The two stadiums, the Reebok Stadium and the DW Stadium are separated by just 8 miles, creating a rivalry between the two sets of supporters. The fans of both clubs both consider the other to be one of their main footballing rivals, leading to a heated atmosphere at these matches. The derby has been contested throughout the divisions over the years including the Football League, and more recently the Premier League. Bolton were relegated from the Premier League in 2012 after 11 consecutive seasons in the top flight and Latics followed a year later in 2013 after 8 consecutive seasons in the top flight. The two clubs met most recently in the Football League Championship on December 15, 2013, Wigan winning 3-2 on this occasion.
In a 2012 Premier League meeting, 17 Wigan Athletic supporters were banned by the club for several years as flares were set off during their 2–1 away win.
Ali Al-Habsi, Paul Comstive, Wayne Entwistle, Simon Farnworth, Gareth Farrelly, Dave Felgate, Per Frandsen, Scott Green, Tony Kelly, David Lee, Paul Lodge, Ryo Miyaichi, Neil Redfearn, Ian Seddon, Stuart Storer, Greg Strong, Steve Taylor, Emerson Thome, Chris Thompson, David Thompson, Stuart Whittaker.
In addition to this a number of people have links to both clubs including:
Bruce Rioch has managed both teams, taking charge of Bolton between 1992 and 1995 and Wigan between 2000 and 2001.
Owen Coyle played for and managed Bolton and was for a short time the manager of Wigan in 2013.
Ian McNeill had two spells managing Wigan in 1968–1970 and 1976–1981 and was chief scout at Bolton between 1992 and 1996.
Walter Crook, Malcolm Barrass and Johnny Ball played for Bolton and later managed Wigan.
Mark Seagraves played for Bolton between 1990 and 1995 and was also on the coaching staff at Wigan under Paul Jewell's management.
Phil Hughes played for Wigan between 1987 and 1991 and was goalkeeping coach at Bolton between 2010 and 2012. He returned to Wigan in 2013 in a coaching role.
Andy May played for Bolton in 1988 and was on Wigan's coaching staff.
Dave Galley and Andy Mitchell have held the role of physiotherapist for both clubs.
Sandy Stewart was assistant manager of Wigan having previously held the same position at Bolton.
John McGinlay held the position of chief scout at Wigan having spent five years as a player at Bolton.
John Henry managed the Bolton Development Squad between 2010 and 2012 and took up a similar role at Wigan in 2013.