JJB Sports chairman Dave Whelan has accused Wigan Rugby League Football Club’s board of “selling Wigan’s heritage” by disposing of its Central Park ground to Tesco for a superstore development.
Whelan, a former director of the club, told EGi that he, and the rest of Wigan, were “stunned and amazed” by the announcement, which ended months of speculation.
In opting for the deal, worth more than £12m, Wigan has rejected an offer from Whelan who wanted to buy the ground for £4m and redevelop the stadium.
Wigan and Tesco have signed a joint development agreement to build a supermarket on the site over the next two years. The club has pledged to use the proceeds from the deal to build a new 30,000-seat stadium.
The soon-to-be homeless rugby league club is looking at a possible ground-share with Bolton Wanderers at its new stadium in nearby Horwich. According to Wigan RLFC’s directors, this would be a temporary move until the club has built a new ground. On the shortlist are two previously rejected locations – Robin Park and the former colliery site at Pemberton.
EGi News 06/03/97
