Matt Peet adamant Wigan will not buy glory after billionaire takes control
MATT Peet insists he will not spend, spend, spend now Wigan are being taken on by a billionaire.
And he will thank outgoing chairman Ian Lenagan for everything he has done, even the times he has questioned him.
The Warriors’ owner will hand the club to Mike Danson, who also owns groundmates Wigan Athletic, at the end of the season.
Already signs of a new relationship are showing with the rugby league side being allowed to train on the DW Stadium pitch and academy curtain raisers taking place there.
But after hopefully signing off Lenagan’s tenure with another Challenge Cup success, Peet will not immediately approach Danson with a list of big money requests.
Beating Hull KR on Sunday will book a Wembley return after lifting the trophy last year at Tottenham – that is more important than the funds coming his way.
Peet said: “I certainly won’t be going, ‘I want him, him and him.’
“From what I hear, I think he knows it’s a sport in which you can’t buy success. You’ve got to be strategic and we’ve got to protect the culture we’re trying to build.
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“We won’t be a club that relies on finances for success.
“Ian wouldn’t have passed the club on to someone he didn’t know was going to continue to lead with the integrity he has.
“In his 16 years, there have been unbelievable highs but challenging times too. The club is in a better place having been led by him. He cares and has always had the bigger picture and what’s best for the game at heart.
“And now we know it’s Ian’s last season with us, it would be fitting to get him to Wembley.”
Lenagan has overseen huge changes at Wigan in his 16 years at the helm – not least guiding them through the Covid-19 pandemic.
And Peet lifted the lid on how he is not afraid to disagree with his coach, while still backing him all the way.
He added: “I’ve worked with him since I was with the academy and I was always impressed at how much detail he knew about the players, staff, budgets and the reserves program.
“Right from day one, we’ve had healthy debate. He has opinions but on things like team selection, we chat it out. We may not think the same thing but he’s never been overbearing. He always says, ‘That’s why you’re in position.’
“But I enjoy those conversations with him. He’s a rugby league fan first and his interpretations are generally on the money.
“He’s got strong opinions but always from a supportive point of view.”