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Wigan owner Whelan would consider foreign investment

05/10/2008

Wigan Athletic Dave Whelan has revealed he is looking for new investment for the club.

Whelan has financed the Latic's rise from the fourth tier of English football to the Premier League.

Wigan join Portsmouth and Newcastle United as the clubs who are open to offers.

Whelan, who has been critical about the number of foreign investors in English football, says he would consider offers of financial help at the JJB Stadium.

"If it is for the good of Wigan Athletic I would welcome any interest from anywhere," the 71-year-old told The People newspaper.
"All I have got at heart is Wigan.

"If anybody wants to be part of it - and they have the interests of the club at heart too - I am willing to do it."

Whelan, the former owner of JJB Sports, bought Wigan in 1995 when they were in the old Division Three.

Last year, the tycoon questioned the motives of owners such as Chelsea's Roman Abramovich and the Glazer family, who bought Manchester United.

"There's only one reason - and that's money," Whelan said.

"It's not because they love football and a lot of them don't even know anything about it."

Steve Bruce's men are in 13th position after seven games following yesterday's 1-0 loss to Middlesbrough.