Wigan's latest takeover news helped raise spirits ahead of Dons win

News of a potential takeover at Wigan Athletic helped buoy the players to victory over MK Dons said Latics boss Leam Richardson

Goals from George Johnston, Callum Lang and Joe Dodoo fired Wigan to a comprehensive 3-0 win over a poor Dons side who slumped to their third consecutive away defeat in a row.

Wigan, who have been run by administrators since last season, heard of news a Bahrain-based consortium were in the process of making a bid to secure the club's future and manager Richardson said there was a huge sense of relief in his squad come kick-off time.

"We had a bit of news around the place, verbally, and when you've been living in this situation for eight or nine months, it's great to hear," acknowledged Richardson.

"It filtered into the dressing room before the game, and I think it filtered its way out onto the pitch in the way the lads performed.

"I've been at the forefront of it in recent months - having been here for three and a half years - and I know exactly how solid this football club is, with so many unbelievable people still here.

"The fanbase is fantastic, and I know what this club is capable of with the right people in charge."

On the win, which moved Wigan off the foot of the table, Richardson added: "It's a great result for the lads, and reward for how we;ll they worked out of possession.

"MK Dons ask you all sorts of questions all around the pitch, everyone to a man does their job, and they can cause you problems.

"But we stuck to our task today and we thoroughly deserved to win 3-0."