Author Archives: ianhaspinall

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About ianhaspinall

Communications specialist, Wigan Athletic fan & blogger, interested in music, arts & culture.

When Saturday Comes pre-season preview 2017/18

Posted on August 3, 2017 by ianhaspinall

When Saturday Comes magazine recently asked for my views on Latics’ prospects for their pre-season preview so I thought I’d also record my responses here. 1. Realistically, how will you do? I’m optimistic with Paul Cook in charge and if … Continue reading →

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Football League Trophy – a good competition ruined

Posted on June 30, 2017 by ianhaspinall

I have enjoyed some great days supporting Wigan Athletic and a couple of the most enjoyable were seeing my team twice win the Football League Trophy. First in 1985 I was at Wembley to see Latics win the Freight Rover … Continue reading →

Posted in Auto Windscreens Trophy, Checkatrade Trophy, EFL, Football League Trophy, Freight Rover Trophy, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Fixtures announced – MK Dons away first up for Latics

Posted on June 21, 2017 by ianhaspinall

Wigan Athletic travel to MK Dons in the opening fixture of their 2017/18 League One campaign. It will be the first time they have played at the Stadium MK since the club was controversially moved from Wimbledon, although they did play … Continue reading →

Posted in Bury, League One, MK Dons, Oldham Athletic, Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book review: Dreams of paradise so easily lost

Posted on June 13, 2017 by ianhaspinall

Michael Calvin’s final book in his trilogy that includes ‘The Nowhere Men’ (scouting) and ‘Living on the Volcano’ (management) is a telling critique of youth development in English football. He journeys through the landscape of youth football interviewing players, parents … Continue reading →

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12th Man – The first choice

Posted on June 2, 2017 by ianhaspinall

I’m pleased to say that Paul Cook was my first choice for the Latics manager’s job. Of the candidates available I believe he has the right profile for a club which is trying to rebuild itself after relegation from the … Continue reading →

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Cook confirmed as new Latics manager

Posted on May 31, 2017 by ianhaspinall

Wigan Athletic have confirmed the appointment of Paul Cook as the new manager on a three-year contract. Despite being offered an improved deal at Portsmouth the Liverpool born manager decided to return to the North West and take the Latics … Continue reading →

Posted in League One, Paul Cook, Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Book Review: A Natural by Ross Raisin

Posted on May 19, 2017 by ianhaspinall

The world of the modern professional footballer is a contradictory affair. The presumed glory and fame of sporting success is mixed with the negative pressures and anxiety of young lives. Ross Raisin’s ‘A Natural’ addresses these contradictions with a novel … Continue reading →

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12th Man – End of season review

Posted on May 13, 2017 by ianhaspinall

In the last 12th Man column of the season I was asked by the Wigan Evening Post to provide answers to four key questions: What went wrong? At the beginning of the season I was optimistic that Latics would have … Continue reading →

Posted in Dave Whelan, David Sharpe, Gary Caldwell, Graham Barrow, Paul Cook, Warren Joyce, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Season of disappointment ends with creditable draw – Wigan Athletic 1 Leeds United 1

Posted on May 8, 2017 by ianhaspinall

Wigan Athletic finished the season with a creditable 1-1 draw against Leeds United at the DW Stadium on Sunday. Ryan Tunnicliffe produced a composed finish rounding Leeds keeper Rob Green to make it 1-0 to Latics after six minutes. Fulham … Continue reading →

Posted in Championship, Chris Wood, Graham Barrow, Leeds United, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Four for the manager shortlist

Posted on May 5, 2017 by ianhaspinall

With Latics’ relegation to League One finally confirmed, the search for a new manager will now gather pace with an appointment expected by the end of the month or beginning of June. However, Latics’ track record in recruiting managers is … Continue reading →

Posted in Danny Cowley, Michael O'Neill, Nicky Cowley, Paul Cook, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment