Wigan-less Support

[Qprtanpa1]

Anyone surprised by the relatively small home crowd at Wigan last night? Proud of all the Rangers fans who went and made attendance something less than embarrassing.

[West Acton]

What was embarrassing was when they came out for the end of season lap of appreciation and all the locals had gone home and only we were left

[72bus]

they seem to like there rugger more, most of the locals liverpool or man u fans

[Phil77]

This season Wigan averaged 15,176, with over 19k on for the last home game against Blackpool. That puts the club in line with many far larger city teams like Birmingham., 2k more than Burnley, and more than the rugby team averaged despite winning the title and player half as many games.

In the early 1990s Wigan were down to crowds of 1500. We won't attract any floating fans or glory hunters as Utd, City, Liverpool and Everton are 20 minutes away, while we only entered the Football League in 1978. It's been a tough task to turn things around and has only started with the younger fans coming through. Incidentally over 35% of Wigans season ticket holders are under 18.

Wiganers have a record of not attending games that aren't included on the season ticket, the other week for example just over 3k turned up for a 5th round Challenge Cup game, and that included 500 away fans!

Like it or not, Wigan are the press and armchair critics favourite to knock. We are judged to different standards, few take into account our history, location or population (80k), it's easier for them to say (insert big team) deserve this or that because they have larger fanbase, regardless of their on field performances or how well the club is run.

Still, we at Wigan know the progress being made, and if others like to (mistakingly) judge us on the odd occasion we have a below par crowd, more fool them.

At Wigan, we don't expect to be given anything on a plate, it needs to be earned, which I'd like to think most fans agree with.

[Mooo block]

Wigan are, relatively speaking a small club without much of a footballing tradition or history. Why do we need to mock their support all the time? I know Whelan pumped a bit of doh in but still they are a well run club and what matters is what they do on the pitch. We are relatively a much bigger club with tradition and history but how much better off would our club be being run with just a smidge of the good management clubs like Wigan have. Let's not forget. Good or bad support...they could quite easily turn us over on the pitch on Monday.COYR's

[Chunkyfenwick]

Wigan are, relatively speaking a small club without much of a footballing tradition or history. Why do we need to mock their support all the time? I know Whelan pumped a bit of doh in but still they are a well run club and what matters is what they do on the pitch. We are relatively a much bigger club with tradition and history but how much better off would our club be being run with just a smidge of the good management clubs like Wigan have. Let's not forget. Good or bad support...they could quite easily turn us over on the pitch on Monday.COYR's

Totally agree with you Mooo

[loneranger]

Wigan win hands down the prize for most shrek like firm I've encountered down rangers.all in stripey jumpers n all the paraffins.

[martyhoop]

It was there 62nd game of the season they're probably all skint........

[lymehoop]

This season Wigan averaged 15,176, with over 19k on for the last home game against Blackpool. That puts the club in line with many far larger city teams like Birmingham., 2k more than Burnley, and more than the rugby team averaged despite winning the title and player half as many games.

In the early 1990s Wigan were down to crowds of 1500. We won't attract any floating fans or glory hunters as Utd, City, Liverpool and Everton are 20 minutes away, while we only entered the Football League in 1978. It's been a tough task to turn things around and has only started with the younger fans coming through. Incidentally over 35% of Wigans season ticket holders are under 18.

Wiganers have a record of not attending games that aren't included on the season ticket, the other week for example just over 3k turned up for a 5th round Challenge Cup game, and that included 500 away fans!

Like it or not, Wigan are the press and armchair critics favourite to knock. We are judged to different standards, few take into account our history, location or population (80k), it's easier for them to say (insert big team) deserve this or that because they have larger fanbase, regardless of their on field performances or how well the club is run.

Still, we at Wigan know the progress being made, and if others like to (mistakingly) judge us on the odd occasion we have a below par crowd, more fool them.

At Wigan, we don't expect to be given anything on a plate, it needs to be earned, which I'd like to think most fans agree with.

Well said Phil,

I was at the game and stayed the night. Met 2 great local lads who said they were Liverpool and rugby fans who watched Wigan now and again. They took me on a tour of the pubs before and after the game and I was very impressed with the Town and the people. For other fans to slack off other teams support base is ludicrous as Phil has pointed out Wigan are surrounded by numerous larger clubs and were non league not so long ago. Also a population of just 80k. I would certainly go back there again and wish them well for the future ... not Monday, of course. They also have a great man in Dave Whelan.

Lyme Hoops bro

[Yousef]

I went to a game between Huddersfield v Wigan back in February on Saturday as QPR had Derby on Monday. I have to say Wigan had good support in the away end. As Phil77 said, I noticed most of their fans are young.

Credit to Wigan loyal fans when you remember they are located around Manchester and Liverpool. And well done to a club with small history run very well.