Controversial ex-Sunderland midfielder Darron Gibson tries to buy League One rivals Wigan

Controversial former Sunderland midfielder Darron Gibson is part of a takeover bid at League One rivals Wigan Athletic.
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It is reported Gibson's group also involves ex-Latics chairman Darren Royle, with the long-running takeover saga at Wigan taking another fresh twist.

Gibson – a former Manchester United, Everton and Ireland midfielder – played for Wigan in the 2017/18 campaign and it is understood he is part of a fresh bid to take control at the DW Stadium.

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Wigan Today report: “Gibson, 33, is still currently playing at League Two outfit Salford, which may potentially provide something of a conflict of interest further down the line.

Former Sunderland midfielder Darron Gibson.Former Sunderland midfielder Darron Gibson.
Former Sunderland midfielder Darron Gibson.

“But the bid - as first reported by the Athletic - is being taken seriously, and is challenging the Bahrain-based businessmen who had looked to be the latest frontrunners.”

Wigan are 23rd in League One following their relegation from the Championship.

Gibson was considered a flop on Wearside by supporters.

Gibson was signed for the Black Cats by his former Everton boss David Moyes in 2017, but was released a year later in the club’s ill-fated Championship campaign.

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He then spent just a season with Wigan before being released alongside ex-Sunderland teammates Callum McManaman and James Vaughan.

During his time on Wearside, midfielder Gibson was handed a 40-month drink-drive ban.

The smash, in Dovedale Road, Fulwell, Sunderland, happened on March 17 of the same year – St Patrick’s Day.

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