Dressing room harmony the key - Whelan - Sport in brief

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

With safety secured following a superb victory at Aston Villa, Wigan close the season at home to league leaders Manchester United on Sunday.

"Steve is a very honest man," Whelan said. "He speaks his mind and says what he has to say to the players. "He knows the game and gets respect from them, which is the most important thing. Certainly the dressing room has been buzzing all week as the players are determined to unsettle United."

While Whelan does not agree with Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan that the Premier League is "boring", he is pressing for the rules to be altered.

He wants all clubs big and small to get the same cash from TV and prize money worth a total of £750million a year.

"I understand what Kevin is getting at," said Whelan. "We know next year one of the top four is going to win the title.

"Is that sport? No, you need some excitement in sport and expectations.

"I am constantly fighting with the Premier League to get the money distributed more evenly and we all get the same share.

"If the clubs in the top four get extra money for going into the Champions League good luck to them, they deserve it.

"But the money in the Premier League should be split equally between the 20 teams."