‘Deeply painful’ - Wigan boss sends message as Championship relegation confirmed

Wigan Athletic boss Shaun Maloney has thanked Latics fans for their support throughout the season after the club’s relegation to League One was confirmed by Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Reading.

Charlie Hughes had kept Championship survival hopes alive when he struck with nine minutes to go. But the visitors were left crestfallen as Yakou Meite found an equaliser three minutes into stoppage time.

The point leaves Wigan three points adrift from safety with a game remaining while Reading and Huddersfield’s match next week means at least one of the endangered teams will attain enough points to stay out of the bottom three

ALSO READ: Wigan Athletic hit with points deduction

Wigan - promoted from the third tier last year - were hit with a three-point deduction in March for failing to pay players on time. Maloney took charge in January upon Kolo Toure's departure but only managed four wins in 17 matches amid difficult circumstances.

The 40-year-old described the club’s relegation as a “deeply painful day” but praised his squad for their efforts during a trying year and vowed to make amends. “It’s a really difficult feeling at the moment,” he admitted.

“It’s been a really difficult day for everyone, a deeply painful day. It’s been a real mix of emotions. The players have given me everything since I took over and I couldn’t have asked for any more effort from them.

“We’ve won games and we’ve lost games but, in terms of the group of players, they’ve been immense for me.” Maloney added: “It’s been such a unique situation here at the club, especially with the three points deduction.

"We then knew it was going to be very difficult for us. But for the players and the fans, just a massive thank you to them for all they have given me