Latics given a lesson in finishing – Wigan Athletic 1 Burnley 5

Posted on August 29, 2022 by ianhaspinall
Will Keane
Will Keane converted his spot-kick
  • Wigan Athletic slumped to their first defeat of the season when they were emphatically defeated 5-1 by Burnley.
  • The Clarets went ahead after 17 minutes when Jay Rodriguez finished from close range and they increased their lead when Josh Brownhill fired home on 27 minutes.
  • Latics reduced the deficit before the interval with Will Keane scoring from the spot after Callum Lang had been brought down by goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
  • Southampton loanee Nathan Tella restored Burnley’s two goal advantage after half-time and in a crazy last five minutes of the game Brownbill and Samuel Bastien added further goals.
  • Latics drop to 20th in the table and Burnley move up to sixth.

Leam Richardson made two changes from the victory at Birmingham City, with Curtis Tilt and Graeme Shinnie replacing Joe Bennett and Josh Magennis in the starting XI.

Burnley created the first opportunity of the match when the Brazilian Vitinho fired a dangerous ball across Latics’ six-yard box.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Vitinho crossed from the left-hand side and Johann Berg Gudmundsson kept the ball alive and after a scramble, the loose ball fell to Jay Rodriguez who reacted quickest to fire into the net.

Latics looked to respond quickly and two minutes later James McClean crossed into the six-yard box and Jason Kerr powered his header over Muric’s crossbar.

Keane and Max Power both threatened from range in the 25th minute. Keane saw his initial effort blocked into the path of Power whose drive flew over the crossbar.

But it was the visitors who added to their lead on 27 minutes. Vintinho found Brownhill arriving late into the box and he fired high into the net.

Latics gained a foothold in the game in the 41st minute. Lang chased down a long ball and Muric came flying off his line and clattered into the striker and referee James Bell awarded a penalty.

Keane dispatched his spot kick centrally and via Muric into the net.

2-1 to the visitors at half-time.

Latics created an early opportunity in the second half. McClean burst down the left and played the ball into the path of Shinnie whose blocked effort rebounded to Keane but unfortunately he lifted his strike over the bar.

The miss proved crucial as soon afterwards Latics were punished. Brownhill picked up a loose ball in midfield and played through Tella, who may have been marginally offside, but he curled his strike into the bottom right corner.

Latics continued to try to find a way back into the game. In the 65th minute Shinnie played in Lang down the left, but a block from a Clarets defender saw his strike deflect to Keane in an offside position.

Latics captain Tendayi Darikwa suffered a shoulder injury after a collision in the 69th minute and had to be replaced by substitute Ryan Nyambe.

In an attempt to get back in the game Richardson made a triple change introducing Nathan Broadhead, Josh Magennis and Thelo Aasgaard in place of Shinnie, Tilt and Keane in the 72nd minute.

Moment’s later Magennis drew an excellent save from Muric. Lang found space on the right and crossed to Magennis at the far post whose powerful header was pushed over the bar by Muric.

As the game moved towards the final whistle Latics continued to press but they were caught out by two quickfire counterattacks.

The Clarets added a fourth goal in the 86th minute when Brownhill turned Kerr inside the box, before firing past Jones at his near post.

Only a minute later Bastien added a fifth, when he fired across goal and into the bottom right-hand corner.

It was a convincing performance by Vincent Kompany’s team who are one of the favourites for automatic promotion.

Latics’ undefeated start had come to an end in brutal fashion.

Step up in quality

Burnley’s finishing had been clinical. They had had only eight shots on target and scored five goals. Latics had 18 shots and had only scored one from the penalty spot.

The step up in quality had been noticeable but it was perhaps inevitable given the two teams had been in the Premier League and League One last season.

The Championship is a fiercely competitive division and Latics will need to learn quickly from their mistakes as the challenges come quickly with West Brom at the DW on Tuesday night.

Reinforcements

The transfer window closes on Thursday and I’m expecting some reinforcements before the deadline.

Another goalkeeper, defender and midfielder should be on Richardson’s wish list as the club looks to establish themselves in the Championship.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Richardson said,

“The scoreline is tough. Within the reflection of the game, I don’t think we started the game particularly well. We probably weren’t ourselves for long enough in the game. I thought we finished the first half really strong, and in the main, probably shaded the first half in terms of chances created.

Coming out after half-time, I thought we started really well and missed a really big chance. They went up the other end and scored an offside goal which hurt us a little bit.

Collectively, we will take our defeat together. I will take the responsibility for the last couple of goals because with where we’ve been and the momentum we’ve got, we thought we would chase it and make it uncomfortable.

There were two divisions between us not so long ago, but it’s something that we will reflect on and something we won’t get too high on or too low. Within 72 hours, we’ve got another big challenge, and it’s important we meet that head-on.

Whether the scoreline reflects the game, we’ve taken a loss today. We will take it on the chin, be respectful and congratulate Burnley.

It’s up to us to be better in adversity. You learn a lot about yourself as we certainly know but moving forward, we will continue to make small steps and continue to be the best versions of ourselves. We will certainly learn from today.

Around the corner is a really good challenge, and we will look forward to it. We will approach it in the best way possible. We’ve got to hold our heads up and get our chests out because it’s never an easy one to take when you lose.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com

Posted in Burnley, Championship, Jay Rodrigues, Josh Brownhill, Leam Richardson, Nathan Tella, Samuel Bastien, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Richardson building something very special – Birmingham City 0 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on August 21, 2022 by ianhaspinall
Leam Richardson photograph by Bernard Platt
  • Wigan Athletic produced one of their best ever Championship away performances with a heroic 1-0 victory at St Andrew’s.
  • Latics were harshly reduced to ten-men after only 10 minutes when Joe Bennett was adjudged to have brought down Lukas Jutkiewicz.
  • But Leam Richardson’s team were resolute throughout, restricted Birmingham to very few chances and created good opportunities themselves.
  • On 82 minutes substitute Charlie Wyke returning to the side after suffering from a cardiac arrest combined with fellow substitute Nathan Broadhead and the Everton loanee finished clinically into the bottom corner.
  • Latics held out in the remaining minutes and recorded their first victory of the season and remain unbeaten after four games.
  • Wigan move up to 14th place in the Championship table and Birmingham are 18th.

Richardson made one change from last week’s draw with Bristol City with goalkeeper Jamie Jones replacing the injured Ben Amos.

Early on Przemyslaw Placheta tried his luck from the edge of the area, but his rising effort was didn’t trouble Jones in the Latics goal.

Latics were wrongly reduced to ten-men in the 10th minute when Bennett was harshly adjudged to have brought down Jutkiewicz as he was running through on goal.

The visitors had to reshuffle the defence with McClean filling in at left back.

Juninho Bacuna’s resulting free-kick, was fortunately for Latics, fired just wide of the left-hand post.

The Blues then had a big chance when the ball was pulled back from the right-hand side to Scott Hogan, but Jack Whatmough did superbly to make a crucial block.

Latics then went close when James McClean’s corner was headed back across goal by Jason Kerr and it fell to Tom Naylor on the edge of the box and his volleyed effort went narrowly wide of the target.

Latics started the second half strongly and they were gifted a real goal-scoring opportunity when a loose pass out of the Blues defence allowed Callum Lang to drive into the penalty area, but the forward was unable to capitalise on the opportunity.

The Blues came close when a cross-field pass fell to Bacuna but Jason Kerr diverted his low shot behind for a corner.

Jutkiewicz then managed to get on the end of a cross from Maxime Colin, but his header was comfortably saved by Jones.

Latics threatened when Max Power’s low angled drive tested John Ruddy at his near post.

The Blues then threatened in the 81st minute through former Latics striker Sam Cosgrove, but Jones saved brilliantly pushing the strike around the post.

Moments later Latics were ahead as substitutes Wyke and Broadhead combined superbly.

Wyke held the ball up before sending through the Everton loanee, and he drove forward before producing a clinical finish into the bottom corner.

Birmingham pushed players forward as they attempted to try and draw level.

But Latics defence was determined not to be breached and they deservedly held out.

Despite playing for most of the game with ten-men and several of the players suffering from cramp they had earned a magnificent first three points of the season.

After going down to ten-men Latics had defended superbly and threatened on the break. They had worked tirelessly, putting their bodies on the line.

When Wyke came on there was one of the loudest ever cheers by the away fans.

His hold up play was excellent with some terrific touches and he brilliantly set up Broadhead for the winner.

This was an all round team effort and the players deserve great credit for their tenacious victory at St Andrew’s.

Building something very special

Richardson has marshalled his troops superbly since taking over as manager.

He has guided the club through a traumatic period of administration, won the League One title in his first full season and is now establishing Latics as a force in the Championship.

He has made some very astute signings and has instilled a fantastic team spirit within the club.

He is a superb figurehead for the club and is loved by the supporters.

With the continued financial backing of Phoenix 2021, Richardson could be on the verge of creating something very special at Wigan Athletic.

Post match comments

Reflecting afterwards Richardson said:

“I thought the output the lads gave today [was fantastic]; everybody who went onto the pitch, with the information that they had to carry out to go and get that victory, I thought they represented themselves terrifically well and deserved the win.

“It wasn’t [an ideal start]; and I’d rather not comment on refereeing decisions because they have a lot of moving parts, some they get right, some they get wrong.

I’d rather be positive and look at Charlie Wyke coming back on the pitch, Jamie Jones with a clean sheet, Nathan Broadhead’s first goal, the lads carrying the job out terrifically well and the captain setting the example around the pitch. The distance covered by the team collectively was fantastic.

“I think we prepared as well as we could this week and within the change and the sending off, I still felt we could control large parts of the game in certain areas and we could control large parts of the game out of possession as well and we were comfortable with that at times, although we had to be respectful of the quality of player that was on the pitch because they had a lot of Premier League and Championship experience on the pitch.”

On Wyke, who made his first competitive appearance for Latics after suffering a cardiac arrest nine months ago,

Richardson added:

“You know my thoughts on the person – nevermind the footballer – and I know how hard he has worked from nine months ago to get back in training and get back on the pitch. There was never going to be anybody who could stop him.

“All I had to do was support him and give him that platform to do that – I thought his touch was fantastic so he has obviously been doing something while he’s been away! His assist was great as well.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Birmingham City, Championship, Charlie Wyke, Leam Richardson, Nathan Broadhead, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics fast becoming draw specialists – Wigan Athletic 1 Bristol City 1

Posted on August 15, 2022 by ianhaspinall
Will Keane
Will Keane grabbed the equaliser
  • Wigan Athletic recorded their third consecutive Championship draw when they were held at home by Bristol City.
  • The visitors went ahead through Andreas Weimann after only six minutes.
  • Latics equalised midway through the second half when Will Keane followed up after a goalmouth scramble.
  • There were chances for both sides to take all three points, Tommy Conway and Nakhi Wells going close for City and Callum Lang and James McClean for Latics, but the points had to be shared.
  • Latics move up to 15th in the Championship table and Bristol City remain second bottom.

Leam Richardson made one change to the starting XI from the draw with Norwich City with Jack Whatmough replacing Curtis Tilt in defence.

The visitors shocked the home crowd and took an early lead. They won the ball in midfield and Conway crossed low from the left for Weimann who lifted his strike over Ben Amos and into the corner of the net.

Joe Bennett was a little lucky to stay on the pitch after he kicked out at former Latic Joe Williams but he only received a yellow card.

Latics first good opportunity came around 27 minutes when Max Power’s curled free kick found Josh Magennis at the far post, but his header was down into the turf and bounced over Bentley’s crossbar.

Latics searched for a way back into the game and Bennett’s dangerous cross into the six-yard box nearly found Magennis for a tap in.

City then had an opportunity in the 42nd minute, Mark Sykes incisive pass found Conway who from close range fired into the side netting.

Latics responded and McClean played an inch-perfect pass to Magennis who did well to bring the ball down and move to one-on-one with Bentley but his scuffed shot went narrowly wide of the post with Lang desperately trying to make contact at the far post.

Latics trailed 1-0 at half-time but there were positive signs from the hosts for the second half.

Goalkeeper Amos had to be withdrawn due to injury in the 53rd minute and Jamie Jones replaced him between the sticks.

Latics next chance came in the 58th minute when McClean’s deep cross found Whatmough but his header across the six-yard box was beyond his teammates and City survived.

The hosts were now dominating possession and they deservedly drew level in the 62nd minute.

Power’s corner caused panic in the City six-yard box and after a goalmouth scramble ‘The King of the Six-yard Box’ Will Keane calmly slotted the ball past Bentley and the defenders on the line.

City almost immediately responded and Sykes’ deep cross found Conway free in the six-yard box, but his header was luckily for Latics, narrowly wide of Jones’ post.

Both sides had opportunities to claim the three points in the remaining minutes.

Keane got on the end of a Power free-kick but was unable to keep the ball down.

In the 80th minute, Lang forced an excellent save from Bentley with the goalkeeper doing well to push his strike wide of the near post after Power had superbly played him in behind the City defence.

City threatened on the counter-attack and in the 89th minute, substitute Aasgaard came to Latics’ rescue by preventing Wells from grabbing all three points for the visitors.

Latics did threaten in the dying moments with McClean firing over but they had to settle for a point on the day.

Leam Richardson’s team are fast becoming the draw specialists in the Championship after three opening fixtures.

They have already shown that they will be competitive in the new division.

The performances have been hard working, they have shown good organisation and in defensive areas they have been resolute.

But having created good chances in all the games so far they will be looking to be more clinical with their finishing in their forthcoming fixtures.

The loan signings of forwards Nathan Broadhead and Ashley Fletcher should help with this and they could be the difference between the club fighting in the top half, or bottom half of the Championship.

I’m expecting more reinforcements in defence and midfield before the transfer deadline but the omens are already looking good for the rest of the season.

Post match comments.

Speaking to the media afterwards Richardson was pleased by the manner in which his side responded after falling behind, in addition to their desire to go on and win the game.

“It was pleasing in the main,” he said.

“I thought we started the game terrifically well, and after the first imbalance to our side, we went 1-0 down.

“To respond the way we did – especially at the end of the first half and continued into the second – and have the impetus to go on and win the game (was a huge positive).

“To come back from behind and get a result is very pleasing.”

Latics are unbeaten after three games in the Championship.

Richardson expressed that it will be the case of more of the same in the coming weeks, as his side aim to keep their habits strong and continue to accumulate points on the table.

“We’ve come back from pre-season, and we’re unbeaten so you look at all the positives. If we keep working hard as we do, and we keep being diligent and getting our job spec. correct, we will find our areas and create those chances like we have been doing.

“For me, it’s more of the same, more hard work. I think the most pleasing thing today is the clock didn’t dictate what we were doing with our impetus to go and win the game.

“We’ve got to learn as people and as a team to make sure our habits stay strong. We’ll do that by scoring those goals, getting in those areas and taking those chances.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com
Posted in Andreas Weimann, Bristol City, Leam Richardson, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics confidence booster at Carrow Road – Norwich City 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on August 8, 2022 by ianhaspinall

Fireworks at Carrow Road

  • Wigan Athletic gained a confidence boosting point at recently relegated from the Premier League Norwich City.
  • Latics were under the cosh in the opening 20 minutes but went ahead when James McClean slotted past Tim Krul in the 29th minute.
  • In a pulsating second half the Canaries drew level when Max Aaron’s fired home in the 62nd minute.
  • Teemu Pukki hit the crossbar late on for the hosts but Latics defended the remaining minutes resolutely and hung on for a deserved point.
  • Latics remain unbeaten after two draws in the Championship and are 15th in the table. Norwich are in 21st place.

Leam Richardson made one change from last weekend’s game against Preston North End, with Jason Kerr coming into the starting line-up for the injured Jack Whatmough. 

Norwich started confidently and Latics were quickly pushed back into defence.

Dimitris Giannoulis hit a volley towards goal from just outside the penalty area, but his effort flew over the crossbar.

The hosts continued their energetic opening and Pukki nearly opened the scoring when he fired his snapshot just wide of the post.

The visitors couldn’t get out of defence and Curtis Tilt did well to divert Milot Rashica’s goal-bound effort off the line after the forward had lifted the ball over the onrushing Ben Amos.

Latics gradually found their feet and grew into the game after the first 20 minutes.

They had their first opportunity to take the lead in the 22nd minute when Will Keane found Callum Lang inside the area but the striker was denied by an excellent close range save from Tim Krul.

The Canaries Jacob Sorenson then fired an effort from 18 yards out which seemed to surprise Amos, and soon afterwards Marcelino Nunez curled an effort narrowly wide of Amos’ right hand post.

Latics shocked the home crowd five minutes later when they took the lead through McClean. Keane capitalised on a mistake, before sliding the ball across to the unmarked McClean and the Republic of Ireland international made no mistake by calmly slotting the ball past Krul.

In a highly competitive game Latics were holding their own against recent Premier League opposition and the hosts were getting increasingly frustrated.

Very early in the second half a low drive from Rashica forced a full length save from keeper Amos. 

Latics almost added to their lead in the 48th minute when Josh Magennis burst forward exchanging passes with Keane before firing a low drive at the near post but Krul pushed the ball away with his legs.

An injury to Giannoulis, after a collision with Lang, caused a long delay and immediately after the re-start the Canaries levelled the scores through Aarons. The full back’s low finish was close to Amos and might’ve been saved by the keeper on another day but it was not to be.

The Canaries now boosted by the equaliser pushed forward and Pukki flicked Sam McCallum’s left-sided cross towards goal, but Amos was able to save the improvised effort.

With eight minutes of normal time remaining Pukki, thought he’d won it for the hosts when his right footed shot from outside the box crashed against the crossbar, before falling to substitute Josh Sargent who saw his follow-up saved by Amos. 

The referee signalled 10 minutes of added time and Latics’ supporters feared the worst but with some resolute and accomplished defending they held out for a confidence boosting Championship point on the road.

Despite the absence of last season’s player of the year Jack Whatmough, central defenders Curtis Tilt and Jason Kerr had been excellent and the team overall had defended well as a unit while posing a threat on the break. 

After two consecutive draws against good quality Championship opposition Latics have made a promising start to their campaign. The prospects for the season are looking good but if they can manage to add a little more quality and depth to the squad before the transfer deadline it could be a very good season ahead.

Post match comments

Richardson praised his side’s performance afterwards.

“It was very resilient, hard-working, and hard-fought,” he said.

“It took us 15-20 minutes to adapt to their shape, and the pace of the game but once we got the distances, we were resilient in what we are doing and could always catch them on the counter.

“Before the goal, we should’ve scored but we grew in belief within the game as well. You’ve got to run to match the quality of the player – and with the five substitutes coming on, some teams are finishing with a stronger team than what they started with.

“That’s the challenge we’ve got to accept and embrace, and these lads aren’t half accepting the challenge. 

“We’ve got to get that belief and education through the week to be better and repeat that Saturday/Tuesday. It’s going to be a tough ask but these lads have certainly got the mindset and acceptance to take it in.”

A large contingent of Latics supporters made the long trip to get behind the lads at Carrow Road, and Richardson was delighted that his side’s performance will send them home in good spirits.

“The energy levels that we needed to finish that game had to come from the stands,” he said

“It was huge (to have their influence). We wish them well travelling back home and it’s some ask and shift to get there for a 12:30pm kick-off.

“I’m glad we can send them home in good sprints, fall on the right side of the result, and make them have a good weekend.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in James McClean, Leam Richardson, Max Aarons, Norwich City, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Honours even as Latics return to the Championship – Wigan Athletic 0 Preston North End 0

Posted on August 1, 2022 by ianhaspinall

Ben Amos produced a magnificent double save

  • Wigan Athletic opened their Championship account with a hard-fought 0-0 draw with local rivals Preston North End at the DW Stadium.
  • Latics had good opportunities to score with Will Keane, Jack Whatmough and Callum Lang all going close.
  • Ben Amos produced a magnificent double save to deny Spurs loanee Troy Parrott and Emile Riis in the first half.
  • With 18 minutes of the second half remaining PNE substitute Ched Evans was red carded for a dangerous foul on Curtis Tilt, but despite Latics best efforts they could not make the extra man count.

Leam Richardson made three changes from the team that lifted the League One Trophy against Shrewsbury Town at the end of last season. Joe Bennett, Curtis Tilt and Josh Magennis came into the starting eleven in place of Jason Kerr, the injured Jordan Cousins and the departed loanee Kell Watts. 

Latics started strongly in front of 15,429 expectant spectators and they went close in the fourth minute.  Lang set up captain Tendayi Darikwa down the right-hand side, his cross found Will Keane but his strike was narrowly wide of the target.

Preston’s first effort came in the 11th minute when Ben Whiteman’s deflected effort, flew wide of Amos’ near post.

Latics forced a succession of corners in the 17th minute and very nearly took the lead when Max Power’s corner to the back post fell to Whatmough, whose strike drew a good save from Woodman.

From another corner Power found Naylor whose near-post header was held by Woodman at the second attempt.

The visitors then pressed to make the breakthrough with Riis going close. Andrew Hughes crossed from Latics’ right-hand side to the near post but narrowly out of Riis’ reach.

Riis then had a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock. The Danish forward was clean through on goal but he pulled his effort well wide of the far post from a great position just inside the box.

Latics suffered a big blow on 38 minutes when last season’s player of the year Jack Whatmough had to be withdrawn due to injury. 

Just before the half time break Amos kept Latics in the game with a superb double save.

A through ball found Parrott one-on-one against Amos and the Latics’ keeper dived to his left to push the ball away, Riis followed up and looked odds on to score but Amos once again saved superbly this time with his legs. Preston went close from the resulting corner but Latics goal somehow stayed intact.

It was a frantic start to the second half with Lang winning a free kick on the edge of the Preston box, but James McClean’s deep cross went out for a goal kick.

Magennis then headed down to the substitute Jason Kerr whose powerful header was deflected for a corner.

Latics pressure continued and Jordan Storey had to make an excellent block to deny Keane’s strike from just inside the box after good work from McClean.

The game continued to be closely contested but in the 65th minute Latics had another chance. Kerr started the move before Darikwa and Lang combined before the ball came to Keane who evaded his marker but could only fire the ball straight at Woodman.

The visitors then created their best chance of the half in the 71st minute. Robbie Brady’s through ball found Parrott whose snapshot was only narrowly wide of Amos’ far post.

In the 72nd minute North End were reduced to ten men when substitute Evans was shown a straight red card for a dangerous foul on Tilt.

Latics tried to make their extra man count and it looked like they might have done so when in the 89th minute Lang burst into the box, but he couldn’t keep his powerful drive down and his effort flew over the Preston crossbar.

In five minutes of added time substitute Tom Pearce tried his luck with a left-footed drive before Darikwa saw his low drive deflected for a corner.

Preston held on for a draw but Latics can be pleased with their opening performance against an established Championship team.

Overall a draw was probably a fair result on the balance of play and the chances created by both sides.

Richardson will know that Latics have big challenges ahead in the Championship and that the club must strengthen the squad before the transfer deadline on 1st September.

The manager will be disappointed to have lost central defender Whatmough to injury but early indications from the scan is that the injury is not too serious.

Post match comments

Richardson said,

“[The atmosphere and game] was as expected; kicking off in a Championship campaign against, in my opinion, a really strong football club who are going in a really strong direction and will have aspirations of getting in the top six this year.

“It was a challenge for us; we obviously got promoted last year, we have stepped up and the lads who got us promoted last year were in that starting XI today and they stood up to the task well.

“If they have aspirations individually and collectively to continue in the Championship, then we will have to pit our wits against really strong football clubs and certainly today we went toe-to-toe.

“The first-half was very even, and they possibly shaded it towards the end forcing two fantastic saves from Ben Amos before we grew into the game in the second-half.

“We were trading punches and the pace of the game was fantastic, the atmosphere from both sets of fans was brilliant and the concentration levels have to stay strong especially against teams like that so for Ben to pull that double save out towards the end of the first-half was fantastic.”

Ched Evans was given a straight red card for a mis-timed challenge on Latics defender Curtis Tilt in the second-half and though Latics had the numerical advantage, Richardson felt his side were going better before the visitors went down to ten men.

“I think them going down to ten men possibly made it more difficult for us, if truth be known,” he explained. “I felt we were imposing ourselves on the game but when they went down to ten men, they could sit ten yards deeper.

“We have to be patient and better at what we do then, but fair credit to both sets of players who entered the pitch and both sets of fans – it was a great day.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Ben Amos, Ched Evans, Leam Richardson, Preston North End, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Wigan Athletic season preview – consolidation the aim

Posted on July 28, 2022 by ianhaspinall
Leam Richardson photograph by Bernard Platt

Last season saw a truly remarkable transformation at Wigan Athletic. The club had been in administration the previous season and had only escaped relegation by one point, but under the new owners Phoenix 2021 Limited and manager Leam Richardson they secured the League One title in magnificent fashion.

Latics only had three players under contract at the start of last season but they recruited superbly and created a title winning squad without spending excessively.

The squad had only been together for a matter of months but they made huge progress in a short space of time.

Despite this success, there have been rumblings from some of the fanbase about the lack of signings in the close season.

Latics have allowed Adam Long to be sold,  Gavin Massey to be released, Jordan Jones and Luke Robinson to leave on loan. The club have not yet replaced loanees Kell Watts, Tom Bayliss and Glen Rea with Charlie Wyke, Gwion Edwards and Jordan Cousins currently out injured.

The only signing so far has been 24-year-old defender Ryan Nyambe from Blackburn Rovers. Nyambe, a Namibia international, spent 11 years with Blackburn, and played nearly 200 games for them. He has all the attributes to be an excellent addition to the squad.

However, I expect more signings in the coming weeks but not in the numbers of the previous season. The Latics recruitment team will be working hard to bring in more players before the transfer deadline on 1st September.

Richardson will know there is a need to strengthen in key positions but the club will not be panicked into buying or loaning the wrong type of players.

The possibility of loaning some young Premier League players could provide significant extra quality but the deals will have to be beneficial to both parties. During the 2018/19 season the loan of Reece James from Chelsea proved to be a masterstroke and helped Latics to stabilise in the Championship.

Richardson will want to give his League One winning team the opportunity to prove themselves at the higher level but it’s worth noting that there are quite a few players in the current squad who have Championship experience. The team spirit and camaraderie is high and the club have very experienced coaches in Richardson, Rob Kelly and James Beattie.

Promising Academy players James Carragher, Chris Sze, Scott Smith and Charlie Hughes have all featured in pre-season and could be pushing for a first team opportunity.

Latics are usually involved in promotion or relegation but this time around I’m predicting a season of consolidation and a mid-table finish.

Predicted Final Championship Table

  1. Norwich
  2. Sheffield United
  3. Middlesbrough
  4. West Brom
  5. Burnley
  6. Watford
  7. Huddersfield
  8. Coventry
  9. QPR
  10. Luton
  11. Wigan
  12. Blackburn
  13. Millwall
  14. Stoke
  15. Preston
  16. Swansea
  17. Blackpool
  18. Sunderland
  19. Rotherham
  20. Bristol C
  21. Cardiff
  22. Hull
  23. Birmingham
  24. Reading
Posted in Championship, Leam Richardson, Ryan Nyambe, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Summer Reading 2022 – The Best Football Books

Posted on July 6, 2022 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: Beautiful Bridesmaids Dressed in Oranje – The Unfulfilled Glory of Dutch Football by Gary Thacker

Gary Thacker’s ‘Beautiful Bridesmaids Dressed in Oranje’ provides an illuminating and in-depth analysis of the Dutch national team and their dramatic failure to win a World Cup. This is an extensive history of Dutch football, but the narrative really gathers pace with the 1970s when they reached the World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978.

Review: Deadline by Erkut Sogut

Agent Erkut Sogut uses his own experiences to delve into the murky world of football agents in the pacey crime thriller ‘Deadline’. Sogut is the founder of the Football Agent Institute, and his clients include Mesut Ozil, Kieran Gibbs and Kerem Akturkoglu.

Review: Don Revie – The Biography by Christopher Evans

When football fans talk about the greatest English managers, Don Revie is often excluded. Revie is perhaps the most controversial figure in English football and has never been forgiven for resigning as England manager and moving to the United Arab Emirates.

Review: More Than a Game – Saving Football from Itself by Mark Gregory

Formerly Ernst & Young’s Chief Economist and Stoke City supporter Mark Gregory has produced a timely and in-depth analysis of why the English game requires radical reform and how it can be changed for the better.

Review – Not for Me Clive: Stories from the Voice of Football by Clive Tyldesley

Clive Tyldesley was ITV’s senior football commentator for 22 years and his autobiography provides an entertaining insight into the life of a commentator obsessive. Tyldesley has spent time with many of the big characters of the game including Sir Alex Ferguson, Bill Shankly, Brian Clough and Sir Kenny Dalglish and his encounters are well worth the retelling.

Review: Radical Football – Jurgen Griesbeck and the Story of Football for Good by Steve Fleming

Radical Football is partly a history of the ‘Football for Good’ movement, partly a manifesto for the future of football and partly the autobiography of Jurgen Griesbeck and how he came to become one of football’s great innovators. 

Review: ’71/’72: Football’s Greatest Season? By Daniel Abrahams

Many people regard the 1971/72 football season as the greatest and Danny Abrahams’ book certainly makes a very strong case. ‘There was a season when the world’s greatest footballers were all on show at British grounds. Best, Keegan, Charlton and Moore were joined by Pele, Cruyff and Eusebio, while in the dugouts Clough, Shankly, Revie, and Allison duked it out in the closest ever championship title race.’ 

Review: The Accidental Footballer by Pat Nevin

Pat Nevin’s memoir is a tremendously entertaining read. The former Chelsea, Everton and Tranmere Rovers footballer, writer and broadcaster wasn’t the typical professional footballer – he loved playing the game – but wanted a career as a teacher and had many outside interests. His win bonuses went on records, attending gigs, theatre, movies, galleries and travelling.

 

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Review: Deadline by Erkut Sogut

Posted on June 14, 2022 by ianhaspinall

Agent Erkut Sogut uses his own experiences to delve into the murky world of football agents in the pacey crime thriller ‘Deadline’.

Sogut is the founder of the Football Agent Institute, and his clients include Mesut Ozil, Kieran Gibbs and Kerem Akturkoglu. He previously wrote a book on agenting: ‘How to Become a Football Agent’ but this is his first novel.

‘Deadline’ uses transfer deadline day as the centrepiece for a story about a secret cabal of super agents called ‘The Table’ who are involved in off-pitch criminal activities.

As the deadline looms the agent Ander Anaia is pitted against another agent David Miller as they try to get their own players signed by Manchester United, but events take a more sinister turn as the characters are plunged into a dark criminal world.

There are plenty of plot twists involving Ander’s kidnapped daughter Joska, his brother the Manchester United manager Marco and David Miller is pursued by Spanish gangsters.

Sokut’s personal experiences of the football agent industry ensure the novel has a plausible feel and the themes of corruption in football, the power of agents, and nepotism are already well known within football circles.

Two investigative journalists identify the criminality within the super agents’ cabal ‘The Table’.

“There are several incidents we think we can link to their meddling. Sex scandals, failed drug tests and more worryingly there have been some instances where players have picked up injuries off the field or on the training ground. The Table manipulates the whole game – it’s not just agents playing hardball to get their commissions, we’re talking big league gambling. Millions resting on whether a player signs for this team or that…”

The agents’ dirty tricks are generously sprinkled throughout the narrative, and we are kept engaged by the contemporary football references and real-life locations.

Sogut crams plenty of action into the short chapters as the story zips along to the final dramatic conclusion. Will the Machiavellian Ander get his way, or will David Miller secure his first major transfer?

‘Deadline’ provides an entertaining insight into the world of the football agent which will keep you gripped right to the end. The inclusion of a double murder is probably where belief is most stretched but for the most part this a believable and captivating football and crime thriller.

Deadline by Erkut Sogut published by CA Publishing. Price: £12.99.

This review first appeared in the June/July 2022 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Posted in Book Reviews, Erkut Sogut, Football Book Reviews, Late Tackle magazine, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Review: Radical Football – Jurgen Griesbeck and the Story of Football for Good by Steve Fleming

Posted on June 6, 2022 by ianhaspinall

Radical Football is partly a history of the ‘Football for Good’ movement, partly a manifesto for the future of football and partly the autobiography of Jurgen Griesbeck and how he came to become one of football’s great innovators. 

The catalyst for Griesbeck’s work into ‘Football for Good’ was the murder of Colombian footballer Andres Escobar who had been murdered after scoring an own goal at the 1994 World Cup against the USA. The death of ‘the Gentleman of Football’ had shaken Griesbeck to the core but had initiated his work with gangs in Medellin, in Colombia in 1997.

Griesbeck created a methodology for the gangs to play football against each other that had unfamiliar rules such as no referees. Fouls would be called by consensus. Teams would have an equal number of males and females, and the first goal of each side could only be scored by a girl or woman. A courageous move that eventually paid dividends with a reduction in crime. 

This absorbing book traces Griesbeck’s development as an international agent for social change through a vast range of creative football schemes and projects culminating in ‘Common Goal’ in 2017. 

Members of ‘Common Goal’ pledge at least one per cent of their salary to help support good causes around the world. Juan Mata was the first to sign up and has been joined by the likes of Megan Rapinoe, Paulo Dybala, Pernille Harder, Mats Hummels, Giorgio Chiellini, Jurgen Klopp and entire clubs, companies, and competitions. So far there are over 450 members including 200 professional footballers, but the challenge is to get many more to sign up.

Griesbeck is critical of the role many football agents play in preventing professional players from getting involved but he is still hopeful that by 2030, the 100-year anniversary of the World Cup, many more professionals will have become involved and significant progress will have been made.

The attempted breakaway of the European Super League has meant that fans are questioning, more than ever, the essence of football. Griesbeck says, ‘In a world facing so many challenges, this magnificent game, which binds people together like nothing else, must realise its potential and play a bigger role in protecting and improving our collective future.’ 

There are quite a lot of administrative details about the setting up the various ‘Football for Good’ schemes, but the narrative moves along quickly towards the setting up of ‘Common Goal’ and in the third half there are contributions from a Radical XI of disruptive ‘Football for Good’ innovators.

Radical Football is recommended reading for anyone who wants to know how football can do more. Griesbeck’s thought-provoking manifesto should resonate with football fans everywhere. Football can be a power for good and through great initiatives like ‘Common Goal’ it can be a catalyst for major social change.

Radical Football: Jurgen Griesbeck and the Story of Football for Good by Steve Fleming Published by Pitch Publishing. Price £14.99.

This review first appeared in the June/July 2022 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

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Latics lift the League One Trophy in style – Shrewsbury Town 0 Wigan Athletic 3

Posted on May 2, 2022 by ianhaspinall

League One Champions 2022

  • Wigan Athletic are the League One Champions after an accomplished 3-0 victory at Shrewsbury Town.
  • Latics went ahead just before half-time when Max Power’s free-kick came back off the post and the rebound went in via Shrewsbury midfielder Josh Vela.
  • Early in the second half the visitors doubled their lead from the penalty spot when Will Keane converted.
  • The three points and the title were confirmed on 65 minutes when James McClean’s inviting free-kick was headed home by Golden Boot winner Keane for his 26th league goal of the season.
  • Latics finished the season two points ahead of second placed Rotherham and three points ahead of third placed MK Dons who enter the play-offs.

Leam Richardson made two changes to the starting line-up from the midweek game against Ipswich, Kell Watts came back into the centre of defence for Joe Bennett whilst James McClean replaced Tom Pearce at left wing-back.

Shrewsbury started well and Daniel Udoh drove forward into the penalty and hit a low shot which was comfortably saved by Ben Amos.

Latics then went close in the 10th minute, from a short corner McClean crossed for Watts, but the Newcastle loanee headed just over the crossbar.

The visitors looked the most likely to open the scoring and in the 23rd minute Power’s swerving 30-yard free-kick was superbly turned around the post by Marko Marosi.

As half-time approached Latics were ahead through an own goal. Power’s in-swinging free-kick from the left hit the near post before rebounding onto Vela and into the back of the net.

Latics started the second half strongly and made it two from the penalty spot in the 50th minute. Power’s shot from just inside the area hit the hand of the diving Tom Flanagan and referee Steve Martin awarded the spot kick.

Keane stepped up to send Marosi the wrong way from the penalty kick and cue ecstatic scenes in the away end.

Latics effectively sealed the three points and the title in the 65th minute when they added a third and Keane’s 26th goal of the season.

McClean’s in-swinging free-kick from the left-hand side was perfect for Keane to glance into the top corner and produce more memorable scenes in the away end.

Shrewsbury defend a Latics corner

The hosts had a rare opportunity to pull a goal back with 11 minutes remaining when Ryan Bowman capitalised on an error by Kell Watts and squared the ball to Udoh, but Amos did well to gather the ball. 

Latics comfortably saw out the remaining minutes of the game to secure the League One title and their third promotion from League One as Champions in six years.

Talking to the media afterwards, Richardson dedicated the title to the staff who had been made redundant during administration.

“There were times last season when we needed everyone’s support, and we certainly got that,” he said.

“None more so than from our own fans, who were there for us when we needed them the most.

“First and foremost, I’d like to dedicate this title win to the fans, and also every single member of staff who was made redundant during the administration period.

“This club has been through such challenging times, and for us to come through it, none of it would have been possible on my own.

“It comes from the support of others – your family, friends, players and the staff – who have all played their part.

“Every single accolade we get, and I get, it’s shared among everyone.”

It has been a remarkable transformation for the club from the dark days of administration. Only an amazing crowdfunding appeal has kept the club alive. Last season Latics had only escaped relegation to League Two by just one point.

Richardson had steered the club through the crisis and when the new owners Phoenix 2021 took over they recruited superbly and have managed the club in exemplary fashion.

Richardson has achieved almost godlike status in Wigan from when he performed CPR to save the life of striker Charlie Wyke.

The modest manager has had a Stand at the DW Stadium named after him and with a quick fire promotion to the Championship he has exceeded all expectations.

The future looks very bright with Richardson and Phoenix 2021 in charge. The League One title is an incredible achievement by everyone involved with the club, but they will not rest on their laurels and the preparations for Championship success have already commenced.

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Leam Richardson, Phoenix 2021 Limited, Shrewsbury Town, Talal Al Hammad, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments