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

An emotional end to Latics’ tragic season – Wigan Athletic 0 Rotherham United 0

Posted on May 10, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Shaun Maloney managing in very difficult circumstances

  • Following a fifth late payment of wages Wigan Athletic’s depleted first team played out a goalless draw with Rotherham United at the DW Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday.
  • Latics had eight academy players taking the pitch during the game and handed league debuts to 21-year-old goalkeeper Sam Tickle and Anthony Scully.
  • With several players playing out of position the hosts struggled for early cohesion but were able to keep the scores level.
  • There were some promising displays by Latics Academy graduates with third choice goalkeeper Tickle particularly impressive.
  • Latics finish rock bottom of the table after an horrendous season characterised by the damaging decisions of Phoenix 2021. Rotherham finish in 19th place.

Shaun Maloney made six changes to his team and a number of his starting XI were, to their credit, playing without receiving their April salaries.

Rotherham had the first attempt at goal after eight minutes as Tariqe Fosu fired a low strike at which Tickle did well to push away to safety.

Latics first opportunity came after 18 minutes as James McClean crossed for Thelo Aasgaard, but his effort from 10 yards out was right at the Rotherham keeper Viktor Johansson.

The previously rarely seen Scully was looking a threat for the Tics but it was the visitors who next went close.

Tom Pearce gave the ball away in a dangerous area, but Jordan Hugill’s effort was blocked and then well saved by Tickle.

Aasgaard had the first effort of the second half six minutes after the break as he hit a shot from 25 yards, but his effort was well blocked.

At the other end Hugill dragged his shot wide before Tickle once again did well to palm a ball out from under his own crossbar following a dangerous cross from the left which looked like it was going in.

Young striker Chris Sze replaced Steven Caulker on the hour mark for his league debut and he was close to putting Callum Lang through on goal.

Tickle continued to impress in Latics’ goal and on 65 minutes as palmed away Domingos Quina’s 25-yard free-kick before Aasgaard had Latics’ best chance so far as he met Lang’s deep cross with a header, but unfortunately it was straight at Johansson.

Abdi Sharif replaced Scully on 69 minutes for his full Latics debut and he was straight into the action as he laid the ball off for Pearce to find McClean with a cross, but he fired over.

Rekik was then close to getting his first Latics goal as his header at the back post following a Lang free-kick was tipped wide before Aasgaard was involved again as his 30-yard curling effort was again saved by Johansson.

From the resulting corner, the ball found its way to Christ Tiehi outside the area, but his effort just missed the top corner. Lang then tried his luck from 30 yards, but again Johansson saved comfortably.

Charlie Hughes then had a shot saved from 25 yards before another debutant, wing-back Youssef Chentouf replaced Rekik on 88 minutes for his first Latics appearance and Scott Smith replaced Christ Tiehi.

The game ended goalless with both sides having to settle for a point. Rotherham will remain in the Championship for next season while Latics will drop back to League One after some disastrous off-the-field mistakes by Phoenix 2021. 

Overview

This was an emotional end to a tragic season for Latics. Chairman Talal Al Hammad and owner Abdulrahman Al Jasmi must take responsibility for the shambolic decisions which have contributed to the relegation.

Several players coming to the end of their contracts understandably decided not to play against Rotherham, and at the time of going to press (Wednesday am) they have still not been paid.

The failure to pay the players on time for a fifth occasion could lead to further action from the EFL. A possible points deduction that could be damaging for next season’s campaign.

The players, management and fans have been treated disgracefully this season and the owners must now honour their commitments or sell up.

These are extremely challenging times for Wigan Athletic and everyone associated with the club will be hoping for a speedy resolution so that the club can move forward. 

Final Championship Table

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Maloney gave special credit to all of the young Academy prospects – in addition to several senior players who commendably took the field without receiving pay.

“I thought Rotherham were slightly better than us in the first half, but in the second half, I loved how the team played,” he said.

“In the second half, I really liked our performance – I just wish we would’ve taken one of our chances and won the game for everyone. 

“During what’s been a difficult few days, there have been some big positives with the younger players. 

“Some of the younger players came on and made a big difference – (including Abdi Sharif and Chris Sze). I loved what Sam Tickle produced today.

“On top of that, what some of the senior players have done today – I’ll be forever grateful to them. 

“We had five players in that team who hadn’t been paid, so massive credit has to go to them. 

“I have to also mention that this has happened before, and we played Watford and Coventry City with senior players who weren’t here today doing the exact same.

“Let’s not forget them – they’ve been outstanding at times, and what that group of players have given me, my staff and the supporters – I’ll never forget.”

While it has undoubtedly been a tough season for everyone connected with the Football Club, one consistent theme throughout the 2022/23 campaign has been the outstanding support of the Latics faithful from the stands.

Maloney expressed his gratitude towards the supporters for their backing since he returned to the DW Stadium, describing them as a ‘credit to the Football Club’.

“It was a really positive day for them,” he said.

“They are a huge credit to the Football Club – and it’s an honour to be their Manager. It’s been an up and down three months – and they’ve been amazing for me.

“I cannot thank the fans enough, and I hear every time they sing. I want to clap them every time, but I have to concentrate on the game.

“It means the world to me, and I work extremely hard to try and make them happy. I just crave the stability of this Club for them.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Abdulrahman Al Jasmi, Championship, Phoenix 2021 Limited, Rotherham United, Shaun Maloney, Talal Al Hammad, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

Posted on May 2, 2023 by ianhaspinall

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.

Ridley states, “In all my time around the sport, whenever Jimmy’s name came up, I never heard a single bad word spoken about him by anyone. Some achievement in a sport of politics and personalities, intrigue, and insecurity.”

Ridley was a close friend of Armfield, and he tells us of the time when he took over as manager at Leeds United after Brian Clough’s ill-fated 44 days and came up with a unique idea to restore the morale of a club tearing itself apart.

Somewhat bizarrely to get the team back on its feet and restore morale he decided to write a pantomime for the players based around Cinderella. Surprisingly the players chucked themselves into it with enthusiasm.

Paul Reaney said, “Jimmy was a clever man. He told me when he arrived that I was the best right-back in the country and I could get back into the England side. And he told me I was going to be the best Prince Charming.”

The pantomime was a big success and “…it also serves the purpose of distilling the essence of Jimmy. Benign and affable, yes, but shrewd and strategic too. All carried off with aplomb and with none resenting him. He took people with him by engaging them rather than bullying them.”

Armfield restored success to Leeds on the field and took them to the European Cup Final against Bayern Munich in 1975. Unfortunately, Leeds were beaten 2-0 in Paris against a backdrop of crowd trouble. But they had been denied by some very dubious refereeing decisions.

Armfield then had to gradually dismantle the side and after three seasons he heard Leeds were looking at other managers, so he resigned.

He was then able to create a successful career in the media. His work for BBC radio was so well liked that he became something of a national treasure. Ridley describes his radio work, “He was Lowryesque in painting pictures, with his honeyed, authoritative voice his brush: by contrast, many now are merely performing the equivalent of carving initials in trees with a kitchen knife.”  

In his later life Armfield struggled with cancer and he died in 2018 at the age of 82. But his legacy lives on and the impact he had on those that knew him is profound. Armfield’s beacon values of respect and decency will ever endure. This book is a fitting tribute to a wonderful man.

Pantomime Hero Jimmy Armfield: Memories of the man who lifted Leeds after Brian Clough by Ian Ridley. Published by Football Shorts. Price £9.99.

This review first appeared in the May/June 2023 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Posted in Book Reviews, Football Book Reviews, Ian Ridley, Late Tackle magazine | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Latics’ season of mismanagement ends in relegation – Reading 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on April 30, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Charlie Hughes scored his first goal for the Tics

  • Wigan Athletic were relegated from the Championship after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Reading.
  • Latics needed a victory to keep their season alive and took the lead through defender Charlie Hughes in the 81st minute but the Royals equalised in the 93rd minute through Yakou Meite.
  • Latics have one game remaining against Rotherham but they cannot now escape the drop to League One.
  • Reading are in 22nd place with one game remaining and are dependent on other teams results if they are to survive in the Championship.
  • Overall Latics’ season can be categorised as one of mismanagement by owners Phoenix 2021 whose mistakes have been the biggest factor in the relegation.

Shaun Maloney made one change to the starting XI that had defeated Millwall with Hughes replacing Omar Rekik in defence.

Reading made a bright start to the game and quickly pushed Latics onto the defensive. 

But it was Latics who had the first chance on seven minutes when Hughes volleyed wide of the target from a good position just outside the box.

On 21 minutes Tom McIntyre had a good opportunity for the hosts but he fired high and wide from the centre of the box.

The Royals were enjoying the lion’s share of possession in the first half but they were struggling to create any clear-cut opportunities until just before half-time when Lucas Joao’s header from the centre of the box was superbly saved by Jamie Jones.

0-0 at half-time and Maloney’s men would need to improve in the second half if they were to get the victory they so desperately needed. 

The visitors started the second half with much more energy and determination with James McClean volleying over in the first minute before Josh Magennis couldn’t quite get on the end of a Max Power cross and was injured in the process.

Daniel Sinani had to replace the injured Magennis on 51 minutes.

Christ Tiehi drove forward on 52 minutes beating a couple of the Royals defenders before blazing high over the crossbar form the edge of the box.

Thelo Aasgaard replaced Tiehi on 59 minutes as Latics went forward to try to gain the advantage. 

Joao went close for the hosts on 64 minutes when his right footed shot from the centre of the box just cleared the top left corner.  

Charlie Wyke replaced Ryan Nyambe on 71 minutes as Latics went in search of the breakthrough.

Callum Lang then had a glorious chance to open the scoring when McClean’s cross found him clear in the box but the striker fired straight at Reading keeper Joe Lumley from close range.

It was end-to-end stuff now as the Royals substitute Femi Azeez volleyed narrowly wide following a corner on 77 minutes.

But on 81 minutes Latics made the breakthrough when Hughes headed home from the edge of the six-yard box following McClean’s superb deep cross. There was much jubilation amongst the travelling Tics fans.

Could Latics hold on and take the three points to prolong their season?

Reading pushed forward in search of the equaliser with the referee indicating nine added minutes.

The hosts forced a succession of corners and in the 93rd minute their pressure told. Jones looked to be impeded as he went up to collect a corner but the ball dropped to Meite who forced the ball home from close range.

Latics tried to respond but substitute Sinani’s shot from the centre of the box in the 100th minute was just too high and they now have to return to League One for next season.

Overview

This was another spirited display by Maloney’s men who have taken seven points from the last three games. This relegation has not been caused by former manager Leam Richardson or current manager Shaun Maloney but by decisions taken in the boardroom.

Latics made a good start to their Championship campaign in August/September but went through a rocky period in October/November and the owners panicked, unceremoniously sacking Leam Richardson and appointing the untried Kolo Toure in his place. The appointment of ‘big name’ Toure was an unmitigated disaster and Latics didn’t manage a win in nine games conceding 17 goals.

During this period the owners also failed to pay the players’ wages on time and this continued on five occasions resulting in a damaging three point penalty from the EFL. Morale amongst the players and staff was inevitably affected.

The appointment of Shaun Maloney was the only bright spot in an unmitigatedly depressing period in which it looked like the club might go into administration again.

However, the owners managed to sell a property in London and have started to pay the players on time promising to run the club sustainably in the future. Only time will tell if they can run the club properly, but this relegation was clearly a result of bad management and the owner Abdulrahman Al Jasmi and Chairman Talal Al Hammad must take responsibility for it.

Championship Table

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Shaun Maloney expressed his sadness after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Reading confirmed Latics’ return to League One. 

Maloney was naturally distraught to see Latics drop back into the third tier, but he thanked his players for giving him everything both today and throughout his time to date at the DW Stadium.

“It’s hugely disappointing,” he said.

“It’s a very difficult time, and I thought the players gave me everything – as they have done in the other 17 games (during my time here).

“There were moments in the first half where we had to defend, and we knew they were going to come for us, as they had a full house.

“The way the players played in the second half was excellent, and I want to say a massive thank you to the players for what they’ve given me in the last 17 games.

“I know what it is [the table and form] compared to the rest of the league, but the reality of the task was just too big for us. Off the pitch has had an impact on us and a lot of things have happened, but I love the job here and I love the people that watch us play and the players have given me everything.”

After the full-time whistle, there was a real touching moment as the fans showed their appreciation to the travelling Tics. Chants of ‘We’re Wigan Till We Die’ echoed from the away end, and Maloney expressed that the supporters are a credit to the Football Club for the way they have conducted themselves throughout the last few years. 

“I am just devastated for our players and the people that come to watch us,” he said. 

“They are a credit to this Club – not just today, but what we’ve been through over the past few years.

“It’s a special bunch of people and I really appreciate them. I know it’s not easy travelling to watch your team up and down the country, so I’m going to dedicate my life to (hopefully) give them (some) good times.

“They know what type of person I am and I am going to give everything to make sure we never have a season like this again, on and off the pitch.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Abdulrahman Al Jasmi, Championship, Charlie Hughes, Reading, Shaun Maloney, Talal Al Hammad, Wigan Athletic, Yakou Meite | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Latics still fighting for survival – Wigan Athletic 2 Millwall 1

Posted on April 24, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Thelo Aasgaard scored his fourth goal of the season

  • Wigan Athletic kept their slender Championship survival hopes alive with a 2-1 victory against playoff hopefuls Millwall at the DW Stadium.
  • Latics went ahead after 14 minutes when Will Keane fired home after good work by Callum Lang.
  • The visitors were level when Tom Bradshaw crossed for George Saville to score from close range on the half hour.
  • Both sides had chances in the second half but Latics got a deserved winner when Lang set up substitute Thelo Aasgaard and the young Norwegian produced a calm finish to secure the vital three points.
  • Latics remain bottom of the table and are four points from safety with two games remaining. Millwall are now in seventh place.

Shaun Maloney kept the same starting XI that won 1-0 at Stoke City in midweek.

Latics started brightly and got an early breakthrough at the DW Stadium. In the 14th minute Lang’s tantalising right-sided cross was spilled by keeper George Long and Keane clinically finished for his 12th goal of the season.

This early goal boosted Latics’ confidence and they went close through Lang seven minutes later. The tireless striker chased the ball down and forced midfielder Shaun Hutchinson into a mistake. Lang drove forward into the box and his low effort was just wide of the far post.

In the visitors first serious attack they drew level on the half-hour mark when Scott Malone’s cut-back from the left was converted at the near post by Saville.

Just before half-time Millwall might’ve gone ahead when Callum Styles nearly got on the end of a dangerous cross from the right-hand side. A lucky escape for the Tics.

Latics came out forcefully at the start of the second half, with James McClean seeing his goal-bound effort blocked behind for a corner.

From the corner, Christ Tiéhi’s volley appeared to strike the hand of a Millwall defender, but the referee Bobby Madley waved away the penalty appeals.

It was end-to-end stuff now and Jamie Jones was called into action making two important saves in quick succession. First, Jones pushed Zian Flemming’s fierce effort wide, before he recovered well to deny Malone after the Millwall midfielder intercepted his throw-out.

Latics’ drove forward again and McClean’s deep cross was kept alive by Lang at the far post and he headed into the path of Magennis, but Long did just enough to smother the loose ball.

Maloney’s men continued to press forward for the all important winner and Max Power’s strike from 20 yards out was blocked before it could reach the visitors’ goal.

Maloney introduced Charlie Hughes, Aasgaard, and Ashley Fletcher in place of Omar Rekik, Tiéhi and Magennis in the 67th minute.

Substitute Aasgaard was quick to attack the Lions defence and his fierce drive was blocked behind for a corner.

Substitute Hughes then produced a superb cross into the box which was headed on by Fletcher into the path of Keane, who was unable to make proper contact and the chance was missed.

Referee Madley frustrated Latics again with 15 minutes remaining when Lang looked to be kicked as he tried to shoot but instead of awarding the penalty he signalled for a corner.

Latics finally made their pressure count in the 84th minute with Aasgaard’s crucial finish. Lang surged down the wing and crossed into the path of the young Norwegian midfielder in the centre of the box and he calmly hit his low effort into the bottom corner.

Despite six minutes of added time Latics held out to keep their Championship survival hopes alive.

Overview

This was another fighting display by Latics to back up their improved midweek performance at Stoke.

They have shown a marked improvement in the last two games, particularly in the final third. Keane has been pushed a little further forward and if Latics can improve their service to him he is always likely to get on the scoresheet.

Goalkeeper Jamie Jones has added a calmness to the defence and his distribution has generally been excellent.

The squad has responded well to Maloney’s coaching methods and if only he had been appointed instead of Kolo Toure they would probably have been safe by now.

The odds are still very much stacked against them but strange things do happen when Wigan Athletic are involved. Latics have had some great escapes in the past but this would surely be the greatest of great escapes.

They will need to win their two remaining games away at Reading and at home to Rotherham and hope that others slip up.

Championship Table

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Maloney was pleased with the performance – but even happier with his side’s effort levels throughout an enjoyable afternoon.

“I thought it was a brilliant performance again against a good team,” he said.

“They had one really dangerous cross which led to the goal, but it was mainly set plays where they had big chances. For us as a team, we were very good defensively and I’m starting to see us have a real attacking threat. 

“We had to leave it all out there, and I thought the performance was good – and the effort was even better.

“I loved the fighting spirit. In the last two games, we’ve won the fight, and in the next two, we’re going to have to do the same.”

The Latics supporters have backed Maloney since his arrival and the players have battled to keep their survival hopes alive.

“The players were fantastic, along with the supporters,” he smiled.

“I could sense that the fans were there when we needed them today, and they came to the fore. You can see the connection between the players and the fans.”

“We need to win the next two matches and see where it takes us. That’s where we are at.

“We can let the players and supporters enjoy today, and come Monday, we go again and we’re going to have to win the fight again.”

Ashley Fletcher was introduced in the final quarter, and despite sustaining a nasty elbow injury, he battled through the pain barriers in order to help the team see out the game.

Maloney reserved special praise for the Watford FC loan forward, as he showed an immense fighting spirit to continue when a lot of players would’ve bowed out in a similar situation.

“A big mention to Ashley Fletcher – he looks like he’s got a really bad elbow injury, but for him to get up and press the way that he did, the reason is why we didn’t give up many chances in the last few minutes and that’s because of me.

“His teammates can be very proud of what he did for them today because he was in a lot of pain and it doesn’t look like a good injury. 

“He gave us everything – and more today.”

Maloney will provide a further update on Ashley in midweek, ahead of the trip to Reading on Saturday.

Player ratings

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Posted in Championship, Millwall, Shaun Maloney, Thelo Aasgaard, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Latics are still hanging on – Stoke City 0 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on April 19, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Will Keane with the winner

  • Wigan Athletic defeated Stoke City 1-0 at the Bet365 Stadium to keep their slim Championship survival hopes alive.
  • Former Latic Nick Powell had an early chance for the hosts but decided to lay the ball off and the chance went begging.
  • Stoke struggled to gain any attacking momentum in the first half and Latics defended solidly.
  • Latics went ahead on 54 minutes when Will Keane produced a superb volleyed finish into the bottom corner.
  • Stoke huffed and puffed to little effect and Latics might have had had two further goals but Tendayi Darikwa fired narrowly wide and substitute Ashley Fletcher had an effort cleared off the line.
  • Latics remain bottom of the table and are five points from safety with three games remaining. Stoke drop to 17th place in the table.

Shaun Maloney made four changes to the line-up which lost at Blackpool with Jamie Jones, Tendayi Darikwa, Christ Tiehi, and Josh Magennis all starting. Ben Amos and Charlie Hughes were unavailable due to injuries.

Powell had a great opportunity for the hosts in the second minute when he found himself unmarked in the six-yard box but instead of shooting he laid the ball off and the chance was wasted.

In a subdued atmosphere at the Stadium neither team created many other opportunities until a James McClean cross shot in the 33rd minute was well saved by Stoke goalkeeper Jack Bonham.

Five minutes later a dangerous cross from Magennis came to McClean at the back post but he couldn’t get the ball under control and the opportunity was gone.

In added time in the first half McClean then produced an inviting cross into the six-yard box but Magennis couldn’t quite make the vital contact.

0-0 at half-time but with Latics looking increasingly more dangerous.

After an uneventful opening to the second half Latics went ahead in the 54th minute. Max Power crossed into a crowded penalty area but Keane got to the ball first and produced a superb volleyed finish into the bottom corner.

Almost immediately Stoke had a great chance to equalise as Jack Whatmough failed to clear but Tyrese Campbell missed the target from a good position in the box.

On 66 minutes Latics should’ve added to their lead when Darikwa’s right-footed strike from inside the box was inches wide of the post.

Soon afterwards the hosts had an opportunity when Morgan Fox blazed over the crossbar from a good position in the box.

Keane was withdrawn on 77 minutes and replaced by Tom Naylor and Fletcher replaced Magennis on 80 minutes as Latics looked to hang on to the three points.

There was some late Stoke pressure but the hosts were unable to create any clear-cut chances and it was Latics who should have added to their lead in the 90th minute.

Callum Lang did superbly to get to the byline and cut the ball back to Fletcher who touched it past the keeper into the path of Power, who returned it to Fletcher, but his goal bound shot was cleared off the line.

A deserved win for Latics who keep their slim survival chances alive with three games remaining. They will hope the other Championship results go their way on Wednesday night before they face Millwall at the DW Stadium on Saturday.

Overview

This was a much improved performance from the defeat at Blackpool. Latics were the better side against a strangely subdued Stoke City team and they deserved their first away victory since October.

Latics defended solidly in the first half and gradually started to assert themselves as the match progressed. Keane produced a fine finish but they could have won by further goals if Darikwa and Fletcher had converted their chances.

Jamie Jones gave a confident display between the sticks and his distribution allowed the Tics to get further up the field. Ryan Nyambe, Whatmough and Omar Rekik were much improved on recent games, but perhaps the most improved area was the attacking combination of Keane, Magennis and Lang who combined well throughout the game.

Latics survival chances are still slim, as they must win all of their remaining three games against Millwall, Reading and Rotherham and hope the others slip up.

Latics’ fans will, no doubt, be closely watching Wednesday’s Championship fixtures involving teams in the relegation battle which are: QPR v Norwich,  Watford v Cardiff and Reading v Luton. 

Championship Table

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney was understandably upbeat and believed that his players were excellent to a man on what was an extremely successful Tuesday night for the Tics in Stoke.

“It was a brilliant result and an amazing performance from the first whistle,” he said.

“I thought the players were outstanding to a man. Everyone who came on produced added energy and I thought there were some brilliant performances tonight.

“We defended very well at times and thought we were good on the ball when we had to be. I thought our forward players were outstanding too. 

“I thought to a man, everyone was outstanding and every bit of credit and praise has to go to our players.

“I think everyone should be very proud of that performance. The fans were also excellent when we needed them, and there were definitely (testing) moments when we could hear them singing. 

“I’m so glad for the players because what they gave us today was as good as anything we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

Player ratings

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Posted in Wigan Athletic, Stoke City, Shaun Maloney, Championship, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Latics’ Championship status hanging by a thread – Blackpool 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on April 17, 2023 by ianhaspinall

View from the East Stand

  • Wigan Athletic succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Blackpool in the clash of the Championship’s bottom clubs at Bloomfield Road. 
  • This was another abject performance by Latics whose Championship status is now hanging by a thread. If they fail to win at Stoke on Tuesday night and other results go against them they will be relegated.
  • Blackpool were ahead after only two minutes as Omar Rekik gave the ball away and Keshi Anderson fed Jerry Yates who finished via the far post.
  • Latics had a couple of shouts for penalties but they once again lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
  • Latics are bottom of the table and are 10 points from safety with only four games remaining. Blackpool are second bottom and four points from safety.

Shaun Maloney made three changes from the defeat to Swansea with Omar Rekik, Thelo Aasgaard and Will Keane returning to the starting line-up.

It was a dreadful opening for Latics as Blackpool went ahead in the second minute. Rekik tried to find Thelo Aasgaard but Anderson stepped in and fed Yates who got in behind and finished via the far post.

Latics were enjoyed plenty of possession but without really threatening the hosts goal.

Aasgaard had an attempt from 25 yards out, but disappointingly dragged his effort wide. At the other end, Josh Bowler fired over for Pool from distance.

Callum Lang created a chance for Keane but a Blackpool defender got back to block as Latics looked for an equaliser.

As Latics tried to play out from the back, Jack Whatmough almost conceded a goal as his pass was charged down by Yates and it narrowly missed Amos’ post.

Whatmough left the field through injury soon afterwards and Ashley Fletcher replaced him in an attacking change.

Tom Naylor might’ve had a penalty on the stroke of half-time after a scramble at the back post but referee Thomas Bramall waved away Latics’ appeals.

Blackpool had an early chance in the second half as a ball from the left found Josh Bowler free inside the box, he chested down, but his shot was straight at Amos.

Ryan Nyambe then crossed from the right and found Aasgaard but he failed to make a proper contact and his effort was easily saved by Daniel Grimshaw.

Later a good cross from Fletcher found Aasgaard but his header looped onto the roof of the net.

Anderson then fired a volley wide from 30 yards before Fletcher headed a James McClean free kick wide.

Latics huffed and puffed but just weren’t convincing in the final third. Keane was withdrawn and replaced by Josh Magennis on 74 minutes, but the two pronged attack of Fletcher and Magennis was far too easily blunted.

In nine minutes of added time Latics almost managed to equalise when Power’s cross came to James McClean at the back post, but he could only hit the side netting.

Latics had an appeal for a hand ball very late on but referee Bramall once again waved away their appeals.

The match ended 1-0 to a chorus of boos from the Tics fans who understandably believe they have been badly let down by the players and the ownership this season.

Overview

It had been a mediocre match between two poor teams but Blackpool had done just enough to secure the three points which keeps their survival hopes alive. Latics had been toothless in attack and are now all but mathematically relegated.

Despite enjoying the greater possession Latics had no cutting edge which has been their biggest problem for most of the season.

Charlie Wyke has been absent due to injury and the sale of Everton loanee Nathan Broadhead hasn’t helped the cause but Latics’ other strikers goal return has been pitiful.

They are the joint lowest scorers in the Championship which goes a long way to explain why they have been relegated.

I don’t expect Ashley Fletcher or Josh Magennis to be at the club next season and Latics will need new blood if they are to make a challenge.

The players are now totally lacking in confidence and the fight has gone out of them recently. Maloney has a difficult task to rebuild the club after the disappointments of this season.

Phoenix 2021 have a lot to do to regain the trust after some damaging decisions which have contributed to the relegation.

The squad will have to be trimmed for League One, but they must try to hang on to their best players and good recruitment will be crucial.

The fans are understandably very down at the moment after a truly awful season. However, as everyone knows Latics have experienced some lows in the past but the club has managed to bounce back and there is no reason why it can’t do so again. Up the Tics! Keep the faith.

Championship Table

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Maloney started with a message to the travelling support inside Bloomfield Road, as well as those at home, following the defeat.

“I’ll start with an apology really, and not just for today,” he said.

“That (apology) is for a long period of time, as this season has not been at the levels that this Club should be at. I appreciate every single one of them (the fans) that come and pay to watch us.

“I said at the very beginning when I started that win, lose or draw, I will come and show my appreciation.

“I know these days are difficult, but whatever anger and unhappiness is there – that’s for me. I know what I want to see, and that wasn’t it.”

Latics were stung early on the Seaside as the hosts took the lead inside the opening two minutes. Despite seeing a lot of the ball, Maloney spoke of the frustration that they couldn’t convert that possession into chances and goals.

“I knew the game was going to start hectic and I knew how they would start,” he said.

“The reality of it is, we were still goalside of the player that scores and we don’t follow the run. It was the same against Swansea and it’s the same of many games and it’s a big issue.

“We can do all the work to improve the team. Defensively, we’re one of the better ones in the league now, but we’re so far away from being a good, attacking team.

“We have to change that – starting now into the next few weeks and then into next season. I don’t want to have 60/70% possession and not have the threat to win games.

“Today, and probably the last few weeks, is a culmination of where I see the Club, and there’s a lot of things that need to change and be rebuilt. I need to be ruthless because the levels are not what I want to see and where they should be at.”

Player ratings

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Posted in Blackpool, Championship, Jerry Yates, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Latics’ great escape doesn’t materialise as they slump to defeat against Swansea – Wigan Athletic 0 Swansea City 2

Posted on April 11, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Shaun Maloney got his tactics wrong

  • Wigan Athletic slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Swansea City which all but mathematically condemns them to relegation from the Championship.
  • Shaun Maloney adopted an attacking line-up with wingbacks pushed forward and this backfired as Swansea took control in the first half.
  • Joel Piroe opening the scoring in the 14th minute and the prolific Dutchman added a second in the 34th minute.
  • The visitors might have been out of sight by half-time, but Piroe’s volley thumped against the post.
  • Latics rallied a little in the second half but the damage had already been done and the hosts now look destined for a quick return to League One.
  • Latics remain bottom and are eight points from safety with five games remaining. Swansea are in now in 14th place.

Shaun Maloney made two changes from their trip to Sheffield United, with Ryan Nyambe and Tom Naylor coming into the starting line-up in place of Omar Rekik and Thelo Aasgaard.

Latics had an early opportunity when Naylor volleyed through a crowd full of bodies to force Andrew Fisher into making a good save down to his right.

James McClean then went close in the fifth minute with a low drive which was cleared off the line by Swans defender Nathan Wood.

The visitors responded and Piroe fired wide from 18 yards out following a pass from former Latic loanee Jay Fulton.

Latics looked very open defensively and Piroe opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Paterson’s left-sided effort deflected into his path, and he finished into the bottom corner from close range.

Latics tried to get back in the game and they nearly forced an equaliser in the 22nd minute through two chances in quick succession.

First, McClean’s corner was parried into Naylor’s path, who saw his close-range effort blocked by a last-ditch challenge from Latibeaudiere.

From the resulting short corner, Max Power’s inviting cross was headed straight at Fisher by Ashley Fletcher.

Just when it looked like the hosts’ might equalise the Swans hit them on the break in the 35th minute.

The Swans attacked down the left and crossed to the right with Ryan Nyambe left exposed, striker Piroe curled a low strike into the far corner.

The Swans almost added a third before the interval when Joe Allen headed over from a wide free-kick, and Piroe volleyed against the woodwork.

Maloney made a double change early in the second half with Thelo Aasgaard and Josh Magennis replacing Tiehi and Fletcher.

Jack Whatmough created an opportunity for Latics when he won the ball high up to start a counter-attack, and set it up for Magennis to strike from the edge of the area, but the striker disappointingly dragged his effort wide of the post.

Will Keane was finally introduced as a 65th-minute substitute for Charlie Hughes, and he almost gave Latics a lifeline seven minutes later when he got on the end of Power’s early ball from the right, but his first-time effort cleared the crossbar.

Latics tried to get back in the game and they came closest in the 77th minute when Aasgaard’s curling strike was tipped over the crossbar by Fisher.

This was the nearest Latics came and the Swans comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to seal the three points.

Realistically all Latics now have to play for is who finishes bottom of the table when they travel for Blackpool on Saturday.

Overview

This was abject performance by Latics given the importance of the game. They needed to give it their best shot but they looked like a team who had already given up the ghost.

Maloney had attempted to adopt a more attacking formation but it had backfired. Wingbacks Tendayi Darikwa and McClean had been pushed further forward but this only meant the flanks were exposed and Swansea were able to make the most of their opportunities.

Russell Martin’s team are comfortable on the ball and they were soon able to exploit the Tics vulnerabilities.

Will Keane has been out of form recently but he is still Latics best goal threat and Maloney missed a trick by not selecting him. Ashley Fletcher is a big target man but he has consistently been ineffective with only two goals all season. Callum Lang has only one goal all season and he has failed to live up to his promise in the Championship.

Latics inadequacies on the pitch have been exacerbated by the off-the-field mistakes. Sacking Leam Richardson, appointing Kolo Toure, poor recruitment and mismanagement of the budget have all contributed to the relegation. 

Maloney now needs to re-instil a winning mentality in the players – changes will take place in the summer but the club still have a nucleus of quality for next season.

There needs to be some strategic additions with an injection of youth but the club is capable of bouncing back if managed properly. The coaching staff still have much to learn and the ownership group will need to regain the trust of the fans after such a damaging season.

Championship Table

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Maloney took full responsibility for the defeat and expressed that they have plenty of work to do both on and off the field in order to improve in the coming weeks. 

“It was tough,” he said.

“To get beat at home is not something that I never want, but the opponents were very good and kept the possession well. 

“I wanted us to be really aggressive, and we were unbeaten at home coming into the game. I don’t want us to defend for 90 minutes in this Stadium.

“Everything that I asked them (the players) to do – they did – and they had to defend in big areas (at times) so I will take responsibility for that result. It shows that we have a lot of work to do on the pitch and a lot of work off it. 

“If you let Swansea have the ball, you won’t see it, so we had to be very aggressive to try and stop them playing.  

“When we didn’t get it right, they hurt and punished us. This result is on me, as I asked the players to be very aggressive.

“The players have been fantastic for 12 games, and have given me everything, and did everything that I asked them to do.

“It was one of those days where the opponent was better than us. It shows how much work we have to do at this Club to never feel like this again.”

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Posted in Championship, Joel Piroe, Shaun Maloney, Swansea City, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments