Wigan Athletic to build statue of David Whelan holding FA Cup at DW Stadium
Bronze figure of scene from Latics' 2013 cup final win over Manchester City to mark club president's 80th birthday
WIGAN ATHLETIC are to erect a bronze statue of former chairman Dave Whelan outside the club's DW Stadium.
The figure of the Latics president is being built to commemorate his 80th birthday.
It will show Whelan lifting the FA Cup, which Wigan won by beating Manchester City in the 2013 cup final.
The statue will be 7ft tall - one-and-half times bigger than the former chairman - and will sit on a 3ft sandstone plinth outside the DW Stadium.
It will be unveiled by Whelan on his birthday, Thursday, November 24.
Wigan chairman David Sharpe, who is Whelan’s grandson, revealed his family will see the statue for the first time on the day.
“We feel it will be a great tribute to him and the legacy which he has created for the town of Wigan and it would be fantastic to see as many supporters as possible down on the day to share what’s going to be a really special moment.”
Whelan bought Wigan in 1995, when they were struggling in the old fourth division.
But with his backing they rose to enjoy eight seasons in the Premier League.
The also moved from Springfield Park to their current home, which was originally named the JJB Stadium after Whelan's sports retail company.
He stepped down as chairman in 2015, with Sharpe taking over.