Wigan Athletic (EFL League One)

General Information & Facts

• Founded: 1932
• Nickname: The Latics
• Stadium: The Brick Community Stadium - Capacity: 25138 spectators

Historical Records

• All-time top scorer: Harry Lyon (273 goles)
• Most appearances: Kevin Langley (417 partidos)
• Biggest win: 8-0 a Hull City (Julio 2020)

Honours & Official Titles

• 1x FA Cup
• 4x Third Division / League One (Tercera División)
• 1x Fourth Division / League Two (Cuarta División)
• 2x EFL Trophy (Copa de la Liga de divisiones inferiores)

Historical Timeline

Year - 1932 (May): Founded at Queen’s Hall; colour scheme chosen due to shortages

The club was founded in May 1932 in Wigan, Greater Manchester, following a public meeting held at Queen’s Hall. The aim of its creation was to restore professional football to the town following the dissolution of its predecessor, Wigan Borough F.C., in 1931. The new club purchased the Springfield Park ground for 2,850 pounds sterling and initially adopted a kit consisting of a red and white shirt with black shorts. In 1947, due to post-war clothing shortages, the club was only able to purchase royal blue shirts from local shops, thus establishing its definitive blue and white kit.

Year - 1978 (2 June): Election and formal admission to the Football League

The club secured its place in the Football League’s professional ranks on 2 June 1978, having applied for membership for the thirty-fourth time. At the annual vote of member clubs held in London, Wigan Athletic was elected to fill the place vacated by Southport FC in the Fourth Division (League Two), playing its first league match on 19 August 1978 against Hereford United.

Year - 2005 (8 May): Historic promotion to the Premier League

Under the leadership of manager Paul Jewell and the stewardship of owner Dave Whelan, the club secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time in its history. Promotion was mathematically secured on the final day of the Championship season, on 8 May 2005, following a 3–1 victory over Reading FC at the JJB Stadium, with goals from Lee McCulloch, Jason Roberts and Nathan Ellington, securing second place in the table with 87 points.

Year - 2013 (11 May): Historic FA Cup victory and relegation

The club achieved the highlight of its history on 11 May 2013 by winning the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium. Managed by Roberto Martínez, they beat Manchester City 1–0 thanks to a 91st-minute header from midfielder Ben Watson. Three days later, following a defeat to Arsenal FC, Wigan Athletic were relegated from the Premier League, becoming the first club to win the FA Cup and be relegated in the same season.

Year - 2022 (30 April): League One champions and emergence from administration

After entering administration in 2020 and being relegated, the club completed its recovery following its acquisition by the Phoenix 2021 Limited consortium, led by Talal Al Hammad. On 30 April 2022, under the management of Leam Richardson, the team were crowned League One champions after defeating Shrewsbury Town 3–0, finishing on 92 points in the table and securing promotion to the Championship.