Ten-men Tics just can’t hang on – Birmingham City 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on September 1, 2024 by ianhaspinall
Thelo Aasgaard equalised for Latics. Photo by Bernard Platt.
  • Wigan Athletic suffered a heartbreaking injury-time 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City at St Andrews.
  • Alfie May scored his fourth goal of the season to give the Blues an 18th minute lead.
  • Latics deservedly equalised in the 66th minute when Thelo Aasgaard’s strike went under Blues goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
  • The visitors went down to ten-men with 15 minutes remaining after using all five substitutes, when Steven Sessegnon had to be withdrawn with an injury.
  • Birmingham sensed their opportunity and pressed forward and they broke Latics’ hearts when they went ahead through substitute Scott Wright on 91 minutes.
  • Latics drop to 21st place and Birmingham are now in third place in the League One table.

Shaun Maloney named an unchanged starting XI from the victory over Crawley Town last Saturday.

Birmingham had the first attempt at goal as Ethan Laird had his shot blocked before Emil Hansson drove a low ball which Tickle did well to save down to his right.

Latics gradually got into the game and Matt Smith had a goal-bound effort blocked before Will Aimson made a good defensive interception robbing Alfie May.

Just when it looked as though Latics had settled into the game they were undone when Willum Willumsson played through May, who looked to be in an offside position. The flag stayed down and the prolific marksman finished past Tickle.

Aasgaard had a shot deflected straight at Peacock-Farrell. Tickle then produced a double save first denying Hansson then the follow up from Willumsson.

Probably Latics best chance of the half fell to Aasgaard. 

As in the Crawley game last week Chambers crossed from the right for Aasgaard and the young Norwegian U21 international’s header was goal-bound but this time Peacock-Farrell palmed the ball away.

Latics started the second half on the front foot. Chambers crossed for Rankine at the back post. His first time goal-bound effort was deflected just wide.

Substitute Steven Sessegnon found Rankine down the right and he crossed for Aimson, but unfortunately his header was right at Peacock-Farrell.

Rankine was involved again, but fired straight at Peacock-Farrell before at the other end Jason Kerr blocked a goal-bound Birmingham strike with his head.

After exerting pressure Latics got their reward on 66 minutes when Matt Smith found Aasgaard and his shot from the edge of the box went under the legs of Peacock-Farrell.

Matt Smith then had a great chance to put Maloney’s men ahead, but he dragged his shot wide after some good build up play.

Maloney introduced new signing Jensen Weir for his second Club debut, whilst loan signing Dale Taylor also came on for his first Latics appearance, but the team were in serious trouble with 15 minutes remaining when Sessegnon left the field due to injury and all five substitutions had been used.

Birmingham were looking to make the extra man count as they sensed the opportunity.

Latics dropped deeper into defence but the pressure just increased and Birmingham broke Latics’ hearts in the 91st minute as Wright fired into the roof of the net as the defence failed to clear.

Aasgaard had a chance in the dying moments, but his shot was blocked by Christoph Klarer and Birmingham took the three points.

It was a painful experience for the ten-men of Latics who had played well enough to take at least a point.

Overview 

Latics were so unlucky to come away from St Andrews without a point after matching their well-funded opponents for most of the game.

Maloney’s new squad showed a big improvement against Birmingham compared to their last away performance at Reading.

Birmingham who are favourites for promotion have spent £30m in the summer transfer window, which is an unprecedented figure for League One, but Latics had matched them until they went down to ten-men.

After Aasgaard’s equaliser it looked possible that Latics could go on to win the game. But following Sessegnon’s injury and going down to 10-men they lost their impetus and were forced into defence for the remaining 25 minutes.

It was an unfortunate error by Maloney to use all of his substitutes with over 20 minutes of normal time still remaining. It is to be hoped that he will learn from his mistake and avoid doing the same in the future.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards to the media, Maloney was naturally hurting, but he felt encouraged by what he saw from his side against one of the best sides in the division. 

“To come here and play the way that we did – what our lads did today was unbelievable,” he said.

“There was a 10-minute period where we had to hang in and suffer, but in the first 20 minutes, and the second half, we were brilliant. 

“Sometimes in football, it can hurt, a I’m nd today hurts. Up until going down to ten men after 75 minutes, they were amazing.

“(Going down to ten men) changed the dynamic of the game. We had made all the subs, as I needed to finish the game with the same intensity. 

“We were on top and played through them, so this one hurts. Today, I couldn’t be any prouder of the team, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt more disappointed (to not come away with anything). 

“Our fans were brilliant today, and they added to the atmosphere. It felt like a proper football match, so credit to Birmingham. It was a brilliant match but a painful one at the end.”

For the Latics Manager reflecting post-game, one famous phrase of the Football Club was echoed by Maloney, who wants both the players and fans to believe in the exciting rebuild that is taking place. 

“I need more belief. If we perform like we did today throughout the season, we’ve got a chance to do something special. 

“What I have to drum in – to not only the players but to the fans – and I know it’s a saying of ours, but we have to have belief in where we are going. 

“We are going to have good days and bad days, as we are in the second stage of rebuilding this Club. I hope our fans are really proud of what they saw today.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Alfie May, Birmingham City, Scott Wright, Shaun Maloney | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics off the mark after hard fought victory – Wigan Athletic 1 Crawley Town 0

Posted on August 25, 2024 by ianhaspinall
Latics get their first League One win of the season
  • Wigan Athletic secured their first three points of the season with a hard fought 1-0 victory against Crawley Town at the Brick Community Stadium.
  • The visitors started confidently after making an impressive start to their League One campaign following promotion. 
  • But it was Latics who took the lead on the half hour mark when Thelo Aasgaard headed home from Luke Chambers’ excellent left-wing cross via a deflection off Crawley defender Joy Mukena.
  • Early in the second half Latics loanee Silko Thomas was denied at the near post by goalkeeper Joe Wollacott.
  • Crawley dominated possession and pressed for an equaliser with Sam Tickle making two good saves to deny Ade Adeyemo, Chambers making a crucial defensive clearance and Jay Williams heading just over.
  • Joe Hugill might have sealed the points late on but fired over the top and Latics had to hang on for their first victory of the season.
  • Latics move up to 18th in the League One table and Crawley are in eighth position.

Shaun Maloney made one change from the defeat at Reading with James Carragher coming in for his first League One start in place of Steven Sessegnon. 

The visitors started confidently moving the ball quickly. Junior Quitirna had a shot from outside the box saved by Tickle on nine minutes.

Thelo Aasgaard then picked the ball up from deep and drove at the Crawley defence before so nearly slipping Hugill in on goal.

On 28 minutes, Silko Thomas had the ball in the net, but the goal was chalked off for offside.

Two minutes later and Latics did go ahead when Chambers’ excellent cross from the left found Aasgaard to head home via a deflection off Mukena.

Just before the interval Dion Rankine was posing a threat down the down the right and his cross was close to finding Hugill.

Early in the second half Thomas broke down the left and into the area but Joe Wollacott denied him at the near post.

At the other end Tickle was quick to deny Ade Adeyemo with a low save to his left.

Kai Payne came on for his Latics league debut on 58 minutes replacing the injured Matt Smith.

Crawley were dominating possession now and pushing Latics deeper into defence. 

Chambers made a crucial interception to clear his lines before a Crawley forward could tap home.

Adeyemo was causing Latics all sorts of problems down the right but Crawley just couldn’t convert their chances.

Hugill then had a big chance 15 minutes before the end as Mukena misjudged the bounce and the Manchester United loanee raced clear. The defender got back as Hugill fired his effort over the crossbar.

At the other end Williams had a great chance to equalise but he headed over from point blank range as he climbed high at the back post.

Crawley pushed right to the end but Latics held out for the three points with some resolute defending.

Overview

It was a big relief for Latics players, manager and fans to get their first victory of the season.

This was a hard fought victory and on another day Crawley might’ve come away with the points. The visitors enjoyed 72 per cent possession and had 14 shots to Latics two.

Despite being tipped for relegation Crawley have won their previous three games and were impressive on the ball. I doubt they will be involved in a relegation fight and should be comfortable in L1 this season.   

To Latics credit they did show great determination to get the points on the board even though they had defend for long periods.

There’s clearly plenty of room for improvement but this performance was much better than at Reading last Saturday.

It’s still early days for Maloney’s new team and a couple of new additions in attack and midfield before the transfer deadline on Friday would be very welcome.

Post match comments

Maloney was proud of his side when speaking to the media afterwards, 

“It was a brilliant win,” he smiled.

“Against Charlton, we had the performance and didn’t win, and today, we had to find a way to win.

“I really liked the first half. It was always going to be an open game, and in the second, you saw the desperation to win a game.

“I didn’t feel any extra pressure going into this game but I can tell the players were dropping deeper, and in fairness to the young boys, they found a way to see out the game.

“I can’t say too many negative things about today. It’s not easy – we’re in League One and expectations are big – and we’re still trying to find ways to win, and we did today.

“Today, the players were fantastic in a very different way. The biggest thing I got today was the level of effort and the level of fight, and if our fans see that, I don’t think they can ask for much more.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Crawley Town, League One, Shaun Maloney | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Review – Brian Moore Saved Our Sundays – The Golden Age of Televised Football by Matt Eastley

Posted on August 21, 2024 by ianhaspinall

Matt Eastley’s book is a joyously nostalgic journey through the golden days of regional televised football in the 1970s.

The iconic commentators of the period, Brian Moore, Hugh Johns, Gerald Sinstadt, Gerry Harrison, Martyn Tyler, Keith Macklin, and Roger Malone brought great drama to our TV screens when there were only three channels.

The independent TV football programmes of the day were called the Big Match, Shoot or Kick Off Match and each region had their own version.

Television was relatively limited in those days and many boring Sundays were enlivened by family Sunday Roasts and football on the box.

The 70s had many football entertainers and mavericks such as Malcolm Allison, Tommy Docherty, Stan Bowles, George Best, Kevin Keegan, Tony Currie, Charlie George, Rodney Marsh, Mick Channon, Frank Worthington, and Brian Clough.

Brian Moore was the consummate commentator and presenter of the period. Eastley states,

“There was always something so effortlessly comforting and reassuring about Brian Moore. Like a kindly uncle or your favourite teacher at school. His relaxed smiling face radiated warmth and cordiality, exuding trust and respect.”

Eastley provides important interviews with many of the commentators, presenters, producers, and cameramen of the time. Plus, some brilliant photographs of the main protagonists.

There are many illuminating anecdotes such as when the rivalry between BBC and ITV resulted in a fist fight between floor managers at the 1969 FA Cup final between Manchester City and Leicester.

The skills of the ITV broadcasters was well demonstrated at the end of the 1973 FA Cup final when the Bob Stokoe gallop was captured by the cameras.

“With his trilby and flapping fawn mac over a red tracksuit, Bob Stokoe’s famous canter on to the Wembley pitch to embrace goalkeeping hero Jim Montgomery is one of the most famous scenes in FA Cup history.”

It is a shot that director Bob Gardam and Moore both loved and is often cited independently as one of the finest examples of director and commentator working together.

Gardam said, “We were lucky the BBC never got the shot.”

Producer Jeff Foulser said, “It was television journalism at its best. It’s a director listening to his commentator and a commentator working with his director’s pictures.”

Eastley’s book provides a fitting tribute to all the key characters in these regional TV programmes, but special praise is given to Moore who was universally regarded as a great commentator and a gentleman.

A volume two is planned to take the story into the 1980’s and it will no doubt be lapped up by those who have enjoyed this book.

‘Brian Moore Saved Our Sundays’ is a recommended read for those who remember the football of the 1970s but also for those who want to know more about the heyday of regional football TV coverage.

Brian Moore Saved Our Sundays: The Golden Age of Televised Football by Matt Eastley. Published by Pitch Publishing. Price £14.99.

This review first appeared in the September/October 2024 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Posted in 1970s, 1980s', Brian Moore, Football Book Reviews, Late Tackle magazine, Matt Eastley, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Unsatisfactory Latics – Reading 2 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on August 18, 2024 by ianhaspinall
Latics captain Jason Kerr. Photo by Bernard Platt
  • Wigan Athletic produced a disappointing performance and succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at Reading.
  • Latics went behind after only seven minutes when the Royals Charlie Savage slotted home from Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan’s cut back.
  • The hosts dominated the first half and had chances to go further ahead with goalkeeper Sam Tickle making a fine save from a Tyler Bindon header.
  • Latics did rally a little at the start of the second half but some sloppy defending allowed Ehibhatiomhan to make it 2-0 in the 57th minute.
  • The visitors tried to get back into the game with Manager Shaun Maloney making four substitutions but they rarely looked like getting something from the game.
  • An inauspicious start to the season for Latics with two League One defeats. Maloney will be looking for a big improvement next Saturday at home to Crawley.

Latics made one change from the defeat against Charlton Athletic, with Silko Thomas coming in for his first league start, replacing Chris Sze.

Latics made a slow start and Reading were ahead after only seven minutes.

Ehibhatiomhan found space at the back post and cut the ball back to Savage who slotted the ball into the far corner.

Latics were under the cosh and Tickle did very well to save a header from Bindon before Joe Hugill cleared Jeriel Dorsett’s rebound off the line.

The visitors did have a chance on the counter attack. A ball over the top from Thomas fed Hugill in behind, but his shot was saved by the feet of Joel Pereira from a narrow angle.

Sam Smith then had a big chance to double the hosts lead at the back post but he volleyed over the crossbar.

Mamadi Camara fired wide from the edge of the box before Ehibhatiomhan curled an effort over just before the break.

Latics started the second half much better and had plenty of possession but didn’t really threaten the Royals goal.

The visitors improvement was to no avail as with Reading’s first real attack of the half, they doubled their lead. 

Smith was played clean through and Tickle did well to save with his feet, but the rebound fell to Ehibhatiomhan who tapped the ball into the empty net.

Maloney almost immediately made four substitutions and Callum McManaman and Jordan Jones started to pose a threat. McManaman was creating space and getting in some good crosses and Jones forced a good save from Pereira, diving to his left.

Maloney introduced Josh Stones who joined Hugill up front. A Jones corner was headed towards goal by Jason Kerr, before McManaman’s goal-bound rebound was blocked.

At the other end Tickle denied Femi Azeez with a low save in added time before Azeez then curled an effort inches wide as Reading ran out comfortable winners.

It’s been a good week for Reading both on and off the pitch with the prospective takeover by American financier Rob Couhig likely to take place.

For Latics it’s been a dispiriting week with the departure of Charlie Hughes and two League One defeats.

Overview

This was a disappointing performance by Maloney’s men. Latics started the game far too lethargically and could easily have lost by more than two goals.

Reading pushed forward and always looked dangerous while Latics struggled to move the ball quickly and threaten the Reading goal.

Latics striking options are currently limited and Hugill is often isolated and lacks service. 

Thelo Aasgaard was anonymous and had one of his poorest games. Dion Rankine and Silko Thomas were also ineffective.

Matt Smith and Baba Adeeko rarely play a forward pass and seem incapable of shooting at the moment.

Latics soft centre was exposed on several occasions and the second goal in particular was far too easy for Reading.

It’s still very early days but Latics will have to be much improved if they are to compete at the top end of the table this season.

Following the departure of Charlie Hughes Latics will need to reinvest some of the transfer fee in an experienced striker.

A more creative midfielder is required although Tyrese Francois could be that player when available.

Maloney has plenty of food for thought prior to the transfer deadline.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards to the media, Maloney took responsibility for his side’s display and admitted the importance of learning from the manner of defeat and ensuring it doesn’t happen again. 

“It’s extremely difficult,” he said.

“During the last half hour against Barnsley and in this game, I really haven’t liked it.

“Today, it was far too easy to play through us at times, but that’s my fault. What I’ve seen in this game is definitely on me.

“Reading have changed how they play. They get forward quickly and have some really strong players. 

“The second goal hurts me more as there is a way to get beat. Defending the box is one thing, but they cannot pick up the ball in the middle of our midfield, drive 30 yards, and play a pass through our defensive line.

“A week ago, everything about our Charlton performance I loved, but we made a big error and lost the game. The last game and a half, I haven’t liked it.

“I wish we gave a very different performance for the supporters that travelled. 

“It’s been a difficult four days. We can’t perform like that and expect to win. I’ve got no time for that type of performance. 

“I wanted to tell the fans that it was on me. These types of performances have nothing to do with tactics, it’s regarding the culture and mentality of the group. 

“It wasn’t good enough. We’ve had moments like that during my time here and I need to make sure that they don’t resurface again.”

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in League One, Reading, Shaun Maloney | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Latics edged out by the Addicks – Wigan Athletic 0 Charlton Athletic 1

Posted on August 11, 2024 by ianhaspinall

Charlie Hughes the subject of transfer speculation

  • Wigan Athletic were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Charlton Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium on the opening day of the League One season.
  • Latics enjoyed plenty of possession and had the better chances but they failed to capitalise.
  • Thelo Aasgaard had a volley well saved and fired a free-kick just over the bar, before creating another opportunity when his inviting pass was missed by Baba Adeeko.
  • Aasgaard really should have opened the scoring when he raced through on goal, but he failed to pull the trigger and was dispossessed by Kayne Ramsay.
  • The visitors grabbed the three points in the 81st minute when Latics coveted substitute Charlie Hughes failed to head clear a free-kick, and the unmarked Lloyd Jones volleyed home.

Latics new look team included debutants Will Aimson, Dion Rankine, and Joe Hugill. Hughes was named on the bench alongside Jordan Jones who signed a short term deal on Friday.

Latics started strongly and Hugill volleyed narrowly wide from the edge of the area.

At the other end, new Charlton signing Gassan Ahadme’s flick found its way to Greg Docherty whose strike was well blocked by Sam Tickle.

Latics pressed forward and Aasgaard tried his luck from the edge of the box as the ball bounced kindly for him to volley at goal. The ball looked destined for the corner, but the Charlton keeper tipped the ball away for a corner.

Tickle then did well to punch away a Charlton cross from the right before Aasgaard fired a powerful free kick just over in first half stoppage time.

Early in the second half Aasgaard crossed for Adeeko, but the Republic of Ireland U21 international missed his kick.

Kayne Ramsey came to Charlton’s rescue on 58 minutes as Aasgaard was played clean through, but the Latics midfielder failed to pull the trigger and the Charlton defender made a last ditch challenge.

Jones joined the fray on the hour mark replacing Chris Sze and his dangerous cross nearly found Rankine at the back post.

With nine minutes remaining a mistake resulted in Charlton taking the lead. The recently introduced Hughes heading a Charlton cross into the path of Jones who volleyed into the corner.

Substitute Josh Stones had a chance to draw Latics level but his header was easily saved by Will Mannion.

Jones continued to threaten down the Latics left and nearly grabbed a late equaliser, but his effort curled wide of the far post.

Latics just couldn’t take their chances and Charlton came away with the three points.

Overview

Latics were unlucky to not come away with at least a point in a closely contested game. The hosts had the chances to win the game but ironically it was one of Latics most talented players whose mistake contributed to their defeat.

Hughes is the subject of a transfer bid from Hull City and his future is uncertain. The uncertainty may be unsettling and Maloney’s decision not to start him suggests that this is the case.

New signing Aimson made an impressive debut in the centre of defence and it was slightly surprising when he was withdrawn on 73 minutes, although Maloney stated afterwards that he was tiring.

Latics will need much more bite in the final third after fluffing several good chances against Charlton. It’s early days for Hugill who had one decent strike towards goal but he had limited service and few real opportunities. Stones replaced Hugill on 73 minutes but like the Manchester United loanee he was always fighting for scraps.

It’s early days in the season but Latics will need to improve in the final third if they are to make progress this season.

Post match comments

Speaking post-game to Latics TV, Maloney was pleased with his side’s performance levels against a Charlton team who will be challenging at the top end of the season this term, despite the end result. 

“Football can do that to you sometimes,” he said.

“In terms of the performance, I cannot ask any more from the team. It was a second-phase set-play and that’s how we conceded.

“I thought the players were brilliant. The way they played against one of the favourites was brilliant. 

“It was a difficult day, but on the other hand, I’m unbelievably happy with the performances, but we didn’t win the game.

“I think the fans can see a lot of possession, and last year at times, we could’ve done better with the possession that we had.

“Today I thought we were fluent and tried to play forward. Getting beat at home is always tough, but that should give us hope that if we play like that every week, we’ve got a chance of doing something special.”

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Charlie Hughes, Charlton Athletic, League One, Lloyd Jones, Shaun Maloney | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Shaun Maloney’s Squad Overhaul: Young Talent and Experienced Additions | Season 2024/25 Preview

Posted on August 7, 2024 by ianhaspinall
Manager Shaun Maloney Wigan Athletic

Manager Shaun Maloney

Wigan Athletic go into the 2024/25 League One season in a much stronger position than last season when they had to contend with an eight-point deduction and transfer embargo. Shaun Maloney’s team finished in a creditable 12th place despite all their difficulties.

Following the end of the season they released some high earning experienced players including goalkeeper Ben Amos, defender Sean Clare and forwards Jordan Jones, Stephen Humphrys, Charlie Wyke and Josh Magennis. 

Latics are now increasingly relying on their highly regarded academy of young stars augmented by new young signings and loan players.

The excellent academy has already delivered major dividends with goalkeeper Sam Tickle, defender Charlie Hughes and midfielders Thelo Aasgaard and Baba Adeeko all representing their countries at youth level.

While Academy products Scott Smith, Chris Sze, Josh Stones, Joe Adams, James Carragher, Harry McHugh, Kai Payne, Harry McHugh and Luke Robinson are all in and around the first team squad.

Latics close season recruitment has been primarily about young players but with a few notable exceptions.

New Additions

Andy Lonergan has joined as first-team Goalkeeper Coach following three years with Premier League outfit Everton. The vastly experienced Lonergan will also provide goalkeeping back up to the squad and help aid the development of young goalkeepers Sam Tickle and Tom Watson.  

20-year-old defender Calvin Ramsay has signed on a season-long loan from Liverpool. The Scotland international joins up with the Tics having spent time with Preston North End and Bolton Wanderers last season.

Toby Sibbick has signed a two-year contract with Latics after a two-and-a-half-year stay with Hearts. The 25-year-old defender can play in any central position within the back four and in any of the back three positions. 

20-year-old midfielder Michael Olakigbe signed on loan from Premier League side Brentford FC until the end of the 2024/25 season, but was unfortunately injured in pre-season and is likely to be out for three months. 

21-year-old winger Dion Rankine signed from Premier League side Chelsea on a three-year deal. Last season he was on-loan at Exeter City and made 36 appearances across all four competitions, scoring his first senior goal against Reading.

Forward Joe Hugill has signed on-loan from Manchester United until the end of the season. 20-year-old Hugill, made 20 appearances for Burton Albion last season helping them to stay in League One. It is hoped that Hugill can emulate Will Keane and be the goalscorer that Latics so desperately need.

24-year-old midfielder Tyrese Francois has signed from Fulham on a two-year-deal. Maloney said, “He is both combative and tenacious and will add a lot to our midfield. He is a player that I am looking forward to working with, and hopefully, he can have a really successful time with us.”

30-year-old experienced defender Will Aimson has signed on a two-year contract from Exeter City. Aimson captained Exeter last season and made a total of 43 appearances, contributing to 13 clean sheets, including in the 1-0 victory against then-Premier League side Luton Town at St James Park. He also enjoyed his best-ever scoring season, netting five goals. 

20-year-old winger Silko Thomas has signed on-loan for the 2024/25 season from Leicester City. Maloney said, “We are thrilled that Silko has joined us on a season-long loan. He is a very exciting player who can play on the left and right wing, as well as in the number 10 position.”

“I believe he will be well-suited to our playing style this season. Silko has represented his country at various youth levels and won Leicester City’s Development Player of the Season award back in May. “

Perhaps most impressively 20-year-old Liverpool defender Luke Chambers will once again join Latics on-loan this season. Chambers is an England U20 international and can play at left wing-back or left centre-back. A very exciting prospect who was probably Latics best player in the second half of last season.

Latics will now have strength in depth with contracted players Jason Kerr, Matt Smith, Jonny Smith, Callum McManaman, and Steven Sessegnon all having plenty of League One experience.

One potential threat to the make up of the squad is Hull City’s transfer bid for Charlie Hughes, the current offer has been rejected, but Hull may decide to come back with an improved offer.

Coaching Changes

There have been changes on the coaching side in the close season as Tom Huddlestone and Shadab Iftikhar arrive at the club as First Team Coaches following Stephen Crainey’s departure.

Max Rogers has been promoted to First-Team Assistant Manager following Graham Barrow’s retirement. Rogers has been an integral member of Shaun Maloney’s backroom staff over the last 18 months and moves up from his previous role as first team coach. 

Young Talent Developer

Maloney is establishing a name for himself as a young talent developer and it is notable that Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Leicester City and Brentford are pleased to loan their players to get experience in a side that plays attractive football.

League One looks particularly strong this season but Latics youthful profile, high energy plus plenty of League One experience should stand them in good stead for the challenges ahead.

Latics now have at least two players in every position competing for a first team spot which should augur well for a long season.

There is no major reason why Maloney’s new look squad can’t make a challenge for the play-offs.

League One Predicted Final Table

  1. Rotherham
  2. Birmingham
  3. Peterborough
  4. Huddersfield
  5. Barnsley
  6. Wigan
  7. Bolton
  8. Wrexham
  9. Blackpool
  10. Lincoln
  11. Charlton
  12. Reading
  13. Stockport
  14. Wycombe
  15. Exeter
  16. Leyton O
  17. Bristol R
  18. Stevenage
  19. Northampton
  20. Cambridge U
  21. Mansfield
  22. Shrewsbury
  23. Burton
  24. Crawley
Posted in Baba Adeeko, Charlie Hughes, League One, Sam Tickle, Shaun Maloney, Thelo Aasgaard, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Summer Reading 2024 – The Best Football Books

Posted on July 3, 2024 by ianhaspinall

Football Book Covers 2024

Here’s my recommendations of the best football books of recent months for reading on the beach or by the pool. Kick off the summer with one of these great reads.

Review – Answered Prayers: England and the 1966 World Cup by Duncan Hamilton

‘Answered Prayers’ is Duncan Hamilton’s personal homage to Sir Alf Ramsay and the England World Cup winners. 1966 is still England’s crowning football achievement and it may never be surpassed, but Ramsay and the players never got the rewards and recognition they deserved and were treated poorly by the Football Association.

Review – Football And How to Survive It by Pat Nevin

This is Pat Nevin’s second memoir, a follow up to his first successful memoir ‘The Accidental Footballer’. It covers the period with his less glamorous clubs – Tranmere Rovers, Kilmarnock and Motherwell and reflects on a time of what he calls, ‘extreme madness, higher levels of fun and deeper levels of pain…’

Review – Gordon Milne, Shankly, My Dad and Me with Steve Younger

In his engrossing football memoir Gordon Milne recalls his journey from Preston to Newcastle via Liverpool, Blackpool, Wigan, Coventry, Leicester, Turkey, and Japan. Milne is a pure football man who has encounters with some of the greatest players and managers of the 20th century, experiencing football at all levels both in England and abroad during his 60 years in the game. His life was positively shaped by his early experiences in the army which is a far cry from the experience of young professional footballers today.

Review – O Jogo Bonito! Brazil’s 1970 World Cup Samba Party by Gary Thacker

Gary Thacker’s latest book is the story of probably the greatest football team in the history of the World Cup. ‘O Jogo Bonito’ is Portuguese for ‘the beautiful game’ and the Brazilian World Cup winning team of 1970 truly defined the phrase. The Brazilian team of the 1970 World Cup featured the incomparable skills of Pele, Rivellino, Gerson, Jairzinho and Tostao. It was their third success in four tournaments and meant that the Jules Rimet Trophy would for evermore be the property of Brazil.

Review – Smart Money: The Fall and Rise of Brentford FC by Alex Duff

Alex Duff’s book tells the story of Brentford FC’s transformation from lower league also-rans to the Premier League through the use of quantitative data analysis and good coaching. When Duff first starts following Brentford in 1978, they are an unfashionable club in an ageing stadium struggling in the third division. By 2005 owner Ron Noades had agreed to handover the business to supporters on the condition they take over the responsibility for their £5.5 million overdraft.

Review – Unfit and Improper Persons: An Idiot’s Guide to Owning a Football Club by Kevin Day, Kieran Maguire, & Guy Kilty

This irreverent new guide to running a football club is from the people behind ‘The Price of Football’ Podcast. Writer Kevin Day, football finance expert Kieran Maguire and producer Guy Kilty have created a fictional football club, West Park Rovers and we discover what is really going on behind the scenes as they rise through the leagues.

Posted in Brazil, England, Football Book Reviews, Gordon Milne, Pat Nevin, Scotland, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Review – Smart Money: The Fall and Rise of Brentford FC by Alex Duff

Posted on June 11, 2024 by ianhaspinall

Smart Money by Alex Duff cover

Alex Duff’s book tells the story of Brentford FC’s transformation from lower league also-rans to the Premier League through the use of quantitative data analysis and good coaching.

When Duff first starts following Brentford in 1978, they are an unfashionable club in an ageing stadium struggling in the third division. By 2005 owner Ron Noades had agreed to handover the business to supporters on the condition they take over the responsibility for their £5.5 million overdraft.

One of their fans an Oxford University physics graduate called Matthew Benham was making millions of pounds from professional gambling and threw in a £500,000 lifeline to help keep the club afloat.

Benham sets out to see if the mathematics he has used to beat the bookmakers with his Smartodds company could improve Brentford’s performance on the pitch.

Benham has huge success with his company, and he takes a bigger share of the club, and his quantitative analysts ‘quants’ are increasingly employed in the running of the football club.

The statistical modelling helps the club to make better decisions. Benham’s ‘quants’ not only added value to Brentford by improving performance but also by helping to make money on the transfer market, partially offsetting Benham’s annual financial loss.

The buy low, sell high strategy meant Brentford were one of the most effective clubs across the whole of Europe. Their net gain from transfers between 2015 and 2021 was some £100 million.

Brentford moved into the Brentford Community Stadium in 2020 and were promoted to the Premier League in 2021 and in their first season they finished in mid-table. Benham and Brentford had clearly demonstrated that data can help to improve a team’s performance.

Academic research has confirmed a strong link between higher wage bills and superior performance in the Premier League: so even if you have smarter back-room staff with clearer insights, you will tend to lose against the teams that can afford the most skilful players. However, Benham has demonstrated that if you can apply brain power you can to some extent bridge the financial gap.

An awkward aspect in the rise of Brentford is Benham’s deep involvement in the betting industry. Gambling addiction has a hugely detrimental impact on society. Tellingly Brentford’s star striker Ivan Toney was addicted to gambling and was fined £50,000 and banned from football for eight months.

Benham is one of the least wealthy owners in the Premier League, but his team have so far been able to compete at the top level for three seasons. A question remains whether Benham’s approach can sustain the club in the Premier League in the long term. He may ultimately have to seek outside investment for Brentford to survive at the top level.

Duff has produced an entertaining and informative potted history of Brentford FC, but the significance of the book lies with Benham’s data-driven football success story which is the English equivalent of Michael Lewis’s ‘Moneyball’, the story of how Oakland Athletics used statistics to win baseball matches.

Smart Money – The Fall and Rise of Brentford FC by Alex Duff published by Constable. Price £22.

This review first appeared in the July/August 2024 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Posted in Alex Duff, Brentford, Football Book Reviews, Late Tackle magazine, Quantitative Data Analysis, Sports Betting, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Maloney’s men end the season on a high note – Wigan Athletic 2 Bristol Rovers 0

Posted on April 28, 2024 by ianhaspinall
Jonny Smith scored Latics second goal. Photo by Bernard Platt
  • Wigan Athletic produced some sublime football in a convincing 2-0 victory against Bristol Rovers at the DW Stadium
  • Latics created plenty of early chances and they deservedly went ahead when Josh Magennis steered home Luke Chambers’ cross on the half hour mark.
  • The hosts started the second half with a stunning goal from Jonny Smith. The winger cut in off the right-hand side and fired into the opposite corner of the net.
  • Magennis had a goal disallowed for offside and Thelo Aasgaard curled a strike just over the crossbar before substitute Martial Godo fired past goalkeeper Jed Ward only for James Wilson to clear off the line.
  • The margin of victory should have been much greater but this had been a consummate performance by Shaun Maloney’s team.
  • Latics finish the season in 12th place and Bristol Rovers in 15th place in League One.

Maloney made two changes to his starting XI from the victory at Portsmouth with Magennis coming in for Charlie Kelman and Callum McManaman replacing Godo.

Latics threatened from the kick off and could have been ahead inside the first 30 seconds as Magennis laid the ball off for Chambers who drove towards the box and fired a low strike at goal which Ward did well to push away down to his left.

Four minutes later Magennis found Jonny Smith down the right and he fed the overlapping Baba Adeeko. Adeeko fired a low effort across Ward, but the Rovers keeper made another fine save low down to his left.

The visitors then had a rare attempt at goal with Elkan Baggott heading a corner over the crossbar.

Aasgaard was then denied by Ward following a free header at the back post following an inviting cross from Charlie Hughes.

At the other end former Latic Scott Sinclair cut inside and hit a low drive which Liam Morrison deflected wide of Sam Tickle’s far post.

Latics’ pressure resulted in a deserved first goal on the half hour mark as the excellent Chambers crossed for Magennis to poke the ball home from close range.

Jason Kerr replaced Liam Morrison in the centre of defence at half-time.

The hosts started the second half even better than the first as Jonny Smith added another superb goal to his growing collection.

Adeeko found Smith on the right wing and he cut inside and fired a superb strike into the far corner from 25-yards to double the lead.

Maloney made more changes on the hour mark with Godo and Chris Sze replacing Jonny Smith and Callum McManaman.

Latics had a goal disallowed on 63 minutes. Chambers crossed for Magennis to finish from close range but he was flagged offside.

An Aasgaard free-kick from 30 yards was well saved by Ward as Latics continued to press for more goals.

Charlie Kelman and Scott Smith replaced Magennis and Sessegnon on 70 minutes.

On 80 minutes Aasgaard went close again, this time curling a dipping effort from the edge of the area, just over Ward’s crossbar.

Godo then nearly got on the scoresheet when he fired past goalkeeper Ward but James Wilson did well to clear off the line.

Latics continued to search for a third goal in added time with Sze, Godo and Kerr all having attempts at goal but somehow the game ended at 2-0.

Overview

Maloney’s men had been totally dominant throughout and they could easily have won by four or five goals.

It’s been a pleasure to watch the last few games against Lincoln, Portsmouth and Bristol Rovers where they have produced some of their best football of the season.

Maloney and the players must take great credit for achieving a top half finish this season in such difficult circumstances.

The manager will have some big decisions to make about the composition of his squad for next season in the coming days, but if he can keep the majority of this team together the prospects look very good.

Hopefully owner Mike Danson can see the potential in this team and will back Maloney in the transfer market so the club can make a speedy return to the Championship.

League Table

Post match comments

Speaking to the media afterwards Maloney was full of praise for his team after they ended the season on the back of three consecutive victories. 

“Today was brilliant, and the last few games have felt like that,” he said. 

“The level of performance – and the way of playing – can really hurt teams. I loved watching that today, it reminded me of Wigan of those Premier League years under Roberto Martinez.

“I know it’s taken some time to get things right, but today, we got it right in a big way. We got chances, were attacking and aggressive, and out of possession, we showed the same.

“I loved today. I know it was the last game of the season, but it meant the world to me. I was so happy for the players.

“The players were brilliant. From the first whistle, they tried to win the game. I hope the fans have seen moments like this in a season where we’re trying to bring back a certain way of playing.

“I mentioned the DNA of this Club and the amazing history, and it highlights the talented young players we have.”

It’s been an incredible season for the Tics, who continued their proud tradition of defying the odds by surviving comfortably despite an eight-point deduction. Maloney thanked his players, the owner, and his family for their efforts in 2023/24. 

“I’ve had 15 points taken off- including eight this season – before the fixtures even came out.

“I think what the players have done is incredible. We got to 70 points with one of the youngest teams in all four divisions and an embargo.

“The players have to take huge credit and Mr Danson, and his family. We wouldn’t be here without him and his family.”

Player ratings

Player ratings by WhoScored.com
Posted in Jonny Smith, Josh Magennis, League One, Shaun Maloney | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Latics spoil Pompey’s promotion party – Portsmouth 1 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on April 20, 2024 by ianhaspinall
Callum Chambers scored his first goal for Latics

Callum Chambers scored his first goal for Latics. Photo by Bernard Platt

  • Wigan Athletic spoiled the League One champions Portsmouth’s promotion party with a deserved 2-1 victory at Fratton Park.
  • Latics went ahead in the 22nd minute when Liverpool loanee Luke Chambers scored his first goal for the club.
  • The visitors had further chances to increase their lead but they did increase their advantage on 83 minutes when substitute Josh Magennis outmuscled a defender before firing through the legs of Will Norris.
  • Pompey pulled a goal back on 85 minutes when substitute Kusini Yengi followed up after Colby Bishop’s effort came back off the crossbar.
  • Latics England U21 international goalkeeper Sam Tickle pulled off some fine saves to keep out the hosts as they pressed for an equaliser and the visitors held on for the three points.
  • Latics move up to 13th place in the table and Portsmouth are promoted as champions.

Shaun Maloney made two changes to his starting XI following the victory at Lincoln City last Saturday as Liam Morrison and Luke Chambers replaced Jason Kerr and Tom Pearce.

There was a good atmosphere at Fratton Park with a 20,000 plus crowd as Portsmouth had been crowned League One champions in midweek.

There was a great opportunity for Pompey on six minutes when a loose back pass from Steven Sessegnon sent Bishop in the clear with Tickle off his line. But Bishop fired his effort well wide from 40 yards out.

Latics went came close in the 12th minute when Jonny Smith cut in from the right and fired a shot at goal from the edge of the box which beat keeper Will Norris, but struck the post and the ball bounced away.

The visitors were dominating possession and took a deserved lead on 22 minutes through Chambers’ first goal for the club.

Jonny Smith crossed from the right to Thelo Aasgaard whose header back across goal found Baba Adeeko, he laid the ball to Chambers who took a touch and fired low into the corner.

Latics continued to dominate possession and they threatened when Matt Smith found Chambers and the Liverpool loanee fed Martial Godo, but Sean Raggett intercepted before Godo could get his shot away.

Chambers then had a great chance to double Latics’ lead four minutes before half-time,  when Charlie Kelman’s shot at goal was pushed away by Norris and Chambers could only fire the rebound into the side netting.

Pompey made two substitutions at half-time with Paddy Lane and Myles Peart-Harris replacing former Latic Callum Lang and Abu Kamara. The changes had boosted the hosts and they went close when Lane’s effort deflected wide off Chambers.

At the other end Chambers crossed for Adeeko whose header was blocked by Connor Ogilvie with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Maloney made a tactical substitution on 56 minutes with Tom Pearce replacing Jonny Smith and Latics moving to a back five.

Josh Magennis and Chris Sze replaced Kelman and Godo on 66 minutes.

Soon afterwards Pearce fed Magennis down the left, but keeper Norris denied the Northern International’s shot.

Sean Raggett then tested Tickle from distance with the keeper beating the ball away and easily saving Joe Rafferty’s headed rebound.

Tickle came to Latics’ rescue again on 78 minutes as he did superbly to divert Marlon Pack’s curling strike away before somehow denying Rafferty with his feet with the rebound.

Latics looked to have put the game beyond any doubt seven minutes from the end as Sze nodded the ball on to Magennis who outmuscled a defender before slotting the ball home through the legs of Norris.

But with five minutes of normal time remaining Portsmouth pulled a goal back as Pack’s effort came back off the crossbar, but Yengi followed up to tap home.

Pack and substitute Scott Smith were then involved in a scuffle as both sets of coaching staff got involved.

Pompey were now pushing strongly for the equaliser and the visitors were having to defend resolutely.

Tickle’s man of the match performance was confirmed when he somehow denied Pompey in added time with a superb save low to his left from a Myles Peart-Harris header.

In the eight minutes of added time Latics looked like they had added a third goal but Aasgaard could only find the side netting. 

Overall a satisfying performance by Latics against the League One champions on their own ground.

Overview

This result was a well earned reward for the 500 plus Latics supporters who had made the long trip to the South coast.

A performance that does augur well for next season. Latics had ended the League One champions 17-game unbeaten run and showed that this team has huge potential.

For the most part they were the better side, although to be fair the hosts had been celebrating promotion in midweek.

Roberto Martinez initiated a style of play at the club and Maloney has now developed that style amongst his Academy players and loanees and this type of passing football is now well embedded within the club.

Going forward Latics are likely to lose some of their big earners in the close season which should free up some resources to recruit new players.

If only Maloney can keep hold of his Academy stars Tickle, Hughes and Aasgaard and retain the services of loanees Chambers, Morrison and Godo, re-sign Kerr and sign a goalscorer they will be in a very strong position to challenge for promotion next season.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards to the media, Maloney felt his side’s first-half display was the best 45 minutes of the 2023/24 campaign, and he was over the moon to send the 526 travelling Tics home happy. 

“The first half was probably the best we’ve played all season against a very good side,” Maloney said.

“We were brilliant in the first half and should’ve been more than one-nil up, and then the game became very different.

“The last 20 minutes – we had to hang in, and there were two sides to the performance. 

“The first half – the way that we played – that’s the best we’ve played all season.

“Portsmouth wanted 100 points, and they are a 17-game unbeaten run, and we wanted to win this game. We can be as good as any team, and some of the football today was so good in that first half.”

“I’m so happy that we won, as it’s a long way for them to travel. I say it every week but for me, for my players and the Club in general, they mean a lot to me. I am really glad I can give them moments like today.” 

Magennis marked his 500th career league appearance with the match-winning goal, and Maloney was full of praise for the Latics skipper. 

“Josh came on, and the two centre-backs struggled to deal with his physicality. He showed speed, and power and his brilliant finish won us the game.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Callum Chambers, Josh Magennis, Kusini Yengi, League One, Portsmouth, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments