Wigan Athletic F.C.
English football team.
Wigan Athletic Football Club, commonly known as Wigan Athletic or simply Wigan, is a professional football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. Founded in 1932, the club has a rich history and is known for its passionate fan base and distinctive blue and white colors. The nickname "The Latics" reflects the club's ties to the local textile industry.Wigan Athletic began its journey in the Cheshire County League and quickly established itself as a competitive side. They won their first league title in the 1933-34 season, marking the beginning of a successful period that included multiple championships in the Cheshire League. In 1947, they joined the Lancashire Combination, where they continued to find success before eventually being elected to the Football League in 1978.The late 1970s and early 1980s were pivotal for Wigan Athletic as they began to climb through the divisions. They achieved promotion from the Fourth Division in the 1981-82 season and won the Associate Members' Cup in 1985, which further solidified their status within English football. However, after a brief stint in the Second Division, they faced relegation back to lower tiers.Wigan's fortunes took a significant turn in the early 2000s when they were promoted to the Premier League for the first time in their history at the end of the 2004-05 season. Under manager Paul Jewell, Wigan not only secured their place in the top flight but also established themselves as a competitive team. They finished tenth in their debut season, which remains one of their best performances at this level.The club's most notable achievement came in 2013 when they won the FA Cup by defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the final. This victory was historic as it marked Wigan's first major trophy and made them the first team from outside the Premier League to win the FA Cup since West Ham United in 1980. However, this triumph was bittersweet, as Wigan was relegated from the Premier League shortly after.In subsequent years, Wigan experienced fluctuating fortunes, often bouncing between the Championship and League One. The club faced financial difficulties that led to administration in 2020 and a subsequent points deduction that impacted their league standing. Despite these challenges, Wigan managed to bounce back by winning League One during the 2021-22 season, securing promotion back to the Championship.Wigan Athletic plays its home matches at DW Stadium (formerly known as JJB Stadium), which opened in 1999 and has a capacity of around 25,000. The stadium provides an intimate atmosphere where dedicated supporters create an engaging environment during matches.The club has regional rivalries with teams such as Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers.