Dave Whelan
Dave Whelan
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Dave Whelan's full name is David Whelan, though he is commonly referred to as Wigan Athletic FC's founder and former owner.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on April 24, 1933, in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Lancashire, England. Unfortunately, there is no publicly available information about his death date.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Dave Whelan was a British businessman and entrepreneur with a career spanning multiple industries, including retail and football management.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Dave Whelan developed an interest in business at a young age. He began his professional life working for various companies before eventually starting his own chain of pharmacies and health stores. The success of these ventures allowed him to invest in other business opportunities.
Major Accomplishments
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Dave Whelan's most notable achievement is the founding and ownership of Wigan Athletic Football Club, a position he held from 1995 until 2013. Under his leadership, the team experienced significant growth and achieved several promotions within English football's top divisions.
In addition to his work in football, Dave Whelan was also recognized for his contributions to the community through charitable initiatives.
Notable Works or Actions
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Dave Whelan made headlines with his outspoken views on various subjects. He was known for criticizing the English Premier League and its governing body for what he perceived as unfair treatment of smaller clubs like Wigan Athletic.
One notable instance where his opinions sparked controversy involved his stance on players taking a knee in support of anti-racism initiatives, which he publicly opposed. This decision led to widespread criticism from both within and outside the football community.
Impact and Legacy
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Dave Whelan's impact extends beyond his accomplishments as Wigan Athletic FC's owner. His tenure at the club served as a catalyst for growth and exposure, ultimately contributing to the team's stability within English football.
He remains an influential figure in the world of football, particularly among supporters who share his perspectives on the game's governance and commercialization.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Dave Whelan is frequently quoted due to his outspoken views on various aspects of football. His quotes often generate significant interest and debate within the media and fan communities, reflecting both his passion for the sport and his willingness to speak truth to power.
In conclusion, Dave Whelan's life was marked by entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to football, and a strong sense of conviction that has earned him recognition within the sporting world.
Quotes by Dave Whelan
The LMA, and all our managers, will be doing our best to support the England team and the FA in pursuit of success in the World Cup.
But I needed the right club to come back to. People could have looked at me and thought Bradford was a fluke. The next job needed to be a success.
I'm not against England having a foreign manager. But I do want somebody with some passion for the English team and for English pride.
The whole system and pattern of play under Sven is flawed. We seem to have lost the plot,
Twenty eight years ago we were playing non-league football and now we are in a cup final.
We would have released him at Christmas or at the end of the season if someone had come in for him.
I know it is easy to criticise and I accept it is a difficult job managing England but the man in charge must be passionate and realise he owes it to the nation to win the World Cup.
If any Englishman said he has never called a Chinaman a chink he is lying. There is nothing bad about doing that. It is like calling the British Brits, or the Irish Paddies.
