MULTI-millionaire chairman David Whelan has transformed Hereford United's FA Cup opponents Wigan Athletic beyond all recognition since arriving at the football club more than six years ago.

The founder and chairman of JJB Sports, the country's largest sporting goods chain, has turned the once financially-stricken Lancashire outfit into one of the most ambitious clubs in the Nationwide League.

The Latics have moved from their former Springfield Park headquarters and are based at the £30million JJB Stadium, which they share with Wigan Rugby League Club.

Now, Wigan are challenging for promotion to the First Division and have already claimed two Premiership scalps in this season's Worthington Cup - West Bromwich Albion and Manchester City.

Record-signing Nathan Ellington fired in a hat-trick in the second-round 3-1 win over the Baggies and he is being closely monitored by Everton boss David Moyes. The 21-year-old striker, also known as 'The Duke', signed from Bristol Rovers in a £1.2million deal in March. Last season, when playing for the Pirates, Ellington scored trebles against Derby County, Leyton Orient and Swansea City.

Goalkeeper John Filan has Premiership experience with Blackburn Rovers and he has also played for Coventry City and Cambridge City.

The 31-year-old Australian international has been involved in three big-money transfers, amounting to £1.6million. He joined Wigan from Blackburn in a £600,000 deal.

Captain Jason De Vos also skippers the Canada national team and, after spells with Montreal Impact and Darlington, he made 92 appearances for Scottish Premiership side Dundee United. The 28-year-old central defender joined the Latics in the summer of 2001 despite interest from Wimbledon and West Brom.

Fellow central defender Matt Jackson has an FA Cup winner's medal with Everton and is a former skipper of Norwich City. The 31-year-old, who signed for Wigan on a free transfer, started his career with Luton before joining Everton for £600,000 in 1991. He then moved to Norwich in 1996 for £450,000.

Northern Ireland international Peter Kennedy is a versatile left-sided player, who can play as a winger or full-back. Kennedy is a former Watford player, who made 18 Premiership appearances with Graham Taylor's team.