From non-league to the Premier League in a quarter of a century, Wigan’s remarkable rise was bankrolled by local businessman Dave Whelan.
But now the Latics are facing the prospect of a return to English football’s third tier after announcing that they have gone into administration.
Here PA Media takes a look at some of the highs and lows of Wigan’s tumultuous recent history.
1995: Local millionaire Dave Whelan, head of the JJB Sports empire, buys the club and declares his intention to lead them into the Premier League.
1999: The Latics beat Millwall at Wembley to win the Football League Trophy. In addition, they leave Springfield to move to the new 15,000-capacity all-seater JJB Stadium.
2005: Wigan’s success continues as the club reach the League Cup final, where they are thrashed by Manchester United.
2009: The Latics suffer an embarrassing 9-1 defeat to Tottenham and are also beaten 8-0 by champions Chelsea on the final day of the season – but they still avoid relegation.
2018: With a return to the Premier League looking increasingly unlikely, the Whelan family announce their decision to sell the club for £22 million.
2020: Wigan announce they have gone into administration, with an impending points penalty leaving them facing a huge battle to avoid relegation back into the domestic game’s third tier.
