Former Portsmouth boss Paul Cook's Wigan plunged into administration sending swathe of former Blues players and staff into crisis

The Latics, who have a host of former Blues players and staff at the club, have been rocked by the news arriving just four weeks after they were taken over by a Hong Kong-based consortium.

That means the Cook’s side face an automatic 12-point deduction which would send them to the bottom of the Championship, although the EFL have yet to confirm that will apply amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Wigan last month confirmed the league had approved the sale to the Next Leader Fund (NLF) consortium from another Hong Kong group in International Entertainment Corporation (IEC).

But the club’s future has been plunged into doubt after administrators, Begbies Traynor, were appointed today.

Wigan have a host of players and staff members who were at Fratton Park until Cook’s move to the DW Stadium in 2017.

Former Blues men Jamal Lowe, Kal Naismith and Gary Robers are all currently among the playing staff with assistant Leam Richardson and backroom team members Andy Procter and Nick Meace all serving at PO4.

Administrator Paul Stanley said: ‘We understand that everybody connected with the club and the wider football world is seeking clarity on the future of Wigan Athletic.

‘That's exactly what we are seeking to provide as we move through this process and we seek out interested parties to rescue this famous old club here in the region.

‘It is a fast-moving situation and we will provide updates on key developments.’

SEE ALSO: Cook stopped talking to me after I refused to leave Pompey to join him at Wigan