Wigan Athletic vs Stevenage: Play-Off Hopes on the Line for Boro
Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace calls the Wigan Athletic match their 'biggest game' as a League One play-off spot hangs in the balance. A win could secure Championship promotion for Boro.
Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace has branded their upcoming home fixture against Wigan Athletic as the "biggest game" in the club's history, with a coveted League One play-off spot hanging in the balance. A victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday would guarantee Boro's place in the play-offs, moving them closer to a potential promotion to the Championship.
Wallace, speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio, emphasized the significance of the match, stating, "Saturday is probably the biggest game in our history because when we were here 14 years ago I'm not sure that we believed we could do it." He added that the club now believes in their capability and is "ready for" Championship football, a stark contrast to their previous play-off appearance in 2012.
The stakes are incredibly high for Stevenage. While a win against Wigan Athletic secures their play-off berth, a draw or loss could see them pipped by rivals Luton Town or Plymouth Argyle, both of whom possess a superior goal difference. Luton closed the gap to a single point last weekend with a 2-1 home win over Barnsley, while Plymouth moved within two points after beating Port Vale.
Beyond the sporting achievement, promotion to the Championship carries substantial financial rewards, potentially worth as much as £10 million to the club. Wallace acknowledged the increased costs associated with the higher division, particularly player wages, but stressed that Championship football represents the pinnacle of their aspirations.
Stevenage's journey since entering the English Football League in 2010 has seen them remain in League One or lower, even narrowly avoiding relegation from the EFL in 2020. Their recent 1-1 draw at Doncaster Rovers highlighted the tight race for the play-off positions, making the encounter with Wigan Athletic even more critical.
Wallace envisions promotion as a transformative moment, elevating Stevenage to recognition as a "real football club" at a very high level. He drew inspiration from Luton Town's ascent from the National League to the Premier League, believing Stevenage is now prepared to embark on a similar authentic journey to the top tier of English football.