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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Seamus McDonnell

Wigan Athletic make 75 members of staff redundant as administration bites

Almost all non-playing staff at Wigan Athletic have been made redundant.

The decision was revealed today as administrators struggle to cut costs in order to keep the club afloat.

A total of 75 people lost their jobs across the organisation yesterday, according to administrator Gerald Krasner.

At a press conference held today, Mr Krasner confirmed that the staff had been made redundant and said he could not promise that further job losses would not happen.

He also confirmed that staff have been paid this month's wages, with players given some of what they are owed.

He said: "Today, all the furlough staff are being paid in full.

"Players' wages will be paid 20% and we are negotiating to get the balance of the wages as soon as possible."

The club's directors, including Joe and Darren Royle and Jonathan Jackson, have also been let go. Although they remain part of the club in non-paid advisory positions.

To date, Mr Krasner said a total of 50 parties had expressed an interest in buying the club.

Of these, three have now returned non-disclosure agreements and can begin further negotiations.

The final deadline for submissions is July 21, at which point more information on the possible buyers and the future of the club is expected to be made public.

Some players could be sold in order to raise money to continue running the club, Mr Krasner said.

"We've spoken to the manager and we are being advised on potential offers from clubs for players, we have not agreed anything at this moment and I'm not going to go into names or clubs," he said.

"We had an offer for two younger players, from a Premier League club, which was instantly turned down.”

While he would not be drawn into specifics, Mr Krasner also confirmed that there is an investigation going on into the financial situation which led the club to administration.

But, he said he remains "optimistic" that the club will continue to run until the end of the season and that a buyer can be found.

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