Dave Whelan likes one thing and that's Dave Whelan. The mans even gone as far as to put his own name on the stadium to showcase just how big he thinks he is and how important his opinion is - which in most cases he really should keep his nose out of. Maybe its because I'm a Saints (RLFC) fan but the mans a complete and utter egomagnet. He took Wigan rugby, sold their ground and them told them to go and play in the JJB stadium. Now that the footballs doing well he doesn't want them playing on HIS pitch and has given them 2 years to find an alternative location. Better still, any football clashes mean wigan rugby have to go up the road to Odsel - which isn't even in Wigan. How fair is that? Wigan don't have a ground anymore yet now have to find one all because Whelan used the money from that to fund his precious football team. Still it was funny as heck watching him try and butter up Andy Johnson then critise him as soon as he chose Fulham over Wigan.
In terms of manager - Bruce has no loyalty to Wigan. The last time he was manager at Wigan he got sacked after 40 days because he fell out with Whelan. He only took the job because it the best way to get himself back into the spotlight and he's done this - but don't be under the illusion he cares for Wigan. Would you rather manage a small Lancashire team that struggles to get 15k watching or manage your hometown which fills in at 50k every week? I know where I'd want to end up and I suspect as soon as Newcastle come sniffing round he won't be sticking round either. Not unless he feels he can get Wigan into the big time and keep them there.....
But as said - I love Wigan. I remember being there when they got promoted from the Second Division and remember watching the fans run on the pitch as they entered the Premiership. I even had a season ticket in that first season in the Premiership. If I ever turned my back on Liverpool it would be for Wigan. But my feelings to the owner and manager are pretty defined sadly. They could make Europe though this season - at least we agree on that