
A League One football coach has cited Super League champions Wigan Warriors as one of the sources of inspiration for his side’s recent shock win.
On Tuesday night, League One’s 24th-placed side Burton Albion defeated Wigan Athletic in a shock result that actually lifted them off the bottom of the table.
Albion were priced at over 4/1 to win the game which was played at the Brick Community Stadium -the home of both Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors.
Despite the overwhelming odds against them, Burton managed to win 2-1 as they came from 1-0 down to secure a victory that could kickstart their bid to avoid relegation.
Albion remain eight points from safety with the season just past the halfway stage and despite defeating a Wigan side, head coach Gary Bowyer has credited Matt Peet’s team as the source of inspiration for the win.
Wigan Warriors inspire League One football club to victory
🚨 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 🚨
“We asked the lads tonight to come and be warriors.”
Burton Albion got their first win under head coach Gary Bowyer, as they beat Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium.
He gave his thoughts following the win that moved the Brewers off the bottom… pic.twitter.com/jsFdodVQI1
— BBC Sport Derby (@BBCDerbySport) January 21, 2025
Speaking post-match to BBC Radio Derby, Bowyer assessed the game and his side’s performance with pride before referencing the Super League champions.
“I know it’s the home of Wigan Athletic but it’s also the home of Wigan Warriors and that got mentioned in the team meeting,” he explained.
“I’m a big rugby league fan and Wigan Warriors are my team, they’re named Warriors and we asked the lads tonight to come and be Warriors and stand up and enjoy that physical battle – which is exactly what you see when you watch Wigan Warriors play.”
Bowyer clearly got what he wanted as Burton managed to defeat Wigan using the Warriors as inspiration and Albion certainly had to show fight. They were limited to just 30% possession in the second half as they looked to defend for their lives and hold on for the win, something they managed to do.
With Wigan credited at the recent BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards as the Team of the Year, perhaps we will see more coaches using Matt Peet’s side as a source of inspiration.
