Dave Whelan was the victim of an embarrassing gaffe in his final programme notes as Wigan chairman . The 78-year-old businessman handed over control of the relegation-threatened club to his grandson this week after 20 years at the helm . But in his last written address to fans , he started by welcoming the supporters and staff of Cardiff City - when Wigan were actually playing Leeds ! Dave Whelan leaves the pitch after addressing the crowd in his final game as Wigan Athletic chairman . David Sharpe is the new chairman of Wigan Athletic after taking over from his grandfather Dave . Cardiff are the last club of Wigan 's current boss Malky Mackay - he was sacked by them in December 2013 . And the Scot is currently under investigation by the Football Association amidst allegations of sending racist , sexist and homophobic text messages while in charge at Cardiff . Whelan started his programme notes by saying : 'Welcome to the DW Stadium for our second home match in five days . 'Tonight we welcome Cardiff City and their supporters who have travelled from South Wales for another important Sky Bet Football League Championship fixture . ' Shortly before kick-off , Whelan strode onto the pitch to deliver an emotional final address to the fans in person . Whelan was given a standing ovation by the home supporters then walked alone to the centre-spot with a microphone in hand . Whelan looks emotional before heading onto the pitch - and in his programme notes he welcomed Cardiff . 'Thank you for everything , ' he said . 'For the last 20 years , you have been magnificent supporters . 'We all remember when we first played at Springfield Park and I bought the club and we were third from bottom of the old fourth division . 'With your support , and all the players and staff we build this stadium and fought our way up to the Premier League . 'We had eight fantastic years in the Premier League and two years ago we brought the FA Cup back to Wigan . ' At this point , the large travelling contingent from Leeds began barracking Whelan . But he responded with a put-down which brought raucous applause from the home fans . 'Leeds have not won the cup for 25 years , ' he added . 'However , everyone from Leeds we welcome you to Wigan . You are a great club and a great bunch of supporters . ' I am still going to be the greatest supporter Wigan has and I will be at every match I can get to . 'Thank you for every single thing and all your fabulous support . ' Whelan said he is still going to be the 'greatest supporter Wigan has ' and will be at every match he can get to . Â .
Dave Whelan waves emotional goodbye to Wigan Athletic . 78-year-old will be replaced as chairman by grandson Dave Sharpe . In programme notes it reads : 'Tonight we welcome Cardiff City ' Wigan hosting Leeds United in Championship fixture on Saturday . Whelan given standing ovation by fans at Springfield Park .