I was reading Wigan Athletic had an application in 1972 to join the Scottish 2nd Division.

Has anyone got any more details?

At the time they were one of the leading non-League sides in England but were repeatedly (30-odd times) denied entry to the League by the "old pals act" that dominated the re-election of the bottom clubs in the old Div.4. I think the application to join the Scottish League was more a publicity stunt to highlight their frustration. I can't recall whether Ken Bates was their chairman at that time or not but it sounds like one of his daft ideas.

And theyd still be there

Actually they would be winning the SPL if they had their current squad!