David Whelan

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David Whelan born in Bradford on 24 November 1936, is a former professional footballer with Blackburn Rovers and the current owner of Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic. Additionally, he owns the JJB Sports fashion chain and the JJB Stadium where both teams play. He is regarded as Wigan's only Plutocrat.

He bought Wigan Athletic in 1995 when they were an unfashionable Division Three side. Since then the club has made huge progress. This rise began with the Division Three title in 1997, Division Two title in 2003 and promotion to the Premiership as Championship runners-up in 2005. He has appointed five managers during his time at Wigan: John Deehan (1995-98), John Benson (1998-2000), Bruce Rioch (2000-01), Steve Bruce (March-May 2001) and Paul Jewell (2001-present). Thanks to Whelan's resources, Wigan, who were tipped to be relegated from the Premier League in their first season, are now flying high in their second season of top division football and reached their first ever major cup final in February 2006.