The 2013 FA Cup final win over Manchester City marked a proud highlight for Wigan Athletic amid their Premier League exit that followed. Supporters still cherish those Wembley memories, yet the present squad at the foot of League One after a 1-0 success versus Reading on Saturday makes that achievement seem from another era.

The club often recalls those peak moments. Last season they recalled Gary Caldwell, the 2013 skipper, for another term as manager after he guided promotion from this level in 2015-16. His choice to leave Exeter for the Latics was viewed as bold given the limited funds set by owner Mike Danson, who seeks a sale.

Resources stay severely restricted at the Greater Manchester side with falling attendances and deficits both on the field and in accounts. Danson and his family rescued Wigan from collapse in June 2023 following prior mismanagement that led to a points penalty and drop from the Championship. Three straight mid-table League One campaigns under their watch offered some steadiness, but this term has seen sharp decline.

The Dansons have struggled to secure a forward-thinking buyer to advance the club. A first campaign in the fourth tier since 1996-97 now looms as a real risk, though the Reading victory, the team's second league win this season via Scott Hogan's 71st-minute goal, offered slight relief.

Some of our play was excellent, Caldwell noted. Our spirit, character and resolve to keep the ball out of the net proved outstanding. It grew tense late on. We must build from this. Keeping players confident and focused remains key. Many parts of our game still need improvement, yet a positive result lifts the mood.

Leam Richardson's presence in the away dugout at the Brick Community Stadium prompted further reflection on brighter times. Richardson secured the League One title as Wigan boss in April 2022 before his November exit that year shortly after agreeing a new three-year deal.

Caldwell too has faced scrutiny. The ex-defender draws fan criticism over the team's flat style that has yielded just six goals in nine games, the lowest in the division. They endured 447 minutes without a league goal until Hogan, the experienced striker, finished after substitute Christian Saydee's cross was pushed away by Reading goalkeeper Joel Pereira.

While Wigan keeper Joe Whitworth stayed busy to secure the points, the hosts earned the three points overall, giving Caldwell and his players room to breathe. Supporters backing him note the club's minimal summer outlay, with the 1.5 million pounds from Sam Tickle's sale to Bristol City yet to return to the squad amid heavy use of young loanees.

Danson and club leaders have urged fans back to the Brick Community Stadium to boost income and attract new owners, yet why should supporters spend on uninspiring displays?

Ahead of the match Caldwell stated that points matter greatly to give supporters a positive feeling and leave the ground in better spirits than before.

The Scot achieved that against Reading, but turmoil above him showed in Sarah Guilfoyle's sudden exit as managing director just before the season after a decade at the club. Many believe the owners deserve much of the blame. The Wigan Athletic Supporters Action Group seeks clarity from Danson on sale difficulties and investment shortfalls. Some fans accept short-term hardship may aid longer gains, with most agreeing a sale could change everything.

For now, even after the uncommon win over a strong Reading side, immediate challenges seem set to linger. The aim remains for a 2013 hero to deliver on-field wonders despite off-field limits.