Changes afoot at the JJB

Lindsay announced his decision to stand down at the end of the current campaign which has prompted Whelan to consider his own position, with the millionaire admitting he will now give thought to an approach he has received regarding a potential takeover.

Whelan, who is also chairman of Wigan Athletic, said: "I did not intend to sell but if Maurice has made his mind up to retire then it is probably timely for me to consider my own position here."

He added: "I will now consider the offer but I am pleased that Maurice will stay until the matter is resolved.

"I will only release my shares to someone who believes in Wigan as much as Maurice and I do."

Lindsay, 66, had initially offered to resign immediately but agreed to stay on while Whelan searches for a successor.

Lindsay has had two spells in charge of the game's most successful club and was at the helm for their glory years of the mid-1980s and early 90s.

He helped save the club from financial disaster after relegation and they, after becoming the first to turn full-time professional, went on to dominate the game for a decade. Their success included a remarkable eight successive Challenge Cup final wins at Wembley.

Lindsay moved on to a role as chief executive of the Rugby Football League and was instrumental in the creation of Super League. He returned to Wigan in 1999 soon after the club left Central Park and moved into a new era at the JJB Stadium.

Lindsay, who first joined the Wigan board in 1979, cited health reasons among the factors for stepping down.