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I was looking through old programmes over the weekend, and I came across the programme dated 6th May 1995, which was our last game of the season at home to Doncaster Rovers. It had been a challenging season, where Graham Barrow had came in fairly early in the season, after a nightmare start under Kenny Swain. More importantly though, in the March of 1995, local businessman Dave Whelan had taken over the ownership of the club, and both he and outgoing chairman Stephen Gage, a man who is often forgotten in the part he played in bridging the club before, and into the ownership of Mr Whelan, wrote programme notes. Mr Gage was basically saying his thank you’s and goodbyes, where as Mr Whelan was stating his aims and intentions for the club.
The following is a reproduction of Mr Whelan’s programme notes, from 6th May 1995.
“On the final game of the season at Springfield Park, now is the time to look to the future. My stated aim is to revolutionise Wigan Athletic Football Club, both on and off the field. We want to bring pride to the club, for the team to be proud to run out in a stadium that looks as good as it can look. Of course, the long term plan is to move to a new super stadium at Robin Park, when we will all share in that dream. The immediate priority is to win promotion to Division Two next season, which will be no easy matter. Money never guarantees success but I am confident that Graham Barrow will use the money at his disposal to good effect. I am sure that like me, you want to see the team with guts, skill and determination, who will fight to the last second. I wish you all a happy close season, bring your friends to watch us next season, there are exciting times ahead at Springfield Park.”
You’ve got to be honest, he certainly kept to his word. The planned promotion the following season may have had to be delayed a little, but not by much.
Was it REALLY 18 years ago that the ball started rolling on turning the fortunes of our club around? Yes, it most certainly was.
On the eve of our first ever FA Cup final, and with European football already in the bag, it really does show just how far we have come.
Amazing.
Totally agree SL.
I would proffer a Knighthood but alas the chances of Sir Dave Whelan are very slim.
A few on here would have a seizure at the thought.
On a much sadder note, I also noticed that in the same programme, Michael Millett was down as number 6, the only time he was ever listed in the starting eleven, I think. (He was actually a sub this day as well. He did get on)
As we all know, 4 months later in September 1995 he was tragically killed in a car crash the day before his 18th Birthday.
It seems so long ago now, yet Michael would still only be 35 years of age. Maybe he’d still be in the Latics squad? Or maybe he would have returned after a glittering career away from Latics and be seen as an experienced head in the squad?
Terribly sad and tragic.
The man deserves a statue outside the ground when he calls it a day on his time running the club.it should already be there.
The man deserves a statue outside the ground when he calls it a day on his time running the club.Don’t think anyone could argue with that.
As another poster said. It should already be there.
Millett was tipped for great things and it wassuch a tragic waste and puts everything into perspective.
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