WIGAN ‘MAY NOT BE LAST CLUB TO GO TO THE WALL’
WIGAN could be the first of a host of EFL clubs to face financial meltdown, claims the club’s newly-appointed administrator.
The Latics went into administration on Wednesday and Gerald Krasner claims the coronavirus has pushed several already-stricken clubs closer to the brink.
Krasner (below), who is a partner with corporate recovery specialists Begbies Traynor, said: “I think Wigan are the first.
“My firm does a football health check every December. In December 2019 things were looking OK – then the world changed and everything we thought about football has gone out the window.
“It’s my personal view that a number of clubs in the lower divisions, One and Two, may not survive. “And there’s at least one Championship club that may be thinking about doing the same.” Krasner hopes to pay part of the squad and staff salaries today, but warned he may have to sell players.
“We’re working on the wages as we speak,” he said. “I’m not going to guarantee everything, but we will do our best. Even if they’re not paid in full, everyone feels a bit better.
“We might have to sell one player, but we’re not in the selling season yet. We’re looking at player valuations because that’s what administrators do.
“I’ve been approached by a club over two young players. All options are on the table. We’ll do whatever is necessary so that Wigan, in some shape or form, is ready for next season.
“The chances of us completing the season are 75 per cent plus in my opinion, but that could rise.”
Krasner said the starting price for Wigan is £10million because of club liabilities, and interested parties must provide proof of funds.
“By the end of July I hope we will have the serious parties on board.”