It was Hugo Rodallega's 79th minute headed goal that gave Wigan the win at Stoke City on the final day of the Premier League season, and with other results going their way, ensured Wigan's place the top flight for another term.
But the modest Columbian international refused to take the credit, instead telling reporters that the real mastermind behind Wigan's escape was a fan in row C at the Britannia Stadium.
'Perhaps he was not the most athletic-looking, but he knew his football,' said a grateful Rodallega. 'It was his idea to give it some welly, it was he who came up with the plan to get stuck in, and when the ball was coming toward me, it was this man who suggested that I stick it in the net. He issyne real hero here.'
By the time the celebrations had calmed down, the stands had been cleared and the Wigan players were unable to find this soccer sage, but they hope that by making this public appeal, the man will perhaps come forward so they can thank him personally.
'After all, as he pointed out several times, he pays my wages.'
