Wigan Athletic

The "Latics" joined the Cheshire League, winning the championship three times before the outbreak of World War Two. After 18 years in the lower Leagues they applied for membership of the Football League in 1950 but were rejected. In 1954 Wigan applied again, but again their application was unsuccessful. In 1961 Wigan rejoined the Cheshire League and in 1968 they became founder members of the Northern Premier League.

They were Northern Premier League champions in 1971, and played an epic FA Cup match against Manchester City, narrowly losing 0-1. However, they were again rejected for membership of the Football league, and, in 1972, took the extraordinary step of applying to the Scottish League.

In 1975 Wigan won the Northern Premier League again and in 1976 they finished as runners-up to Boston United. The League had decided that only the champions of the NPL could apply for election but as Boston's ground failed to meet safety standards, Wigan were allowed to apply in their place. At the 35th time of asking Wigan were eventually elected to the league.

In 1982 the Latics were promoted to Division Three but they were relegated again and in real danger of going out of business due to financial problems.

The club struggled on until February 1995 when they were bought by local business tycoon Dave Whelan. Whelan, who had made his fortune through his JJB Sports Wear chain, immediately set about revitalizing the club, making funds available for new signings, and setting a target of Premiership football.

In 1997 Wigan were promoted as Division Three champions (the old Fourth Division). In 1999 the club moved into the brand new JJB Stadium, and in 2003 they were Division Two champions.

Promotion to the Premiership followed in 2005 and, against all the odds, the Latics finished their first top flight season in a creditable tenth place, and also reached the League Cup final.