terms of on the pitch, I was actually super proud of the last half an hour.
“Once you’re down to 10 men, they’re a very difficult team to play against.
“The players showed resilience right to the end, and the supporters showed resilience right to the end, which we really appreciated
“There’s a lot of pride — which is not always the case after a 3-0 defeat — but there definitely was today.
“Obviously the preparation for the game was a little bit harder than it usually is.
“But the mindset has to be from Monday we’re ready to fight, because we’ve got a massive game against Coventry on Tuesday.”
Maloney was asked how much of a bearing the off-field events had contributed to another on-field setback.
“I think once you get on the pitch, players get on with the game,” he added.
“But certainly the preparation was affected by what’s happened.
“And it’s not just the players that have been affected . . . it’s the staff, the support staff, training ground staff, stadium staff, we’re all together.
“It’s been a very emotional couple of days, and very difficult for everyone.”
Only in January, Latics agreed to an ‘Agreed Decision’ with the EFL over a financial misconduct charge after being late paying players’ salaries on three occasions last year, which carried a three-point suspended penalty charge.
Therefore, this latest development will further alarm fans, with Latics six points adrift of Championship safety with only 11 matches to go.
“Whilst responding to media speculation is not typical of the club’s standard approach, we would like to assure stakeholders that this is a temporary matter which is promptly being resolved,” read a club statement.
“The club has been disrupted by recent liquidity issues and this continues to be the case, hence the current situation.
“The club wants to emphasise that the financial strength of our ownership group remains robust and they are committed to supporting the club.
“The EFL is aware of the current situation and the club will continue to work closely with them to ensure that all outstanding wage amounts are paid.
“The club has already taken steps to rectify the situation and will ensure that wage payments are made promptly going forward.
“It is hoped that this statement does, at the very least, clarify the current funding situation, rather than question the financial strength of the club.
“Wigan Athletic understands the sensitivity of this matter and would like to thank staff, players and fans for their patience.” —Sports Reporter/Wigan Today.
Online Reporter