Godo brings some magic to the Tics – Wigan Athletic 2 Cambridge United 1

Posted on September 18, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Martlal Godo

  • Fulham loanee Martial Godo produced an impressive performance to help Wigan Athletic get back to winning ways against Cambridge United.
  • Latics had lost their last two games but the on-loan winger making his debut helped to make the difference against the U’s.
  • The Tics might have gone ahead in the first half when Charlie Wyke hit the post and later forced a double save from goalkeeper Will Mannion.
  • In a rare attack for the visitors Sullay Kaikai’s long distance strike was well saved by keeper Sam Tickle.
  • In the second half Stephen Humphrys broke the deadlock on 57 minutes when he cut inside and curled a superb strike into the corner.
  • Five minutes later the Tics doubled their lead. Godo received the ball at the back post and the winger turned the defender inside and out before teeing-up Thelo Aasgaard who smashed the ball in off the crossbar.
  • Substitute Callum McManaman made a rash challenge in the box on James Brophy on 76 minutes and Fejiri Okenabirhie converted the subsequent penalty for Cambridge.
  • Despite late Cambridge pressure Latics held on for the three points.
  • Latics remain in 20th place in the League One table and Cambridge are now in 10th place.

Shaun Maloney made several changes to the team which lost at Blackpool with Godo, Omar Rekik, Aasgaard and Charlie Hughes all starting.

The visitors threatened first when Kaikai fired across goal but Sam Tickle saved with his feet before Gassan Ahadme’s header was easily saved by the Tics keper.

The hosts had a glorious opportunity to take the lead on seven minutes, Aasgaard put Wyke through on goal, but the normally prolific striker could only hit the base of the post and the visitors survived.

Wyke went close again soon afterwards Sean Clare crossing for the big striker but his close range efforts were twice denied by goalkeeper Mannion.

Godo was causing the visitors plenty of problems down the right hand side but also defending well when required.

Tics were enjoying the lion’s share of possession but the visitors threatened when Kaikai tried his luck from distance forcing a good save from Tickle before Michael Morrison headed wide of the far post. 

The Tics broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Humphrys drove forward down the left before cutting inside and curling a superb strike into the far corner.

Five minutes later the Tics doubled their lead. Godo received the ball at the back post and the winger turned the defender inside and out before teeing-up Thelo Aasgaard who smashed the ball in off the crossbar.

George Thomas had an opportunity for the visitors on 65 minutes, but he fired over from 20 yards.

However, the visitors pulled a goal back on 76 minutes when substitute McManaman made a rash challenge in the box on Brophy and Okenabirhie converted from the penalty spot.

Cambridge applied pressure as Latics sat deep in added time and Okenabirhie was denied a second after some great last-ditch defending.

It had been a mixed display by Maloney’s men but they held out at the end and were relieved to have got back to winning ways.

Overview

Latics certainly looked more of an attacking threat against Cambridge with Godo impressing on his debut. The Fulham loanee comes to the club highly regarded by the Fulham fans. If he can continue like he has started the Tics fans are in for a treat this season.

Maloney now has good attacking options with wide men Godo, McManaman, Humphrys, Jonny Smith and Jordan Jones all competing for a place in the starting line-up.

Charlie Hughes returning to the team after suspension brought much needed stability to the defence and Liam Morrison probably had his best game for the Tics.

There is, of course, still room for improvement as the build up play can be too slow and the team sometimes struggles to play through the centre of midfield. A more central role for Aasgaard would help to rectify this and link up play with the forwards.

However, overall Maloney’s new team have started the season very well. It’s worth noting that without the eight point deduction this team would be on the verge of the play-offs.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Maloney was happy with how his players performed both in and out of possession and with how they protected their lead at the end. 

“The last 10 minutes – we showed a side to us which I think we’ve shown previously,” he said.

“When we have to defend, we can defend when we are at it out of possession. The game shouldn’t have ended like that.

“At two-nil, we should’ve been taking control of the game more, but I am very happy. I am very happy with a lot of it.

“I know it’s tough for the fans, everyone has to stay patient, and sometimes we can move it quicker but it’s hard to break these teams down.

“When we get it right, we’ve got talented players and we scored a brilliant goal to break the deadlock.

“I am confident. I’ve seen enough in training and in previous matches this year that we are a goal threat.

“It’s something very different to what we were in my spell last season and a way of speed. 

“I’ve still got confidence, and I can feel the Stadium. When we’re more clinical, the feeling is different but overall I am very happy with the players.”

Martial Godo set up Aasgaard’s decisive goal, and Maloney heaped the praise on the Fulham loanee for his impressive debut display.

“I’m very pleased. I pushed really hard to get him from Fulham, and for a first senior game, I think he was very good.

“He’s a talented boy, and it’s a good start. He knows he needs to keep it going because there are players breathing down every starter’s neck.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Cambridge United, Fejiri Okenabirhie, League One, Martial Godo, Shaun Maloney, Stephen Humphrys, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Lethargic Latics lacking creativity  – Blackpool 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on September 4, 2023 by ianhaspinall
Blue skies over Bloomfield Road
  • Wigan Athletic suffered their second defeat of the season as they lost 2-1 to Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.
  • Blackpool were ahead after only four minutes when new signing Jordan Rhodes converted CJ Hamilton’s cross.
  • Latics struggled to respond and the hosts might’ve added to their lead but Tics keeper Sam Tickle did well to save Jensen Weir’s long range strike and Callum Connolly’s deflected free-kick.
  • Latics did up their game in the second half and Callum Lang wasted a great chance to put them level.
  • They did draw level in the 89th minute when substitute Josh Magennis headed past Daniel Grimshaw from Stephen Humphrys’ dinked cross.
  • But it was to no avail as in the 94th minute substitute Matty Virtue’s low cross was turned home by fellow substitute Kenny Dougall to secure victory for Blackpool.
  • Latics drop to 21st place in the League One table and Blackpool climb to 12th.

Shaun Maloney made one change to the starting line-up that lost against Barnsley with Liam Morrison coming in to replace the suspended Charlie Hughes.

In Latics’ first attack Callum McManaman might have been awarded a penalty.

Callum Lang drove forward at the Blackpool defence before he played in McManaman. The winger appeared to be caught as he chopped back inside his marker, but referee Anthony Backhouse waved away the Tics appeals.

Blackpool were ahead on four minutes. CJ Hamilton was given far too much space down Latics’ left-hand side and was unchallenged as he crossed for new signing Jordan Rhodes to score.

Latics tried to respond, and Stephen Humphrys’ shot was narrowly wide of the far post, with the ball going just out of the reach of Lang.

At the other end Tickle made a superb save to deny former Latic Jason Weir’s strike from distance.

Tickle was in fine form and made another fantastic save in the 22nd minute.

Another former Latic Callum Connolly fired a low free kick towards the far post, with a deflection looking to have taken it beyond Tickle but Latics’ keeper stuck out a superb right hand to grab the ball.

Although Latics were dominating possession they lacked the creativity to breakthrough the Blackpool formation and the hosts always looked dangerous on the counter attack.

Latics did go close in the 41st minute, Matt Smith’s free kick from the right was headed on by Humphrys to Kell Watts, but the defender’s close-range header was narrowly over the Seasiders’ crossbar.

The second half started well for the hosts with Hamilton once again tormenting Pearce down right-hand side. Only a brilliant defensive tackle from Liam Morrison diverted the ball away from Rhodes adding a second goal.

Latics should’ve been level soon afterwards as Humphrys broke down the right-hand side and fed Charlie Wyke who cut the ball back to the on-rushing Lang, but the striker saw his effort saved by Grimshaw. From the follow up McManaman had a goal disallowed for offside.

At the other end Hamilton continued to threaten setting up Albie Morgan to strike from just inside the box, but Tickle once again came to Latics rescue.

Maloney introduced substitutes Jonny Smith and James Balagizi for McManaman and Sean Clare but it was Tickle again performing heroics as he got down low to push away a curling Hamilton strike.

Maloney introduced Magennis from the bench as Latics continued to put the Seasiders’ defence under pressure and they drew level in the 89th minute.

Humphrys dinked a delightful ball into the far post, and Magennis rose highest to head beyond Grimshaw.

Excited at the prospect of winning the game they pushed forward but were hit on the counter attack with Dougall tapping in a 94th minute winner for the hosts.

Latics lost Morrison to injury soon afterwards as their afternoon got worse.

Plenty of food for thought for Maloney as the club now go into a two week hiatus due to the international break.

Overview

Latics are a young team and very much a work in progress but several players seriously underperformed at Blackpool.

Without the controlling influence of Charlie Hughes the team struggled for any real cohesion.

Matt Smith wasn’t at his best and was unable to dictate the play which resulted in too much sideways and backwards passing.

Latics just lacked the ideas and creativity to break through the Blackpool formation. Lang, Wyke, Humphrys and McManaman all struggled to make any impact in the first half.

Tom Pearce had a dreadful game, completely out of sorts and was at fault in the build up to both goals. He allowed Hamilton to cross the ball unchallenged for the first goal and was caught out of position for the second.

Despite an improved second half by Latics, Blackpool had been the better team. If it was not for the heroics of goalkeeper Sam Tickle, who has been called up by England U21s this week, the Seasiders would have surely won by more.

Post match comments

Speaking after the game to the media Maloney said he was disappointed that he was unable to repay the sold-out away crowd with a positive result following the late heartbreak.

“It is devastating when you lose to a goal that late,” he said.

“It is really difficult for the players and supporters because they feel the emotion, especially after the high of equalising and then conceding.

“I am disappointed again that I can’t come here and give the Away support a win, or at least something to come back with.

“I can’t criticise the way we defended the box with the goal because Liam (Morrison) stayed on the pitch when he was injured.

“The biggest thing is that we wasted a half – and when we come to a big club in our league, we can’t just waste a half when a team gives us the ball.

“The reason we have the ball is to try and dictate the game on our terms and there were definitely moments when the space opened up, we have to be more aggressive.

“My mentality is that I want to win games, and that’s what we will spend the next couple of weeks focusing on.”

The Gaffer was appreciative of the fans staying until the final whistle, and spoke of his determination to win games of football for them.

“The goal in the last minute really hurts but that’s football.

“I really do appreciate the fans clapping in tough moments and I think they know where the Club is at but that doesn’t mean I accept getting beat. I’ll be working very hard to give the fans as many wins as we can – we all want it!”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com
Posted in Blackpool, Jordan Rhodes, Josh Magennis, Kenny Dougall, League One, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Review – Football And How to Survive It by Pat Nevin

Posted on August 30, 2023 by ianhaspinall

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…’

Few others have seen football from as many angles as Nevin. He was a top player, international, PFA chairman, a chief executive, served on boards, a columnist and TV and radio pundit.

Nevin’s memoir is unlike many footballers’ memoirs which concentrate on the high life, the successes, and dramas of being a professional footballer. He is far more insightful about the football industry and has much more to say than the average player.

He is not afraid to discuss the difficult times such as, the death from cancer of his mother, the premature death of his friend Tommy Coyne’s wife, and his own son’s autism.

Nevin enjoyed an eventful but enjoyable time at Tranmere under the stewardship of idiosyncratic manager Johnny King. Tranmere played attractive attacking football and went close to promotion to the Premier League on several occasions, but they couldn’t quite make the step-up to round off his time at Prenton Park.

When Nevin returns to Scotland he joins Kilmarnock under manager Bobby Williamson. Everything goes well until he suffers a compressed fracture of the cheek bone in training. Kilmarnock achieve a fourth-place finish in the SPL and qualify for Europe, but the Directors of the club don’t honour their commitment to give the players bonuses and Nevin is rightly upset.

He is offered the opportunity to take over as CEO at Motherwell while continuing playing. It is the first such role in British football at the time. It is inevitably very demanding, especially as he has a long commute from his family.

Despite owner John Boyle’s initial enthusiasm, financial problems begin to mount, and the club is soon £4.4m in debt. The off-the-field problems, player conflicts, and media attacks are recounted as well as Nevin’s earnestness and remarkable honesty.

For example, during a game against St Johnstone Nevin trips over his own foot in the box and the referee awards a penalty. But Nevin tells the referee it wasn’t a penalty, and it isn’t awarded much to the shock of the players around him.

Motherwell finish fourth in the SPL as they beat Rangers 2-0 in Nevin’s last ever game, but he is asked to break up the team in the close season to alleviate the financial problems. He also has the difficult task of sacking manager Billy Davies when inevitably the following season’s results aren’t good enough.

The ownership has broken all their promises to Nevin, and they put the club into administration despite all his best efforts to find another solution.

He leaves with his head held high with his love of the game still intact and quotes American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, who famously said, ‘God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.’

Nevin has managed to provide a deep insight into the workings of professional football in Britain. It is a remarkable story and thoroughly recommended if you want to know how football really operates.

Football And How to Survive It by Pat Nevin. Published by Monoray. Price £15.30.

This review first appeared in the September/October 2023 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Posted in Football Book Reviews, Kilmarnock, Late Tackle magazine, Motherwell, Pat Nevin, Tranmere Rovers | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Tremendous Tics trounce Trotters – Bolton Wanderers 0 Wigan Athletic 4

Posted on August 21, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Stephen Humphrys grabbed a double. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic

  • Wigan Athletic enjoyed a tremendous away day as they stunned local rivals Bolton Wanderers with a 4-0 victory at the unfortunately named Toughsheet Stadium.
  • Latics were rampant in the opening half as first striker Charlie Wyke headed home on 12 minutes before Stephen Humphrys slotted the second after Callum Lang’s shot was parried by keeper Nathan Baxter in the 24th minute, and in first half stoppage time Humphrys added his second and Latics’ third.
  • Bolton enjoyed plenty of possession but failed get past keeper Sam Tickle and a resolute Latics defence.
  • Wyke added his second and Latics fourth goal in the 75th minute as they completed a spectacular rout of their opponents.
  • Latics have now wiped out their eight-point deduction and are on plus two points and sit in 19th place in the League One table. Bolton drop to second place after four games played.

Shaun Maloney made two changes to the starting eleven who drew with Carlisle United in midweek. Kell Watts came in for Liam Morrison whilst Humphrys was recalled to the team in place of the injured Thelo Aasgaard. 

Latics started brightly and created early pressure resulting in an early goal for Wyke. Tom Pearce’s corner found Wyke at the back post and he calmly headed into the corner of the net.

The Trotters looked for an instant response, but Tickle palmed away an early opportunity for the hosts.

But it was Latics who added to their lead on 24 minutes. Lang pressed forward winning the ball high up the field, he drove forward before firing a low strike which goalkeeper Baxter palmed into the path of Humphrys who made no mistake with the follow up.

At the other end Dan Nlundulu got on the end of Aaron Morley’s cross, but his effort was straight at Tickle. Nlundulu then tried his luck from inside the box but Tickle was again able to save.

As the match moved into first half stoppage time Latics sealed their first half dominance with a third goal. Lang broke free of a static Bolton backline before firing a shot at goal which was saved by the keeper, but Humphrys was again the man on the spot as he grabbed his second goal and Latics third. Latics fans were in Dreamland now, 3-0 to the Tics at half-time.

Early in the second half the hosts had an opportunity to get a goal back as the ball fell kindly to Josh Dacres-Cogley inside the box, but he somehow missed the target.

Ian Evatt’s team tried desperately to get a foothold but Latics defence were resolute.

Scott Smith and Liam Morrison replaced Callum McManaman and Humphrys on 67 minutes. 

Morrison was soon in the action and he came to Latics rescue on 70 minutes as he blocked superbly from Mendes Gomes in the box.

Despite Wanderers pressure Latics always looked dangerous on the counter attack and Wyke added a fourth goal on 75 minutes.  

The powerful striker added his fifth goal of the season when he drove forward and fired at the Wanderers goal and although keeper Baxter got a hand to it, he could not stop it from finding the back of the net. More joy for the travelling 4,000 Latics fanatics!

The Trotters had a chance for a late consolation through Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, but his effort flew wide before Baba Adeeko fired a speculative effort towards goal from near the right corner flag which Baxter did well to palm away from under his crossbar.

Cameron Jerome came off the bench for Bolton had a header hit the roof of the net late on but Latics held out fairly comfortably for a memorable 4-0 victory. The result was a repeat of the last time Latics played in Bolton, winning 4-0 on 16th October 2021.

Overview

This was a very impressive performance by Maloney’s young team. Not only did they produce some excellent football they were also very determined and fully committed to overcome a team who were one of the League One favourites, and had started the season with three wins out of three.

Bolton were without their top scorer Dion Charles due to suspension, but Latics won many of the 50/50 challenges and outfought a seemingly more experienced Bolton squad.

Latics had failed to be clinical against Carlisle United in midweek and this had resulted in two lost points, but on Saturday they were ruthless in their finishing with Wyke and Humphrys grabbing a couple of goals each.

It’s likely that Latics will need someone to get around 20 goals this season if they are to mount a serious promotion challenge, but on this form a reinvigorated Wyke who already has five goals, could be the man to do it. 

This young team is getting better week-by-week and expectations for the season are growing amongst the fanbase. It is still early days in League One but the prospect of reaching the playoffs doesn’t look beyond them.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Shaun Maloney couldn’t hide his delight after an unbelievable result and performance. 

“It was outstanding,”he smiled.

“To a man, and the substitutes, I thought the team was brilliant. The players were brave, and Bolton are a good side.

“We made a decision to go really aggressive and the players deserve every bit of credit for that. From the first whistle to the last, I thought they were excellent. 

“I hope the fans enjoy every single bit of this. 

“I have to be humble because Bolton are a good team and started very well. We were very good.

“To come here with the amount of Academy players we have, new players, and the age of group, it’s a completely different Club. To come here again and have a result like this is special.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Bolton Wanderers, Charlie Wyke, League One, Shaun Maloney, Stephen Humphrys, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Latics left rueing missed chances – Carlisle United 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on August 16, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Charlie Wyke finished with great aplomb

  • Wigan Athletic were held to a 1-1 draw with Carlisle United at Brunton Park in a game which they had controlled for long periods.
  • Charlie Wyke gave Latics the lead with a sublime finish after an excellent driving run and pass from midfielder Baba Adeeko on 34 minutes.
  • Latics should have added to their lead but Wyke hit the crossbar with another effort and Charlie Hughes headed against the post in a one-sided first half.
  • Carlisle drew level on 56 minutes after Matt Smith was dispossessed and Sean Maguire’s deflected shot fell to Owen Moxon who converted from close range.
  • The Cumbrians grew in confidence and posed more of a threat, however it was Latics Callum Lang and substitute Stephen Humphrys who had the best chances but the points were shared.
  • Latics remain unbeaten but are still on minus one point. Carlisle have two points and are in 19th place in the League One table.

Manager Shaun Maloney made two changes from Saturday’s victory against Northampton with Adeeko and Callum McManaman replacing Scott Smith and Stephen Humphrys in the starting line-up.

Latics enjoyed plenty of early possession and Sean Clare almost played in Wyke after only six minutes but the defender’s cross went across the six-yard box and evaded the big striker.

Lang drove forward on 11 minutes and fired wide of the target from 25-yards out. Soon afterwards McManaman tried his luck from the edge of the area but his strike was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Tomas Holy.

On 13 minutes Thelo Aasgaard threatened with a curling strike from 20-yards which just cleared the crossbar.

The visitors were dominating possession with Matt Smith and Adeeko controlling the midfield and playing some progressive passing football. The hosts were struggling to gain any meaningful possession and were lacking any goal threat.

Latics nearly went in front on 29 minutes when Tom Pearce’s dangerous cross found Wyke in the centre of the area but his downward shot was deflected onto the crossbar and over for a corner.

The visitors did go ahead five minutes later after a superb flowing move. Adeeko picked the ball up deep in his own half and drove forward before playing a slide-rule pass into Wyke who cleverly dinked the ball over the advancing keeper for a great finish.

They might have doubled their lead on 42 minutes when Pearce’s in-swinging free-kick was headed powerfully downwards by Hughes and against the post.

Carlisle’s first chance of the game came in the 48th minute when a deep cross found Ryan Edmondson at the back post but his header missed the target.

1-0 to Latics at half time.

Early in the second half the visitors should have added to their lead when Adeeko down the right did well to cut the ball back to Aasgaard, but the midfielder’s side-footed strike produced an excellent save from Carlisle keeper Holy. 

But against the run of play the hosts drew level on 56 minutes. Matt Smith was dispossessed and  Maguire’s deflected strike fell to Moxon in the area and the midfielder made no mistake from close range.

It was suddenly game on and now it was the hosts who looked the more dangerous. Carlisle upped their game and Tickle was forced to save at the back post.

Maloney replaced McManaman and Wyke with Stephen Humphrys and Josh Magennis on 70 minutes.

Humphrys broke free on 79 minutes and might have squared the ball to the well placed Lang in the area but instead fired wide of the far post.

Lang then a great chance on 81 minutes to restore Latics’ lead when Humphrys and Magennis combined to play him through into the box, but the striker fired over from a good position.

Latics continued to push forward in ten minutes of added time, but they couldn’t get the all important winner to move out of negative points and they remain on minus one point after three games.  

Overview

Latics can take many positives from an excellent first half in which they played attractive football and created some great chances. Matt Smith was once again central to Latics system under Maloney and his link up play is generally of the highest quality. Baba Adeeko also had a very promising full debut and was instrumental in Wyke’s goal. 

However, overall Latics they didn’t capitalise on their first half dominance and they wasted several good goalscoring opportunities. They really should have been out of sight by half time after creating such good opportunities. Wyke hit the crossbar and Hughes headed against the post and even in the second half Aasgaard, Lang and Humphrys all had great opportunities to seal the points.

Wyke has three goals already but Latics other strikers need to start scoring if they are to challenge this season. Although this was a point gained, it can also be seen as two points lost in a game that they had controlled for such long periods.

Latics will have to be more clinical in front of goal in the local derby against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday if they are to take all three points.

Post match comments 

Speaking afterwards, Shaun Maloney said

“The first half is as good a performance as I’ve had since I’ve been here.” 

“My only criticism is when we are that good, we have to put teams away. In the second half, it was a proper game and that’s what happens if you don’t put teams away.

“I actually enjoyed a lot of today – and it’s probably as good as we’ve played. The first half was as good as anything I’ve seen.

“I was desperate to win the game for obvious reasons to come out of minus points, but I’m very happy with how we played.”

Baba Adeeko played a key role in Wyke’s opener following a wonderful run from deep, and the Gaffer was full of praise for the Academy graduate who certainly impressed on his first full league debut. 

“Baba was outstanding – especially considering it was his first start. The pass for Charlie’s goal was very good.

“Charlie Wyke is playing at a very good level at the moment, and I’m asking a lot of him. Charlie ran himself into the ground and the quality he shows has been good. It was a very good night for Baba, and it’s the first of hopefully many.”

Thelo Aasgaard was sadly forced off through a shoulder injury in the Sky Bet League One encounter, and Maloney provided an update on the Norwegian youth international’s condition after the game. 

“It doesn’t look good, Thelo is in a lot of pain. It’s a shame because he is a top player in this league and the leagues above elsewhere. I hope it’s not as bad as we fear.

“It’s a shoulder injury. He fell really awkwardly and it’s a shame. We’ll see how he is.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Carlisle United, Charlie Wyke, League One, Owen Moxon, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

McManaman magic turns it around for the Tics – Wigan Athletic 2 Northampton Town 1

Posted on August 14, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Callum McManaman celebrates his goal. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic

  • Wigan Athletic made it two wins out of two in League One with a 2-1 victory against Northampton Town at the DW Stadium.
  • Northampton started well and the hosts trailed to Sam Hoskins superbly executed free-kick on 24 minutes.
  • Latics rallied in the second half when manager Shaun Maloney introduced substitute Callum McManaman on 55 minutes.
  • The hosts drew level when Tom Pearce’s corner was headed in at the back post by Charlie Hughes.
  • Latics secured a deserved victory when McManaman cut inside before unleashing a sublime strike into the top corner from 20 yards on 79 minutes.
  • Latics move to minus two points after their two League wins and the Cobblers are yet win.

Maloney made just one change to the line-up that defeated Derby County on the opening day with Scott Smith coming in for his first Latics league start.

Latics started slowly and Northampton could have been ahead after only two minutes. Will Hondermarck’s strike from the left side of the box hit Sam Tickle’s near post. The rebound came to Patrick Brough, but his shot was well blocked and cleared by Charlie Hughes.

At the other end captain Callum Lang crossed for the arriving Charlie Wyke who was inches away from tapping the ball home.

Wyke then went down in the box following a push after good play from Stephen Humphrys but referee Ross Joyce was unmoved.

The visitors were ahead on 24 minutes when Mitch Pinnock went down on the edge of the box following a challenge from Matt Smith and Hoskins curled a superb free-kick over the wall and into the top corner.

Latics tried to get back on level terms and Humphrys cross was flicked towards goal by Scott Smith, but wide of the target.

Humphrys later tried his luck when he cut inside, but his shot drifted just wide. Matt Smith then had an effort just wide of Max Thompson’s far post.

Latics were enjoying the Lion’s share of possession but the visitors were dangerous on the counter through Tyreece Simpson.

The Huddersfield loanee found Hoskins, but Sean Clare did well to block before Hondermarck then fired an effort from 25 yards just wide.

Latics began the second half strongly and Maloney introduced McManaman for Smith on 55 minutes.

The hosts surged forward and Clare fed Humphrys and as he cut inside he fired a powerful effort which was pushed away by Thompson. The ball came back in from McManaman, but Lang’s header was just wide of the target.

Maloney withdrew centre back Liam Morrison and brought on striker Chris Sze in a more attacking formation and it quickly paid dividends as Latics were level on 72 minutes when Hughes headed in at the back post from Pearce’s corner.

The Cobblers almost restored their lead and Latics had a lucky escape on 79 minutes as Brough’s shot from close range was narrowly wide of the post.

But moments later it was FA Cup winner McManaman who produced a fairytale finish to give Latics the three points when he cut inside three defenders and curled a sublime shot into the far corner.

Charlie Wyke almost added a third when he hit the post following a cross but the game ended 2-1 as Latics sealed back-to-back League victories and reduced the points deficit to minus two.

Overview

Despite a rocky opening period when Latics looked vulnerable against Northampton, it was a fairytale ending to the game as Maloney’s men came back from 1-0 down to win 2-1. With FA Cup winner McManaman returning to the club and producing a superb winning goal with his baby girl at her first game at the DW Stadium.

McManaman has had a rollercoaster career so far after the highs of winning the FA Cup with Latics. After time in Australia with Melbourne Victory he was released by Tranmere Rovers and spent six months out of the game, but he has now returned reinvigorated under Shaun Maloney’s guidance.

Everyone knows Callum is a fantastic talent and that he is capable of great things but he must now stay fit, push on and make this a very special season to remember.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney said:

“There were a lot of positives – and I am so happy.

“They’ve turned up today, and for a very young group, they’ve shown they are ready to fight for them (the fans) and you could sense that something special is happening. Long may it continue! 

“It’s a huge effort from our fans. I appreciate them singing my name at the end. Whether we win, lose or draw, I will always clap them, and they are the motivation for me, the staff and the players.” 

The manager reserved special praise for the match-winner McManaman, who enjoyed a fantastic return to the DW Stadium by scoring the stunning winner.

“It’s an incredible day for him,” he smiled.

“It’s an incredible story with Callum, and every bit of praise he gets today, he deserves it. He’s earned the opportunity to play at this level, and he’s worked incredibly hard. I couldn’t be happier for Callum!”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

 

Posted in Callum McManaman, Charlie Hughes, League One, Northampton Town, Sam Hoskins, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Maloney’s young Tics upset the odds – Derby County 1 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on August 6, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Latics celebrate. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic

  • A youthful Wigan Athletic side shocked League One promotion favourites Derby County with a deserved 2-1 victory at Pride Park.
  • Latics went ahead on 37 minutes when Charlie Wyke capitalised on a mistake by Sonny Bradley before rounding the keeper and slotting the ball home.
  • Derby drew level on 56 minutes when a deflected cross found Craig Forsyth at the back post and the full-back volleyed into the net.
  • The visitors restored their advantage on 72 minutes when Wyke rose above goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith and headed Tom Pearce’s deep cross into the net.
  • Despite late Derby pressure and 11 minutes of added time, Latics held on for a great opening day result.

Latics started well and had a great chance to go ahead after only two minutes. A crossfield ball from Charlie Hughes to Stephen Humphrys saw him feed Thelo Aasgaard who pulled the ball back, but nobody could make the vital contact in the area.

Seven minutes in and Derby had their first chance. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s miss-hit shot came to James Collins free in the box, but Sam Tickle did well to tip the ball around the post.

Derby were now growing into the game and from the resulting corner, Bradley headed just wide from a great position. Forsyth then fired wide from the edge of the box as pressure mounted.

But on 14 minutes Latics’ had a great chance to go ahead. Callum McManaman beat his man and crossed for captain Callum Lang but the striker headed over from a great position.

At the other end Tickle was alert as he tipped Max Bird’s shot around the post.

Latics responded and from a clever corner Humphrys set up Aasgaard on the edge of the box and the midfielder curled a superb effort just over from 25 yards out.

The visitors were ahead on 37 mins after a mistake from Bradley allowed Wyke to run free and the striker calmly rounded the keeper to convert the chance.

Just before half time it should have been two. Wyke produced a lovely pass which played Lang through one-on-one, but the striker was denied by the goalkeeper Wildsmith.

Derby went close to a leveller right from the restart. A free-kick from the right found Forsyth at the back post, but his cut-back went right into the hands of Tickle on the goal line.

But the hosts drew level on 56 minutes. A deflected cross found Forsyth at the back post and he volleyed past Tickle.

Derby smelled an opportunity but Latics held firm. Tickle was again excellent as he made an instinctive save with his legs to deny James Collins.

Against the run of play Latics were back in front on 72 minutes. Tom Pearce produced a superb deep cross right on to the head of Wyke who beat the keeper Wildsmith to send the travelling 2,000 Tics fans into raptures.

Maloney sensibly decided to strengthen the midfield and defence as Baba Adeeko, Scott Smith and Kell Watts came on for the final minutes of the game.

Derby forced a succession of late corners, but despite 11 minutes of added time Latics held on for a deserved three points against the promotion favourites.

Overview

Manager Shaun Maloney has done remarkably well to rebuild the squad after the club nearly went out of business and lost so many players. He has already instilled an attractive style of football into his players. His young team is comfortable playing out from the back, they are remarkably composed on the ball and mature beyond their years. 

Latics had a youthful starting line-up at Derby with an average age of 24-years-old and with mainly academy graduates on the bench. 

Maloney has brought in eight new signings in the close season and four started at Derby and they they have fitted in so well already with Matt Smith particularly impressive in the midfield.

Other stand out performers were Academy products Tickle, Hughes and Aasgaard and the rejuvenated striker Wyke.

It must be a tremendous boost for the club to have Wyke lead the line so well and score two excellent goals. The former Sunderland striker has had the difficult task of rebuilding his career after suffering a cardiac arrest.

It is still very early days and Latics still have to overcome the minus five point deduction, but the future is certainly looking very bright.

Post match comments

Speaking to the media afterwards, Maloney said:

“It was a brilliant result, and the performance had everything,” he smiled.

“At times in the first half, we were very good on the ball, and we didn’t take a step back and tried to play at times. 

“In the second half, they were good and came at us, and we had to suffer. I’m delighted – that’s what Charlie Wyke brings – and we saw a proper team there in the end.

“We had real heart and desire to not concede and I loved a lot of today.”

The 2,000-plus travelling Tics were incredible from start to finish, making a huge difference from the stands as Latics enjoyed a perfect start to the new season.

Maloney more than appreciated the energy levels generated by the away support and is hoping to create many more memories like today in the months to come.

“This one meant a lot and going over to the fans at the end meant a lot. It’s a start and hopefully, we’ve got a few more memories like this to make.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

 

Whoscored.com notes

Posted in Charlie Wyke, Craig Forsyth, Derby County, League One, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Wigan Athletic pre-season preview – ‘You can’t win anything with kids’

Posted on August 2, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Thelo Aasgaard expected to shine

In August 1995, Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen criticised then Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson with a comment that went down in football folklore.

Hansen was speaking after Ferguson’s young side lost to Aston Villa on the opening day of the 1995-96 season.

United went on to win the Premier League and FA Cup that season with a team whose average age was 26-years-old.

Could Latics re-shaped and youthful squad have a similarly successful season in League One?

After last season’s relegation and financial difficulties under Phoenix 2021, manager Shaun Maloney has had to transform the squad into a more youthful profile.

The former Scottish international and assistant to Roberto Martinez at the Belgium national team is a great tactician and has already managed to create a positive feeling around the club for the forthcoming season.

Maloney wants to play a more attractive style of football which will rely on the energy and skills of younger players rather than an older age profile. It may take a while for the players to settle into the style but the desire to play football in this way will certainly appeal to the fans.

Signings and Loans

The eight new signings and loans have an average age of 23 and that includes 32-year-old Callum McManaman.

20-year-old Scottish centre-back Liam Morrison was signed on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich. The Scotland Under-21 player started out at Celtic but was recruited by Bayern and has played regularly for their B team.

Liam Morrison Wigan Athletic

Liam Morrison on loan from Bayern Munich

25-year-old former Burton Albion winger Jonny Smith signed permanently after making 77 appearances for the Brewers scoring nine goals.

Matt Smith, a 22-year-old midfielder from Arsenal signed permanently for Latics on a three-year contract after loan spells at Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic and Doncaster Rovers.

26-year-old versatile defender Sean Clare has made over 200 appearances in the EFL and was a free agent after leaving Charlton Athletic this summer has signed on a three-year deal.

19-year-old attacking midfielder James Balagizi signed from Premier League Liverpool for a season-long loan.

Balagizi is an England youth international who enjoyed a successful loan spell with League Two side Crawley Town last season.

22-year-old midfielder Liam Shaw signed for a season-long loan from Celtic. Shaw had a good loan spell with Morecambe, where he played over 30 games for the Shrimps.

23-year-old defender Kell Watts returns for his second loan spell at Latics after playing 35 games in the 2021/22 title winning season.

The Newcastle United youth product was on loan at Peterborough last season, although he had to overcome injuries which ruled him out for large parts of the year.

Watts, who had previous loan spells in League Two with Stevenage and Mansfield Town, before a move to Plymouth Argyle in 2021/22 where he made 50 appearances.

The only exception to Latics’ young recruitment profile has been McManaman. The Latics FA Cup winner will be attempting to resurrect his career after time in Australia and being released by Tranmere Rovers.

Academy products

Latics already have some excellent young players in Charlie Hughes, 19, and Thelo Aasgaard, 21, who have signed extended deals and are expected to shine in League One. Highly promising goalkeeper Sam Tickle, 21, will challenge for the Number One slot with Ben Amos.

While Academy players Scott Smith, Chris Sze, Josh Stones, Joe Adams, Baba Adeeko, Abdulrahman Sharif, Luke Brennan, Ethan Mitchell, Youssef Chentouf, James Carragher and Harry McHugh will all be looking to break into the starting line-up.

With Gregor Rioch in charge, the Latics Academy has paid dividends in the past and there is no reason to believe that it won’t continue to do so in the future.

Despite the emphasis on youth there is no doubt that Maloney will also require a few experienced heads. Jason Kerr will be returning from a long injury and the Republic of Ireland international James McClean will probably captain the team.

It’s fair to say that Latics are missing a prolific goalscorer after Will Keane’s departure to PNE. Charlie Wyke has not yet proved that he is fully fit, and Callum Lang, Stephen Humphrys and Josh Magennis will need to improve their goal contribution.

The departure of defender Jack Whatmough was disappointing but after the off-the-field revelations it was perhaps best for all parties that Whatmough left the club.

The eight-point deduction will certainly prove a handicap, but Latics are still capable of challenging for the play-offs. Even if they don’t make the play-offs this time, the future looks bright with a great crop of youngsters and a very good manager in charge.

Posted in League One, Shaun Maloney, Thelo Aasgaard, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Summer Reading 2023 – The Best Football Books

Posted on June 30, 2023 by ianhaspinall

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: How To Watch Football – 52 Rules for Understanding the Beautiful Game, On and Off the Pitch by Tifo

This handy football primer, produced by Tifo the YouTube channel, is designed to help everyone understand what is happening both on and off the pitch. From ‘don’t watch the ball’ and ‘why corners are less effective than you think’, to ‘how transfer fees can be misleading’ and ‘how to spot sportswashing’, these are Tifo’s fifty-two rules.

Review – Inshallah United: A Story of Faith and Football by Nooruddean Choudry

Inshallah United is an unusual and entertaining memoir about a football loving British-born Pakistani living in North Manchester. Nooruddean Choudry is a Muslim, Manchester United supporting, Morrissey-loving, Maggie Thatcher-hating, working-class Mancunian. Growing up in the late 1980s and 90s as a devout Muslim and Stretford Ender Nooruddean has many out-of-the-ordinary experiences. He is praying five times a day while also worshipping his heroes such as Andrei Kanchelskis, Norman Whiteside, and Eric Cantona at Old Trafford.

Review – Pantomime Hero Jimmy Armfield: Memories of the man who lifted Leeds after Brian Clough by Ian Ridley.

Pantomime hero is the first book in the Football Shorts series, which is a new collaboration between Pitch Publishing and Ian Ridley’s Floodlit Dreams Company. Journalist and author Ridley provides us with some charming, nostalgic, and heart-warming stories about Jimmy Armfield the former Blackpool and England full back who became an acclaimed broadcaster.

Review – The Game: Player. Pundit. Fan by Micah Richards

The former Manchester City and England defender-turned-broadcaster Micah Richards has produced an upbeat and entertaining read. Richards’ career highlights include winning the FA Cup and the Premier League title, as well as becoming the youngest ever defender to represent England, but after a career-ending injury he had to create a new life for himself.

Review: The Longest Winter – A Season with England’s Worst Ever Football Team by Mark Hodkinson

Mark Hodkinson returns to the familiar territory of his previous books with the story of Rochdale’s worst ever season. This time he contextualises the football club’s struggles with the economic and social turmoil of the early 1970’s. In 1973/74 Rochdale were in the Third Division (now League One) and under a new manager Walter Joyce. Joyce’s plan was to use only young players during the season, but it massively backfired with the club winning only twice in 46 league matches.

Review: The Silence of the Stands – Finding Joy in Football’s Lost Season by Daniel Gray

Daniel Gray already has a collection of critically acclaimed football books, but this is another gem worthy of your attention. ‘The Silence of the Stands’ is partly football during lockdown, part travelogue, part social and economic history of Northern England and Scotland. Gray’s travels provide a snapshot of our national game during Covid, the period from September 2020 to May 2021. He once again enthralls with his football centred lyrical prose. ‘Football was available again, but it had become hard to track down, a kind of prohibition pursuit where football grounds were speakeasies and Bovril was our Moonshine.’

Review: Two Brothers – The Life and Times of Bobby and Jackie Charlton by Jonathan Wilson

‘Two Brothers’ is not only an inspiring story about two of the most famous footballing brothers, but it is also about late twentieth-century English football and the changes that were taking place. Jonathan Wilson traces the incredible lives of Bobby and Jackie Charlton from their childhood working class roots through to their battles with dementia.

Posted in Book Reviews, Daniel Gray, Football Book Reviews, Ian Ridley, Jonathan Wilson, Mark Hodkinson, Micah Richards, Nooruddean Choudry, Tifo, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Review – Inshallah United: A Story of Faith and Football by Nooruddean Choudry

Posted on June 20, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Inshallah United is an unusual and entertaining memoir about a football loving British-born Pakistani living in North Manchester. Nooruddean Choudry is a Muslim, Manchester United supporting, Morrissey-loving, Maggie Thatcher-hating, working-class Mancunian.

Growing up in the late 1980s and 90s as a devout Muslim and Stretford Ender Nooruddean has many out-of-the-ordinary experiences. He is praying five times a day while also worshipping his heroes such as Andrei Kanchelskis, Norman Whiteside, and Eric Cantona at Old Trafford.

His early experiences of visiting the ground are well described, “Old Trafford was two buses away but was like visiting a different country. Or a different reality inside the pages of a book. Arriving at the ground was strangely exotic considering the weather was just as shite and it was beside an industrial estate. Every smell, sight and sound was so in-your-face and intense. Fanzine sellers sporadically bellowing over the crowd; the deliciously greasy smell of burgers and onions frying from van to van; even the rumbling noise of such a mass of excited people crammed into one space was an assault on the senses.”

There are several top five lists such as his top five pretend Uncles; top five players I wish United had signed; top five favourite United players from the 1990s; top five desi stereotypes that are actually true (Disclaimer #notallAsians); top five favourite 1990s movies; top five songs that made me feel like I was the main character in a film on the 135 bus; top five common fallacies about Muslims etc.

Nooruddean’s enjoyment of football is offset by his struggles growing up and his father’s lectures about using his time more productively. He struggles to fit into mainstream society and when he wins a place at Bury Grammar School he moves away from his friends and finds Grammar school life challenging.

The memoir provides an illuminating insight into working-class Muslim family life. His father’s premature death at the age of only 56 was an especially difficult time for Nooruddean.

“You lose people you couldn’t imagine living without and find others who make the time before them seem meaningless. But there are always constants. For me, these are my faith, my family and sad as it seems, football. These are things that keep you centred and sane. In the immediate aftermath of my dad dying, I cared more about football, not less.”

If there is a criticism of the book it is that there is not quite as much about Manchester United as I had expected. However, this doesn’t detract from it being an authentic account of growing up as a working-class, football loving Muslim. Inshallah United is a charming, witty, and engaging memoir that deserves your attention.

Inshallah United – A Story of Faith and Football by Nooruddean Choudry. Published by Harper North. Price £16.99.

This review first appeared in the July/August 2023 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Posted in Book Reviews, Football Book Reviews, Late Tackle magazine, Manchester United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment