But by saying that Wigan should fight the BBC to play it on Friday pretty much says that he isn't.

The media have plugged this rule since Latics got in the PL. The only rule as you say is that the fixtures of the football team must take priority (against ANY other event at the stadium) which is why Latics don't change games to Sunday, so that Wigan can play Friday.

Nail on the head. I've been saying exactly the same all through this thread. Whelan isn't man enough to admit he is the one stopping the game being played on the Saturday, coming up with some smoke and mirrors line about the Friday being acceptable but knowing full well that won't happen. He gets his own way in keeping the RL game off his pitch without looking like the culprit. As for anyone claiming the journalist should have asked if he was OK with the saturday - I very much doubt they have spoken to whelan direct as this will be a carefully worded press release. Even if they have, they've probably been told what questions are acceptable and would be out on their ear if they crossed the line.

Exactly. This is purely Whelan either being petty in some peoples eyes, or in Latics fans eyes he is protecting their pitch before a potentially decisive game.

I'm not here to question his decision, like it or not it is his prerogative. What annoys me is that he wont admit that it his decision and take responsibility.

Then the press office should have contacted whoever released it to "clarify whether there was an issue". If the reply was "no comment", then they should have reported that DW or his official mouthpiece refused to answer that question, instead of printing half-truths and subtle implications.

The press have a duty to report facts, not hints & innuendos.

Makes you wonder if Whelan has "friends" at that particular paper.

Surely we will find out today? There are arrangements to make and tickets to sell.

Every day this is up in the air costs both clubs money and whilst it is of Wigan's own making, Saints should not suffer (I know that will garner very little support on the Wigan board, but the principle is there

)

That 'duty' went out of the window a long long time ago. the press will do whatever suits them, especially where football is concerned and will meekly roll over and print whatever Whelan tells them to print. They won't run the risk of being barred access to information because this is their lifeblood and if they upset Whelan and he throws his toys out of the pram they will be finished.

All Whelan needs to do is state that he is OK with saturday but he won't and everyone is too scared to ask him because they have been told not to. Whelan knows full well the BBC aren't backing down (and rightly so), and is taking the moral high ground. If anyone challenges it they will be banned from the DW stadium and effectively out of a job.

Surely it is the job of your chairman to come clean on this, or is he terrified of Whelan too? Apologies if I've missed it, but I haven't heard a peep from him since the draw was made.

You're right. It surely has to be sorted today, for everyone concerned. You'd think a time would come when Lenagan gives up trying to convince Whelan (assuming that is what is happening) and finalise an alternative venue. Financially it would make sense to plat it at our place but I can't see Wigan wanting to do that.

Spot on mate.

It would appear that IL is working behind the scenes but is probably as frustrated as we are. The problem is his hands are tied because Whelan is not to be trusted and can probably make life very hard for anyone who challenges him. Sometimes a diplomatic silence is the only option.

Whilst I don't necessarily disagree, I doubt a diplomatic silence will change this situation any time soon. If this is a Whelan rule, the pressure needs to be put on Whelan - in public if needs be.

I think that's just his style really. The press must have got that sick of hearing 'no comment' from him on anything that wasn't already a fait accompli that they may have just given up asking.

The problem is that you don't put pressure on tyrants like David Whelan.

He's been so used to having his own way for so long, that try to force his hand and he becomes more petulant, more sulky, more erratic, more vengeful.

It's far too easy for those who stand to lose nothing from Whelan's wrath to come out with comments like yours.

I have asked the club through Josie Andrews if the fans can help to get the stadium ready on the Saturday for the Latics game on the Sunday. I will let you know if and when I get a response. Is anyone up for helping?

How can he make a statement, if there is nothing to state? Uncle Dave will be doing his best to come out of this smelling of roses, he will not want to risk spoiling relations with his major paymaster, and will leave it for others to squabble.

He could just say yes, issue over. But he has not. There is no reason this game cannot be played on Saturday, at the DW, other than for Uncle Dave.

Fair enough, enjoy your club bending over for him forevermore then.

Out of interest, what does IL have to lose? He already can't play games at home and he seems happy enough to bang on about how fabulous the lease he has is - so what can DW actually do?

Or until he leaves the scene. He's no spring chicken, is he.

True.

what has Leneghan got to lose? he has a watertight contract (apparently) to play games that don't clash at the DW Stadium, and currently cant play games that do clash - so nothing can change if he comes out publicly.

This is a farcical situation, 48hours after the draw we still dont know where and when the 4 games are being played. 7 other clubs are being disadvantaged over Wigan's ability to organise a venue.

The noises from DW about quitting and handing over were all during that 7 month spell without a home win when they looked doomed to relegation. I suspect that DW's desire to sell up has diminished after his beloved 'tics have now all but ensured their premiership status - suddenly the club is worth a bit more, and he'll be looking to sell it rather than give it to his grandson who works in the chippy.

IL would have inherited a situation re the lease. And I would imagine he is playing the long game, knowing that things will change. Whelan is old, Latic's could leave the Premiership, he would then be able to bargain. As it is, he is best just making the right noises. Take a look at IL's achievments in life, I don't think he is a man who "bends over" with any relish. Its all very well you coming here and pointing this out we already know, but our present situation was caused by bad management of WRLFC in the past, Whelan took control, we are where we are. If Whelan had thought you were the club with value when he took control here, he would have bought you. We were ripe for plucking, and have been plucked since.

Tough .... Its away for you, so get there.... lol