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October 1957
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Wigan reaction today to the story that a storm is brewing up in RL circles because they have spent a big sum on new players while still owing a substantial amount to the Rugby League is that it is "sour grapes from Yorkshire."
It is pointed out that if Wigan enterprise in getting new players is stifled because of this loan, they might not get the same gate receipts which are helping them to pay it.
"In fact, we are paying it back at the rate of £2,000 per year, with interest," said a Wigan official, "even though the league only wanted us to pay it back at £1,000 per year. We also give them half of our ten per cent from any representative games staged at Central Park to help repay the loan quicker. We are fulfilling our bargain to the letter."
Wigan also point out that they put three times as much in the Rugby League "pool" - which is divided among all clubs - as they draw out of it. Since the war it is reckoned that Wigan have put between £17,000 and £15,000 in the RL Pool and drawn out only £7,000 to £5,000.
"It's just simple business ethics," say Wigan. "Although we were given a loan it surely does not mean we should not be allowed to make any other investments to improve our position. It happens with all business firms and we are fulfilling our requirements."
In the past year the lifting of the entertainment tax and the legalising of football lotteries has improved Wigan's position considerably since they asked for a loan. £5,000 of the Sullivan transfer money is coming from the football lottery - money paid in by Wigan's supporters to help improve their team. |
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