Dave Whelan could lead out Wigan in the FA Cup final against Manchester City

Owner may lead side at Wembley

Dave Whelan: The Wigan owner believes McManaman should not be punished (Getty Images)

The Wigan chief executive, Jonathan Jackson, confirmed yesterday that the club would speak to the Football Association this week about the prospect of owner Dave Whelan not manager Roberto Martinez leading out the team at the FA Cup final at Wembley next month.

"We will be speaking with the FA this week and discussing the arrangements for the final. It is something that will be discussed," he said. "Hopefully it can happen because it would be a fitting reward for everything that David Whelan has done for the football club." Whelan bought the club in 1995 when they were in Third Division.