Let's Hang On

Cook and Wilder returning to their roots and making a big impact in the Championship

Posted on October 26, 2018 by ianhaspinall

Chris Wilder

Two successful managers who have returned to their first league clubs come face-to-face on Saturday as third placed Sheffield United take on 12th placed Wigan Athletic at Bramall Lane. The 51-year-olds Chris Wilder and Paul Cook have both recently guided their teams to promotion from League One and are making a big impact in the Championship.

Wilder is a former Sheffield United player who started his career in the mid-1980’s and played 105 games in two spells for the club. Overall he made 414 career appearances at various clubs including Rotherham, Notts County, Bradford, Brighton and Halifax.

He started his managerial career at non-league Alfreton Town 17 years ago and has worked his way up through Halifax Town, Oxford United and Northampton.

Eventually he returned to his first senior club and the team he had supported as a boy. Wilder has won two division titles, achieving one promotion with Northampton Town, and a second as the man to finally get the Blades out of League One after six difficult seasons.

Both Sheffield United and Wigan are at the lower end of the Championship transfer-spending table and both managers have done well to recruit relatively cheaply from the lower leagues and Scotland.

United players such as defenders Chris Basham signed on a free transfer from Blackpool and Jack O’Connell signed from Brentford are amongst their best performers.

Similarly Latics have recruited impressive defenders Chey Dunkley from Oxford United and Cedric Kipre from Motherwell respectively.

Wilder’s preferred formation is a somewhat unorthodox but well-drilled 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-2 formation and Cook prefers 4-2-3-1, although he surprisingly used a 4-4-2 in the defeat against Millwall on Tuesday night.

Both Cook and Wilder are well-liked and their plain speaking has endeared them to the teams supporters. They both like to play attacking football and have similar football philosophies.

This quote from the Wilder, in The Guardian sounds very much like something Cook would say, “We are not trying to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes you have your off days. We have a way of going about things. Basically we are positive people trying to improve players and teams.”

Similarly Wilder could easily have said what Cook told SkySports, “I don’t think there’s enough emphasis on team spirit and good lads, work ethic and a desire to do well together.”

Paul Cook

Cook is a Liverpool fan having grown up in nearby Kirkby but he has a close affinity with Latics having started his senior career with the club and recently signed a new four-year contract.

He had an incredible first season not only leading Latics’ return to the Championship but also leading his side to the FA Cup quarter-finals following victories over three Premier League sides, including the Champions Manchester City.

Cook commenced his playing career at non-league Marine and signed for Wigan in 1984 and went on to play 89 games in two spells with the club. Overall he made 642 league appearances with Wigan, Norwich, Wolves, Coventry, Tranmere, Stockport, Burnley and Accrington.

He started his managerial career at non-league Southport in 2006 and had a successful spell with Sligo Rovers in Ireland before returning to England with Accrington, then Chesterfield and Portsmouth before re-joining Latics in 2017.

Cook has an excellent management record winning three titles with Chesterfield and Portsmouth in League Two and Latics in League One since coming into the Football League in 2012.

After a very commendable return to the Championship the Blades finished 10th and Wilder is looking to push for promotion to the Premier League this time around. United like Latics have very good home form having won four and drawn two of their games so far.

The Blades will be favourites tomorrow as Latics are in the throes of an injury crisis with star man Nick Powell doubtful, Gavin Massey, Michael Jacobs, Will Grigg and Antonee Robinson all injured, Darron Gibson suspended and the Blades loanee Lee Evans not allowed to play.

Cook has said he wants to consolidate in the Championship but if their injury problems subside and they can improve their away form then a play-off spot isn’t impossible.

Wilder and Cook may have started their management careers in non-league football but they certainly look capable of taking their original clubs to the highest level in the near future.

Posted in Championship, Chris Wilder, Paul Cook, Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Championship, Chris Wilder, Paul Cook, Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

Jekyll and Hyde Latics – Millwall 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on October 24, 2018 by ianhaspinall

Paul Cook searching for solutions to Latics’ poor away form

Wigan Athletic’s Jekyll and Hyde form continued when they produced another abject away performance at Millwall and succumbed to a fifth successive away defeat.

Latics had performed superbly winning 1-0 against title favourites West Bromwich Albion at home on Saturday but this was the complete opposite. A dispiritingly poor performance against a team who were struggling in the relegation zone.

Latics were outplayed for long periods in an error-strewn display at the Den. The Lions won most of the 50/50 battles and when Latics did get the ball they gave it away far too easily.

In spite of Millwall’s overall dominance Latics undeservedly went ahead with an own goal from Jed Wallace just before half time.

Paul Cook’s team were gifted a chance to double their lead when they were luckily awarded a penalty when James Vaughan fell in the box, but Josh Windass wasted the golden opportunity blazing the ball high over the crossbar.

The miss proved to be a crucial turning point as the Lions went up the other end and were awarded a penalty themselves when Reece Jones was adjudged to have fouled Aidan O’Brien.

Shaun Williams converted the spot-kick and on 84 minutes substitute Steve Morison won it for Millwall.

Cook decided to make three changes to the team which defeated West Bromwich on Saturday with Kal Naismith, Callum Connolly and Vaughan coming into the starting eleven.

The manager surprisingly decided to change from his preferred formation of 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2, which matched Millwall’s formation, with Windass and Vaughan as the two main strikers.

Windass had an early opportunity when he picked up Christian Walton’s long ball but he fired wide of the target from a tight angle. But for the rest of the half it was mainly Millwall dictating the play and Latics giving the ball away needlessly.

Cedric Kipre cleared off the line from Wallace’s goal-bound effort as the Lion’s pressure increased. The home team producing a series of searching crosses into the visitors penalty area.

But against the run of play Latics went ahead just before the interval as Lee Evans’ free kick was inadvertently headed into his own net by Wallace.

Latics couldn’t quite believe their luck and they could have been two up soon after the restart when Vaughan was clean through on goal, but his poor first touch let him down and the ball ran away from him and keeper Ben Amos saved at his feet.

Around the hour mark Latics were gifted another opportunity when Vaughan fell in the box after limited contact from a defender. In the absence of the usual penalty takers Will Grigg and Nick Powell, Windass stepped up but blazed his spot-kick high over the crossbar.

The Lions almost immediately capitalised on the miss and were awarded a penalty themselves when James jumped into O’Brien in the area. Williams converted the spot-kick smashing the ball high into the top right hand corner of Walton’s net.

The visitors defence was under siege now as the Lions grew in confidence and the inevitable winner came on 84 minutes when Morison tapped home from close range.

Latics might have managed an undeserved equaliser just before full time when a limping substitute Nick Powell couldn’t make a proper contact with his header inside the six yard box.

The result drops Wigan down to 10th and moves Millwall up to 19th in the Championship table.

Latics home form has been outstanding under Paul Cook only losing two of their last 36 league games. However, the away form, apart from the win at Stoke, has been very disappointing this season. In particular the last two away performances losing 4-0 at Deepdale and losing 2-1 at the Den have been dire.

The next fixture is away at second-placed Sheffield United on Saturday and they will need to show a vast improvement if they are to get anything from the game.

Posted in Championship, Jed wallace, Millwall, Shaun Williams, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Championship, James Morison, Jed wallace, Millwall, Shaun Williams, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

Latics shock Championship title favourites – Wigan Athletic 1 West Bromwich Albion 0

Posted on October 22, 2018 by ianhaspinall

Josh Windass

Wigan Athletic produced one of their best performances of the season to defeat Championship title favourites West Bromwich Albion 1-0 at the DW Stadium.

The Baggies had been in free-scoring form and unbeaten in seven-games prior to kick-off but Latics were in determined mood and soon blunted their opponents offensive ambitions before going on to dominate.

Former Rangers striker Josh Windass scored the vital winner on 74 minutes but it could so easily have been several more if it were not for keeper Sam Johnstone and some profligate finishing.

Latics are in the throes of an injury crisis and are without the strike force that was so successful in League One, with Will Grigg, Michael Jacobs and Gavin Massey all unavailable, so Paul Cook had to be very creative with his starting eleven. Dan Burn replaced the injured Antonee Robinson at left back and Gary Roberts, Nathan Byrne and Lee Evans all came back into the team.

The in-form Baggies started confidently and Christian Walton was forced into an early save from a Jay Rodriguez header. But Latics defended determinedly and they gradually worked their way into the game.

Windass had a great chance to give Latics the lead when he was played through by Nick Powell but his effort from close range was wide of the target.

Windass then reciprocated by crossing the ball for Powell but the former Manchester United midfielder couldn’t quite make the vital contact from inside the six-yard box.

Powell also had a looping header just clear the crossbar with Latics now well in the ascendancy.

Just before the interval Powell appeared to be brought down in the penalty area and referee Jeremy Simpson pointed to the spot, but after consulting with the linesman he changed his mind and awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area, which Powell was unable to convert.

All level at half-time, but somewhat unexpectedly Latics were looking the better team against the second-placed Baggies.

Early in the second half West Brom had an appeal for a penalty when Harvey Barnes went down in the box under a challenge by Chey Dunkley, but referee Simpson decided to give Barnes a yellow card for simulation.

Roberts then went close for Latics forcing a good save from Johnstone at his near post before Windass forced an even better save from Johnstone low down to his right.

But Latics were not to be denied and went ahead on 74 minutes when Powell got his head to Walton’s long kick and Windass cut inside Ahmed Hegazi before unleashing an unstoppable low drive into the corner of the Baggies net. It was no more than Latics deserved.

Dunkley had a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 from Roberts’ cross but the big defender headed just wide.

In a hard fought match with nine bookings it was no surprise when Jake Livermore was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence on 84 minutes.

Latics were home and dry. A brilliant performance against a West Brom team who are expected to be promoted at the end of the season. They had deservedly beaten a team packed full of Premier League experience who had scored 31 goals in their previous 12 Championship games.

It had been a superb team effort but special commendations should go to the 34-year-old Roberts who was playing his first full game of the season and yet he excelled down the left hand side. Nathan Byrne and Dan Burn who have both had limited game time this season looked very comfortable in unfamiliar positions and Windass had his best game in a Latics shirt since joining in August.

The games are coming thick and fast with many difficult fixtures ahead. Millwall away on Tuesday night and second-placed Sheffield United away on Saturday, but if Latics can continue to perform like they did against West Brom they will be in for a fantastic season.

Posted in Championship, Josh Windass, West Bromwich Albion, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Championship, Josh Windass, West Bromwich Albion, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

Baggies will provide Latics with stiffest test of the season

Posted on October 18, 2018 by ianhaspinall

On-loan Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle

Latics’ unbeaten home record will be severely tested as free-scoring West Bromwich Albion come to the DW Stadium on Saturday.

Latics may have won four and drawn two of their home games so far but the Baggies are currently second in the Championship table and on a fine run of form, which has seen them unbeaten in their last eight league games.

They have only lost once away from home all season at Middlesbrough back in August. The favourites for promotion are certainly well equipped for a quick return to the top flight with experienced Premier League performers such as Jake Livermore, Chris Brunt, Matt Phillips, Kieran Gibbs, Craig Dawson and Ahmed Hegazi.

They are the highest scorers in the division having already hit 31 goals in 12 games and with the attacking trio of Jay Rodriguez, Harvey Barnes and Dwight Gayle will pose a major threat to any team.

The on-loan Newcastle striker Gayle already has eight goals to his name with Rodriguez on seven and Barnes on five.

As well as a strong starting eleven the Baggies have plenty of experience in the squad with former Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton and England midfielder Gareth Barry.

The 37-year-old has played an incredible 770 senior games and has made seven appearances for the Baggies this season.

Also in contention for a starting place is former Crystal Palace and Mali attacking midfielder Bakary Sako who has recently signed a contract until the end of the season.

Manager Darren Moore has made a very successful start to his managerial career since taking over in April this year losing only four of his 21 games in charge.

He is assisted by the former Latics striker and coach Graeme Jones who has swapped his role as assistant to Roberto Martinez with the Belgian national team.

Jones is a very experienced coach and could easily be managing at this level by now but he seems to prefer the Number Two role for the time being.

Paul Cook will be expecting a big reaction from the players after such a poor display against Preston.

He will have been working hard on the training ground to regain some confidence and I expect some changes to the starting eleven after some very poor individual performances at Deepdale.

Dan Burn could come into a back three with Cedric Kipre and Chey Dunkley but if he decides to stick with his usual 4-2-3-1 formation Cook’s biggest conundrum could be who he decides to play as the lone striker.

Will Grigg suffered a hamstring injury playing for Northern Ireland against Austria last Friday night and is doubtful. Josh Windass or Joe Garner could be given the nod but James Vaughan is also now fit and available for selection.

Another option would be to use Nick Powell in that role but he was injured in the first half against PNE and may also be doubtful for the game.

Whoever is selected, Latics will have to be at their best against formidable opponents. It will certainly be a big scalp if they can pull off a victory against the Championship favourites.

Latics’ testing run of games continues at Millwall on Tuesday night before they travel to league leaders Sheffield United and then face Leeds United at the DW on Sunday 4th November before going up to Teesside to play Tony Pulis’s Middlesbrough.

How Latics fare in these fixtures should provide a strong indication of whether they will be heading for the play-offs or fighting a relegation battle.

Posted in Championship, Darren Moore, Dwight Gayle, Graeme Jones, West Bromwich Albion, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Championship, Darren Moore, Dwight Gayle, Graeme Jones, West Bromwich Albion, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

Derby day debacle – Preston North End 4 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on October 8, 2018 by ianhaspinall

Reece James – one of the few creditable performances on the day

Wigan Athletic produced their worst performance of the season as they were defeated 4-0 by Preston North End at Deepdale.

It was a chastening defeat for Latics who have made such a bright start to their Championship campaign against a team who had been bottom of the table before kick off.

Tom Barkhuizen gave North End the lead after Christian Walton failed to keep out his low drive at the near post on 17 minutes.

Latics lost star man Nick Powell to injury just before half time and North End added a second goal on 51 minutes when Daniel Johnson set up Callum Robinson.

Soon afterwards Latics’ task became even harder as midfielder Darron Gibson made a reckless challenge on Ben Pearson and was given a straight red card by referee Lee Probert.

But despite going down to ten-men Latics battled to get back into the game until the 85th minute when substitute Dan Burn was harshly adjudged to have have fouled Lukas Nmech in the box.

Paul Gallagher converted the resulting spot-kick to seal the three points, before Robinson added a fourth in added time.

Paul Cook made two changes from the side which drew with Swansea City in midweek with Samy Morsy and Will Grigg coming in for Lee Evans and Joe Garner.

Latics started the brighter forcing three early corners but the hosts went ahead when Barkhuizen’s low drive from inside the area couldn’t be kept out despite Walton getting his right hand to the ball.

Latics nearly drew level when Michael Jacobs’ deep cross was missed by keeper Chris Maxwell and the ball hit Nick Powell but Tom Clarke cleared off the line.

A significant moment in the game occurred on the half hour mark as Nick Powell was badly fouled from behind by Ben Pearson who was subsequently yellow carded. Powell struggled for the remainder of the half before having to be substituted by Dan Burn.

At half time Latics changed to a back three of Burn, Chey Dunkley and Cedric Kipre with James and Antonee Robinson pushed forward as wing backs.

Early in the second half North End went close as Browne fired against the crossbar.

Latics responded when Reece James broke forward forcing a good save from Maxwell. But from North End’s counter-attack they doubled their lead. Daniel Johnson fed Robinson in the area and the Republic of Ireland international finished from close range.

Matters got worse for Latics a few minutes later as Gibson was given a red card for a foul on Ben Pearson.

James forced another good save from Maxwell as Latics battled to get a foothold in the game. Substitute Callum McManaman was soon causing a threat down the right hand side and a goal at this point might have affected the outcome.

But it was all to no avail as with five minutes of normal time remaining Burn was adjudged to have fouled Lukas Nmecha in the area, Gallagher converting the resulting penalty.

Just to rub salt into the wound after six minutes of added time North End added a fourth goal when Chris Maguire cut the ball back for Robinson to score.

A dreadful derby day and one that Latics’ players and fans will soon want to forget.

Reece James was the only player to emerge with any credit from Latics’ worst performance since Paul Cook became manager. Cook was clearly upset when interviewed after the game.

The manager said,

“The players have been fantastic to date; we have offered so much goodness in my time at the club but that was an all-time low today and that was a game where – irrespective of the sending off etc. – Preston were a lot better than us and fully deserved the win.”

Captain Samy Morsy tellingly admitted that Latics lacked desire and were second best on the day.

“We had a lot of fans here today and we apologise to them. We really let them down with our performance. It hurts me to say it but they wanted it more than we did.”

Few people had seen this performance coming after a good start to the season, but Cook and the players should see it as a big wake up call with some very difficult games coming up after the international break.

The fans will be expecting a big reaction from the players after such a dispiriting display against local rivals. Cook will need to work hard on the training ground to re-instil some confidence and changes to the starting eleven are surely inevitable after some very poor individual performances.

Posted in Callum Robinson, Championship, Paul Cook, Paul Gallagher, Preston North End, Tom Barkhuizen, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Callum Robinson, Championship, Paul Cook, Paul Gallagher, Preston North End, Tom Barkhuizen, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

Keeper Walton is destined for the top

Posted on October 4, 2018 by ianhaspinall

Christian Walton

Newly promoted Wigan Athletic have made a very commendable start to the season and are currently sitting ninth in the Championship table. Crucial to that good start have been the performances of 22-year-old goalkeeper Christian Walton.

Latics re-signed the Brighton and Hove Albion keeper on a season-long loan deal after an impressive campaign in the League One winning team. The Wadebridge born player kept 19 clean sheets in 31 league games last season as he won the League One Golden Glove.

The 6ft 5in keeper signed a new four-year contract at the AMEX Stadium in July 2017 but Brighton decided Walton’s development was best served by remaining with Latics as they have three experienced keepers in Mat Ryan, David Button and Jason Steele.

Walton made his debut for Latics on the opening day of 2017–18 in a 1–0 victory away to Milton Keynes Dons and despite breaking his leg in a training session at the beginning of his Latics loan he has now made 46 appearances conceding only 33 goals during the period.

Walton helped Latics to progress to the last eight of the FA Cup last season, beating Premier League sides Bournemouth, West Ham and Manchester City before losing to Southampton despite Walton saving a penalty.

His excellent performances during the Cup run will have highlighted his potential and brought him to the attention of Premier League clubs.

He has once again excelled this term keeping four clean sheets in a new and young defensive line-up with Reece James (18), Cedric Kipre (21), Chey Dunkley (26) and Antonee Robinson (21).

Latics were particularly impressive in September as they won three of their five league games; with a return of nine points the fourth best haul in that time.

Walton was the only Latics player included in the Championship team of the month producing more saves (21) than any other keeper.

He is very calm under pressure as was evidenced in his performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup, he commands his area to great effect and has exceptional shot-stopping abilities.

Walton is already performing at a consistently high level in the Championship; he rarely makes a mistake and is constantly improving his performances.

He maintains a high level of concentration throughout the games which shows a maturity way beyond his years.

He has just surpassed 100 career appearances and goalkeepers usually improve with experience so he is likely to have a great career.

Latics have been very lucky to acquire the services of a top keeper but worryingly the current loan deal does allow Brighton to recall Walton in January 2019 if required.

Walton has represented England at under-19, under-20 and under-21 levels and has a very bright future ahead. He will no doubt become a Premier League regular in the near future, but whether it’s with Latics, Brighton or another team we will just have to wait and see.

Posted in Brighton & Hove Albion, Championship, Christian Walton, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Brighton & Hove Albion, Championship, Christian Walton, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

Latics lucky to remain undefeated at home – Wigan Athletic 0 Swansea City 0

Posted on October 2, 2018 by ianhaspinall

Will Grigg had Latics’ best chance

Latics were grateful for a point after a difficult home fixture against Graham Potter’s well organised Swansea City. Latics remain undefeated at home in 13 league games but the run could so easily have come to an end last night.

The visitors had the lion’s share of possession and created plenty of chances but overall a combination of poor finishing and some good defending by Latics meant the game ended in a stalemate.

The hosts best chance came when Will Grigg picked up a poor back pass and was clean through on goal but Swans keeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt came to the rescue saving the striker’s effort with his legs.

The Swans might have won it at the death but Chey Dunkley superbly cleared from Martin Olsen’s goal bound effort.

The Swans move up to sixth in the Championship table and Latics up to seventh before Wednesday night’s fixtures.

Latics made one change from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Norwich with captain Samy Morsy missing out due to a slight hamstring strain and being replaced by Darron Gibson.

The visitors started brightly moving the ball confidently and they soon put Latics on to the back foot forcing defensive blocks from Reece James and Cedric Kipre and a couple of good saves from Christian Walton.

Latics tried to respond and Michael Jacobs fired wide of the target from Reece James’ cross.

But the Swans continued in the ascendancy and Connor Roberts was denied at close range by a superb save from Walton.

Latics started the second half more positively with Nick Powell providing a great opportunity for Jacobs but the winger fired wide of the target.

The Swans however continued to have the better of the game with Oli McBurnie, Roberts and substitute Leroy Fer all firing wide.

Latics’ best opportunity came when Matt Grimes made a poor back pass and Grigg looked odds on to score but Nordfeldt saved with his legs.

Grigg then failed to connect with substitute Callum McManaman’s cross into the six yard box, before Olsen had a great chance to take all three points but Dunkley denied him with a last ditch clearance.

Latics had been a little lucky to escape with a point against a side who look well equipped to challenge at the top of the table. Despite not being at their best they had at least defended very well with Chey Dunkley, Christian Walton and Cedric Kipre all outstanding.

They will be hoping that their captain Morsy will be available on Saturday as they will need to improve if they are to get a good result at local rivals Preston North End.

Posted in Championship, Graham Potter, Swansea City, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Championship, Graham Potter, Swansea City, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

Referee is the centre of attention – Norwich City 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on September 30, 2018 by ianhaspinall

Referee Gavin Ward

A poor refereeing performance by Gavin Ward marred Latics’ 1-0 defeat against the Canaries at Carrow Road.

Referee Ward had already enraged the wrath of both sets of supporters during an erratic display when he awarded a late controversial penalty to Norwich with the match heading towards a stalemate.

Substitute Callum Connolly was adjudged to have fouled Teemu Pukki in the box, but few of Latics’ fans expected Ward to award a spot-kick for the challenge.

Norwich substitute Mario Vrancic stepped up to convert the penalty and move them up to fifth in the Championship table and see Latics slip down to eighth.

Paul Cook retained the same starting line-up from last Friday’s 1-0 win over Bristol City, with recent injury casualties Will Grigg and Callum McManaman returning to the bench.

Latics had an early chance when Cedric Kipre rose high above the Canaries defence but headed wide of the target from Lee Evans’ corner.

But as the game progressed Norwich took control with Christian Walton denying Marco Stiepermann.

A sloppy back pass from Chey Dunkley then sent Pukki clear but the big defender got back to make a goal saving challenge, although the home fans thought it should have been a penalty.

In a game of few clear cut chances both teams often cancelled each other out, although the Canaries did have the lion’s share of possession.

The hosts created several chances early in the second half when Walton again denied Stiepermann and Alex Tettey fired wide of the target.

Latics defended stubbornly and the game looked to be heading towards stalemate until referee Ward intervened in the 86th minute.

Substitute Connolly went shoulder to shoulder with Pukki in the box, but there was limited contact and despite the Latics players’ appeals the referee awarded the spot-kick which effectively won the game for the hosts.

The referee may have felt that he should have awarded a penalty in the first half to Norwich but this was no excuse for such a poor decision in awarding the penalty.

Cook said after the game,

“I did think their penalty in the first half was a penalty, you’ve got to be truthful about these things. “But once he hasn’t given that, we always possibly thought the next opportunity he got, he would genuinely give Norwich a penalty.”

Latics game plan had been to press the Canaries high up the pitch and for the most part this was successful but they had failed to create many opportunities in front of goal.

Cook will be looking to quickly bounce back against Swansea City on Tuesday night, with Will Grigg and Callum McManaman likely starters, as they try to maintain their excellent home record.

Posted in Championship, Gavin Ward, Mario Vrancic, Norwich City, Paul Cook, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Championship, Gavin Ward, Mario Vrancic, Norwich City, Paul Cook, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

How good is Wigan’s Cedric Kipre?

Posted on September 27, 2018 by ianhaspinall

Cedric Kipre destined for the top. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic.

It’s now apparent that Wigan Athletic made some very astute signings in the close season, which has helped to propel Paul Cook’s team to within touching distance of the top of the Championship table.

Amongst the new signings and loan deals are Lee Evans, Christian Walton, Reece James and Antonee Robinson who have all been outstanding but probably the most impressive addition has been Ivorian centre-half Cedric Kipre.

The 21-year-old Ivory Coast Under-23 international has signed a three-year deal with Latics after joining from Motherwell. During his time at Fir Park, he was an ever present and helped the club to both the Scottish FA Cup and Scottish League Cup finals in his first full season.

The Paris-born defender came through the youth ranks at Paris St Germain before moving to Leicester City but he never made a first team appearance while at the King Power Stadium.

Kipre only signed for Latics a day before the Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday but has quickly slotted into the injured vice-captain Dan Burn’s position.

The big man with the distinctive dyed blonde hair has helped Latics to move into the play-off places with some magnificent defensive displays.

Kipre has been ever present in the team, which conceded seven goals in the first three games but has only conceded four goals in the last six.

The French man has done exceptionally well to quickly form such a strong defensive partnership with Chey Dunkley.

The 6 ft 3 in defender has been dominant in the aerial challenges and is able to cover quickly when needed, for example when getting back to make a goal-saving tackle to dispossess Andreas Weimann against Bristol City last Friday night.

He is technically very competent on the ball and does not panic when under pressure. He has put in some accomplished displays and has shown that he is more than capable of handling the physical demands of the second tier.

He was Man of the match against Rotherham and the expectation is that there will be many more.

Kipre was signed for a fee in the region of £1m but it could prove to be the best £1m Latics have spent in a long time.

It is still early days for him in the Championship but I’m sure he’s already attracting interest from Premier League clubs after such an auspicious start to the campaign and if he can maintain this high level of performance Latics will soon have to repel some significant transfer bids.

Kipre is still young at 21-years-old and has huge potential to get better but all the indications are that Latics have unearthed an Ivorian gem.

Posted in Cedric Kipre, Championship, Motherwell, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Cedric Kipre, Championship, Motherwell, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Latics move on up – Wigan Athletic 1 Bristol City 0

Posted on September 22, 2018 by ianhaspinall

Nick Powell’s perfect header was the difference

Latics moved up to third in the Championship table with a deserved 1-0 victory against the Robins at the DW Stadium last night.

In a closely fought encounter neither team had gained the upper hand until Nick Powell’s perfectly placed header in the 52nd minute made the difference.

Famara Diedhiou had a late opportunity to draw the Robins level but his header from close range was easily saved by Christian Walton.

The Robins are expected to be amongst promotion challengers but it was newly promoted Latics who looked the better side on the night and remain unbeaten at home since March.

Latics made one change to the starting line-up from Tuesday night’s victory against Hull City with Joe Garner replacing the injured Will Grigg upfront.

The Robins had an early chance when Andreas Weimann picked up a poor back pass by Antonee Robinson but Cedric Kipre made a superb intervention to deny the in-form striker.

Latics gradually took control of proceedings and were denied a penalty in the 22nd minute when Michael Jacobs was upended in the box and referee Oliver Langford turned away the appeals.

Jacobs then went close with a powerful drive from 25-yards which just cleared the crossbar.

Powell might have given Latics the lead a few minutes later when he fired wide of the target from the edge of the area. The ever dangerous midfielder then dispossessed a Robins defender by the dead ball line and put in a low cross but agonizingly no Latics player could make the vital contact.

The Robins forced three consecutive corners just before half-time but Latics’ defence stood firm and the teams remained level at the interval.

Latics started the second-half strongly and Josh Windass nearly gave them the lead but his flicked header just cleared the crossbar from Reece James’ free-kick.

Windass was in the thick of the action and his superb pinpoint cross allowed Powell to produce a sublime headed finish past Niki Maenpaa.

The former Glasgow Rangers striker then fired wide of the target as Latics went in search of a second goal. Sam Morsy got forward soon afterwards and fired another effort high over Maenpaa’s crossbar.

The Latics captain was back to his best producing a Man of the match performance in midfield harrowing his opponents, winning the ball and setting up attacks.

Despite Latics’ dominance they couldn’t add a second goal and they had to defend resolutely in the remaining minutes of the game with Cedric Kipre and Chey Dunkley once again outstanding in the centre of defence.

Diedhiou had a late chance to draw the Robins level with a header but it would have been an injustice if they had drawn level.

Overall Latics had been the better team and created the better chances. I had expected more from the Robins who had set up with a 4-4-2 formation but they looked unconvincing going forward.

After three games in six days Latics now have a week to recuperate and allow some of their star players to recover from injury. It’s been a remarkably good start to the campaign for Paul Cook’s men and all the signs are that they are in for a successful season in the Championship.

Posted in Bristol City, Championship, Nick Powell, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Bristol City, Championship, Nick Powell, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment