Chairman Ben Goodburn has provided an update to the fans following the closure of the Summer Transfer Window and discusses several other club-wide topics.
- An update from the Chairman.
- Ben Goodburn reflects on the summer transfer window.
- The Chairman also discusses several other key topics.
Dear Latics Fans,
I wanted to provide you with an update following the closure of the summer transfer window last week, as well as some communication on various other workstreams at the Football Club.
Summer Transfer Window
I’m pleased to say that we’ve had a productive transfer window, bringing in a total of 13 new players. Our recruitment strategy was centred around adding young, dynamic talent to our ranks - players who not only strengthen our current squad but also add long-term value to the Football Club. Seven of those players were signed on permanent deals, and we are confident they will go on to have successful careers with us.
It was also important we retained the experienced Jason Kerr as captain and Callum McManaman, whilst adding Will Aimson and Andy Lonergan to help guide the younger players. As with any transfer window, it was an evolving process, and while not every senior target was secured, Gregor Rioch, Shaun Maloney and Stephen Gormal have worked hard and been diligent in executing our plan. Their work has left us with an exciting squad, who are sure to grow and develop as the season progresses.
A special mention must go to Charlie Hughes. Charlie’s contribution to Wigan Athletic has been significant, and we’re immensely proud that his transfer represents our first major sale for over a decade. The player pathway we have created is a testament to the hard work of our first-team coaching staff and Academy staff in helping develop players from the Heatable Academy.
Season Ticket Update
I’m pleased to announce that we are on track to surpass last year’s Season Ticket numbers, and with Season Tickets still on sale, that number is growing week on week. Your commitment to the Club is something we never take for granted, and it’s your support that truly drives us forward. Thank you for your continued support of our investment in the new ticketing system which, along with our investment in a new CRM system, will enable us to better understand our fan base and communicate with you using real-time data. We are also implementing a special ticket offer for various demographics of the Wigan community across both Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors – including charities, schools and grassroots teams. This will hopefully allow us to add to the atmosphere on matchdays, but more importantly, welcome new fans to the Club in the long term.
Start to the Season
On the field, we’ve shown real promise with strong performances against Charlton Athletic, and most recently, Birmingham City. While the results haven’t always matched our positive displays, I believe we are heading in the right direction. The performance against Morecambe wasn’t what Shaun or his staff wanted to see, but I am confident the hard work and determination of the players and coaching staff will pay off as we continue through the season. I also want to wish all our players who have been called up to represent their country the very best of luck this week. For our Club to have six youngsters called up for international duty is a testament to the quality and potential we have in our squad.
Women’s Team Success
A big congratulations is in order for our newly formed Women’s team, who secured their first-ever win on Sunday against Haslingden before backing this up on Tuesday evening with another victory. This start is just the beginning, and we’re all looking forward to their historic first home game at The Brick Community Stadium on Sunday. The re-development of Edge Hall Road is progressing well, and once complete, this will become a hub for female sport in Wigan. Your support for them, as well as all our teams, is vital as we grow together.
Fan Advisory Board
I also want to highlight the success of our first-ever Fan Advisory Board (FAB) meeting. This marks the beginning of a new era of open and transparent communication between the Club and you, the fans. Several topics were discussed, including fan engagement and how we currently deliver various junior projects on non-matchdays including a ‘Junior Focus group’, ‘Teen Tics’ and a ‘Media squad’ – all of which contribute to the new mandatory Fan Engagement responsibility of the Club. The minutes from the first meeting can be read online along with our Fan Engagement plan, and we are committed to listening to your feedback and making positive changes where possible.
Bronze EDI Award
We were delighted to be recently awarded a Bronze award in the EFL Equality Code of Practice.
The Club and our Community Trust are committed to providing supporters with an enjoyable and inclusive experience, ensuring that the Brick Community Stadium is a safe and welcoming place for everyone to attend. Over the last 12 months, the Club has set up a dedicated 'Tics Together' focus group that meets quarterly to discuss a range of topics, including EDI. I am delighted that our hard work has been rewarded and recognised with the awarding of the Bronze status, a feat that should be celebrated by everyone associated with the Football Club.
The Brick
I also want to pay thanks to The Brick for all their hard work over recent months. They have recently set up a donation centre in the East Stand on matchdays for supporters to donate much-needed items to The Brick. They also hosted a hugely successful sleepout at the stadium to raise money for poverty and homelessness in the borough, with representatives from both Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors taking part.
Community Trust
This summer, Wigan Athletic Community Trust has continued to support thousands of people across the Wigan borough.
Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s holiday camps have provided 1,508 places for young people on the HAF (Holiday, Activity and Food) programme, enabling them to access physical activities and receive free healthy lunches during the school holidays.
The Trust’s adult programmes have also continued to grow, with programmes such as Extra Time supporting over 100 vulnerable elderly people aged 55+ to improve their health and social connectivity each week.
Looking forward, the Trust will be moving back into schools for the start of the academic year and supporting 30 different education settings, including primary, secondary and SEND schools, ensuring their pupils can thrive and achieve their full potential.
The Trust's Football Development programmes also continue to grow with ambitious plans to launch new girls' football sessions and support the next generation of Latics fans.
Looking Ahead…
As we move forward, I want to thank each and every one of you for your unwavering support. We all share the dream of returning to the Championship and eventually back to the Premier League. While we know it will take time with a young squad that will develop over the months and years ahead, I’m confident that the sustainable model we’ve implemented will guide our Club back to where it belongs in a sensible and measured manner.
Let’s continue this journey together with belief and passion, as we look forward to what the future holds.
Up the Tics!
Ben Goodburn
Chairman, Wigan Athletic