The chairman of Wigan Athletic has admitted that “mistakes were made” in the wake of a three point deduction handed to the club by the English Football League.
In a statement made on March 21, Talal Al Hammad apologised to Wigan fans, adding that he and the club’s management “are working to put things right”.
Wigan were given the points deduction earlier in the week on March 20, after the club had failed to pay player wages this month.
This is not the first time that the club has failed to do so, with wages not being paid in June, July and October of last year.
The Latics have struggled this season in the Championship, spending most of the campaign in the relegation zone.
However, the most recent sanction is a significant blow for the club. The Latics now sit at the bottom of the Championship, eight points behind Cardiff City outside of the relegation zone.
Continuing in his statement, Al Hammad said: “I understand that the supporters expect – and deserve – a detailed explanation of the club’s position and our plans for the future.”
However, the chairman stated that a full update will only be provided once wage problems have been resolved, as well as other “pressing issues”.
In reaction to the statement, Derby County defender Curtis Davies argued that questions should still be asked of Al Hammad.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Davies said: “Ultimately, if you’re saying all of these nice words, where was our [Wigan players] wages?”
The 38-year-old defender experienced the same issue of late wage payments whilst at his current club Derby.
In the interview, Davies, added: “You know these are the rules. You know we’re going to get a three point deduction.”
Despite the failure to pay player wages, Wigan have still maintained decent form in since Shaun Maloney was appointed manager in January.
The Latics have lost three out of 10 games, including a defeat to table toppers Burnley.
In reaction to the deduction, one Wigan fan said: “Not a surprise and if we are being honest, it is deserved.”
Another expressed more concern for the players themselves, saying: “As a fan, I’m not fussed too much, but the players have been well screwed over.”
You can read more about what Wigan are up to over the coming weeks, as well as other clubs in Greater Manchester, in Quays News’ football wrap.