i

Showers over Windermere from Holbeck Lane near Troutbeck.

Go the LATICS

April 10, 2019

I’ve spent a lifetime in Sports.

As a player (Rugby, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Table-Tennis), a Coach (Rugby) and Administrator (New Zealand All Blacks, USA Rugby, New Zealand Soccer, North Harbour Rugby, Team New Zealand Yachting).

Five years ago I completed my second four year term as Chairman of USA Rugby, and in line with Governance terms, stepped down.  I decided to take a break after 30 years non-stop in the admin roles mentioned above – and just enjoy being an All Black and Manchester City Fan.  Now I’m back!!

This week we’ll be announcing that I’ve joined the Board of Wigan Athletic Football Club in The Championship, England’s second tier where three clubs are promoted each year into the Premiership.

Wigan (The Latics) were founded 87 years ago in 1932.  They spent eight years in the Premier League – from 2005 – 2013, and won the 2012-13 FA Cup Final beating my beloved Manchester City 1/0 at Wembley.  (The Latics knocked City out of the Cup again (in 2014) and again(!) in 2018.)  I forgive them.  They are a proud working class Lancashire team, less than 40 miles away from my home town of Lancaster.

On November 2 2018, International Entertainment Corporation (IEC) Hong Kong bought the Club, stadium and training facilities.

The new Board had its inaugural meeting last week, under Darren Royle’s Executive Chairmanship.  Darren’s Dad – Joe, ex Man City player/manager, and Everton/England legend, is on the Board alongside CEO Jonathan Jackson, IEC rep Thomas Chan and yours truly.
We’ve started by developing, with the Club’s leadership team, a new Purpose on a Page for the Club.

Our Dream:  To bring European Football to Wigan.

Our Focus:   To win Football matches.

Our Spirit:   We Are Wigan.

We are currently 19th in the Championship.  A league of 24 teams where three are relegated each year.

Eight games to go this season.

We must win at least two.

A lot to do.

Watch this space.

KR

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR
NEWSLETTER

To stay updated with the latest workshops & speeches

Subscribe Now