WIGAN CHAIRMAN DAVE WHELAN BRANDS LIVERPOOL 'A MESSS'

Basking in the afterglow of Wigan’s first Premier League win over Liverpool, Whelan claimed off-field uncertainty is affecting stars such as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

US tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks want to raise £100million to reduce debts of £237m but Whelan believes they are out of touch with the needs of the Liverpool fans.

He said: “The big sympathy I have is for the Liverpool supporters because they are a fantastic lot.

“Liverpool are in a mess. The owners, being American, I don’t think they feel what we [as fans] feel. I’m really, really sorry for their supporters.”