BITTER SWEET SYMPHONY

Wigan's 2013 FA Cup triumph was followed by relegation three days later and off-field woe for years to come, but it sure felt good at the time. A decade on, those involved tell FFT how they sprung one of the cup's biggest upsets

- Si Hawkins

Wigan fans are used to winning things. Oh, just the 22 league titles, on top of countless cups, shields and medals: their lads have lifted more silver than a royal W butler, or a very prolific burglar.

Wigan rugby fans, that is.

Wigan Athletic Football Club? Barely a shiny pot to pee in by comparison, except for a load of non-league stuff and two Football League Trophies prior to their top-flight debut back in 2005. So, the minted Manchester City were hardly trembling with fear as they lined up opposite the Latics for the FA Cup final on May 11, 2013.

But what an occasion it was. Shocks, tears, rousing speeches, heartwarming manliness, some light backstabbing... and that was all before the game kicked off.

For Wigan, just reaching the showpiece was special. Backed by sportswear millionaire Dave Whelan, who had his own FA Cup final demons to exorcise, this was an opportunity for the football team from the 'rugby town' to outshine the Warriors as well as the giant Lancashire neighbours in their own sport: Liverpool, Manchester United, and now City.