Wigan stay bottom of League One after 1–0 win over Reading

Wigan Athletic beat Reading 1-0 on Saturday but stayed bottom of League One, a Guardian Sport article published Oct. 18 said.

For Wigan, Saturday’s result was only a second league win of the campaign and ended a 447-minute league scoring drought, a limited gain for Gary Caldwell’s side after nine games with six goals.

Scott Hogan scored in the 71st minute after substitute Christian Saydee’s cross was pushed away by Reading goalkeeper Joel Pereira, according to the article. The report said Wigan goalkeeper Joe Whitworth was tested several times as the home side protected the lead.

“Some of our play was tremendous,” Caldwell said. “Our spirit, our character, our determination not to let the ball go in the net was fantastic.”

Caldwell also said Wigan had to use the result as a base. “There’s still so many aspects of our game that need to be better, but a result makes you feel better about yourself psychologically.”

The win gave Wigan short-term relief but did not alter their position at the foot of England’s third tier. The club’s recent state contrasts with its 2013 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, after which Wigan were relegated from the Premier League.

Caldwell links those eras directly. He was Wigan’s captain in 2013 and returned last season for a second spell as manager, having previously guided the club to promotion from League One in 2015-16. The Guardian said his move from Exeter back to Wigan carried risk because owner Mike Danson had set a tight budget and is keen to sell.

Danson and his family took control in June 2023, when Wigan faced liquidation, according to the article. The report linked that rescue to problems under previous owners, including a points deduction and relegation from the Championship. Under the Dansons, Wigan then recorded three consecutive mid-table League One finishes before this season’s slide.

The club’s financial limits remain central to the pressure around Caldwell. The Guardian reported that £1.5 million from Sam Tickle’s sale to Bristol City has not yet been spent on new players, leaving Wigan more dependent on young loan signings.

Caldwell has faced criticism from supporters over Wigan’s style and output. The six goals from nine league matches are the lowest total in League One, according to the article, and Hogan’s winner was their first league goal for 447 minutes.

The ownership question also remains unresolved. The Guardian said Sarah Guilfoyle left her role as managing director on the eve of the season after 10 years at the club, while the Wigan Athletic Supporters Action Group has demanded answers from Danson over the sale process and investment.

Reading’s visit also brought Leam Richardson back to the Brick Community Stadium. Richardson won the League One title as Wigan manager in April 2022 and was dismissed that November, 16 days after signing a three-year contract.

Source: news article, The Guardian – Sport, Oct. 18, 2026