Nathan Jones says he feels for Wigan Athletic after the Championship rivals were placed into administration in a move that could have implications for Luton’s survival hopes.
The Latics were taken over at the start of June by Next Leader Fund, but were the administrators were called in yesterday, with one of the man appointed, Gerald Krasnere saying: “Obviously, the suspension of the Championship season due to Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the recent fortunes of the club.”
Under EFL rules, the Lancashire club face a 12-point penalty, to be applied at the end of the season, which would effectively put them at the foot of the table, two points below Town.
Jones said: “It’s nothing we can affect, if that happens, it happens. All we are doing is concentrating on is us and getting our points tally and then whatever happens externally, we can’t control that.
“It’s a shame for any club to have financial problems, because Wigan’s been renowned for a very well-run club, in terms of the people there have run that for years, and have really done a great job, so it’s a shame.
“I feel for the fans, but there’s nothing we can do about it and when that’s clarified then fine, but all we can do is concentrate on us and getting the points that we need.”
The Hatters are no strangers to administration, having suffered three in nine years, that ultimately led to a never since matched penalty of 30 points that effectively relegated the club out of the Football League in 2008, before a ball had even been kicked that season.
Bury were this season kicked out of the Football League and with the news of Wigan’s plight, many fans took to social media to criticise the EFL’s fit and proper persons test, which saw, as the latest example, the 2013 FA Cup winners change hands only a month ago.
Luton boss Jones has previously spoken about how football finances need to be addressed as a result of the game’s three-month suspension, due to Coronavirus, and now having to play out the remainder of the season behind closed doors.
Asked if a review of the EFL’s procedures for incoming club owners, need to be addresses as part of a rethink, the Welshman said: “The fit and proper persons test, I don’t really know all the rules and regulations.
“Football is now so in demand in terms of buying clubs and so on, and you do see people like Bury in real financial trouble, so you want good people in charge of course, but for me to comment is very difficult because I don’t know the ins and outs really.”
He added: “I understand, and I feel for the club because I know the history of here and of what our fans have been through.
“To come out of that, especially since 2020 has taken over, and the vision and the work that has gone into it, I understand what fans go through.
“And that’s why we feel for Wigan, but I don’t know the ins and outs of it, so I’m not going to comment on the situation, but you feel for fans at this time.
“I know Wigan very well, I don’t live too far from there, so I’ve been in and around it. I obviously know (former owner) Dave Whelan and his family and what they did for the club. I’m good friends with David Sharpe (former chairman) as well, so I do understand what the club’s about. You just feel for fans, really.”
Luton chief executive Gary Sweet, has spoken about how the Coronavirus crisis will see some clubs go to the wall, with most struggling against the lack of revenue from match-day crowds.
Jones said: “Football has to have a little bit of a reset because the money spent in football, at times a little bit off the cuff or willy-nilly, has to change. So, there has to be I readdressing of that, which obviously now is essential anyway, but they had to be that.
“Then, obviously, you want the right people in charge of football clubs, spending money in the right way. So, they brought in profit and sustainability (rules), so you can only spend a certain percentage of your revenue , which again is a good thing.
“Obviously, once the pandemic hit it decimates people, and well-run clubs are really struggling so it’s a time where football needs to come together and they need leadership in the right areas, to make the right decision to preserve clubs and help clubs.
“They’re obviously seeking help from elsewhere, which is going to be essential.
“Hopefully, football can come out of this. It’s going to be a tough time in the next year especially, but hopefully football can come out of this with a little bit of a reset button pressed and be stronger and more sustainable for it.”
