WIGAN owner Dave Whelan has today revealed the Coca-Cola Championship leaders have reached a last-minute compromise to save the club from playing home games behind closed doors.

Greater Manchester Police had announced they would be withdrawing their services on match days at the JJB Stadium, claiming the promotion-chasers owe '300,000 in unpaid policing bills.

As a result, the safety certificate for the 25,000-seater stadium would have been revoked when Wigan council's safety advisory group met this morning.

But Whelan confirmed to Sky Sports News: "Football can go ahead at the JJB for the rest of the season.

"We had a very good meeting. I respect their point of view and they respect mine.

"It might have to eventually be resolved in court but we now hope to push on to the Premier League."

Assistant chief constable Stephen Thomas of Great Manchester Police (GMP) told ITV: 'We hopefully have got a compromise solution which allows football to be played for the rest of this season.

'Certainly the Millwall game is going ahead on Saturday, that was never in doubt.

'We hope by Friday to be able to confirm the West Ham game (on April 2) will be played.

'But it is without prejudice and our solicitors now have to sit down and work together.'

Whelan added: 'I have set up a meeting with Brian Mawhinney, at the Football League, on Thursday and with the Sports Minister on Thursday afternoon in London.

'I explained this to Great Manchester Police and Mr Mason (chief superintendent) said 'I respect what you are doing'.'

Wigan Council were also pleased that the issue was solved amicably and that no drastic action would be taken by either side.

A statement read: 'Wigan Council is delighted that both sides have been able to reach agreement on this issue.

'The council did not want to be placed in the difficult position of having to take further action if this issue had not been amicably resolved.

'We will continue to offer any assistance we can and now hope Wigan Athletic can go back to concentrating on winning the Championship and gaining promotion this season.'

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