# Wigan's FA Cup Hope Fades

> Wigan Athletic's League One win against Reading falls short of lifting them from the bottom of the table.
- Title: Wigan's FA Cup Hope Fades · the Guardian | Shortify
- Summary: Wigan Athletic's League One win against Reading falls short of lifting them from the bottom of the table. Wigan Athletic's 1-0 win over Reading remains their…
- Keywords: wigan athletic, league one, reading, scott hogan, gary caldwell, mike danson, fa cup, wigan athletic supporters action group, sports, Wigan's, Cup, Hope
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/18/wigan-pine-for-fa-cup-glory-as-not-even-victory-can-lift-them-off-foot-of-league-one
- Published: 2026-10-18T07:00:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: wigan athletic, league one, reading, scott hogan, gary caldwell, mike danson, fa cup, wigan athletic supporters action group, sports
## Wigan's FA Cup Hope
Wigan Athletic's 1-0 win against Reading remains their first league goal in 447 minutes.

> Wigan's first for 447 minutes in the league
## Gary Caldwell's Struggle
Gary Caldwell, club captain in 2013, faces criticism for Wigan's uninspiring style producing just six goals in nine games.

> Our spirit, our character, our determination not to let the ball go in the net was fantastic.
## Financial Struggles
Wigan Athletic's finances are tight with dwindling crowds and losses on the pitch and balance sheet.

> The Dansons have been unable to find an ambitious buyer to take the club to the next level.
## Owner Mike Danson
Mike Danson saved Wigan from liquidation in June 2023 after previous owners caused relegation and a points deduction.

> The local businessman Danson and his family saved Wigan from liquidation in June 2023
## Wigan's Position
Wigan Athletic remain bottom of League One despite a 1-0 win against Reading, their second league win of the campaign.

> Wigan Athletic remain bottom of League One despite a 1-0 win against Reading
## Supporters' Concerns
Wigan Athletic Supporters Action Group demands answers from Danson on why selling the club has been difficult.

> The Wigan Athletic Supporters Action Group is demanding answers from Danson on why selling the club has been such a struggle
## What Happens Next
Wigan Athletic's short-term struggles likely continue as they search for a buyer to move up to the next tier.

> The hope is that a hero of 2013 can perform miracles on the pitch, despite the constraints off it.
## Key takeaway

Wigan Athletic's 1-0 win over Reading remains their first league goal in 447 minutes, but financial struggles and owner Mike Danson's inability to find a buyer keep them at the foot of League One.