Let's Hang On

End of an era for the Whelan family – Wigan Athletic 1 Leeds United 2

Posted on November 5, 2018 by ianhaspinall

Dave Whelan

It was a slightly disappointing finale for the Whelan family after 23 years in charge of Wigan Athletic as they were defeated 2-1 by Leeds United on Sunday.

Latics had been undefeated at home since February last year but with five attacking players unavailable it was always going to be a difficult task against high-flying Leeds.

Injury-hit Latics battled hard against the new Championship leaders but the lack of quality going forward meant their chances were few and far between as Leeds enjoyed the lion’s share of possession.

Latics went ahead after only six minutes when 18-year-old Chelsea loanee Reece James curled home a superb 30 yard free kick.

But Leeds were soon level as Barry Douglas’ defence splitting pass found Mateusz Klich in space and the Polish midfielder cut the ball back to Pablo Hernandez for an easy tap in.

Leeds started to dominate and Latics were a little lucky to go into the interval level, but the visitors went ahead very early in the second-half following a calamitous mix- up between Cedric Kipre and keeper Christian Walton which allowed Kemar Roofe an easy finish.

The hosts best chance to equalise came in the 85th minute when substitute Callum McManaman skilfully turned his marker but fired his shot agonisingly over the crossbar.

Latics were still without their usual forward line of Gavin Massey, Michael Jacobs and Will Grigg and these absentees were joined on the injury list by Nick Powell and Gary Roberts. Cedric Kipre, Darron Gibson, Kal Naismith and Joe Garner all came into the starting eleven following the defeat at Sheffield United.

Wigan got off to a great start after only six minutes when James curled a superb 30 yard free kick past Bailey Peacock-Farrell for his first goal for the club.

Leeds responded quickly and Douglas’ defence splitting pass found Klich in space and he cut the ball back to Hernandez for an easy finish.

On 23 minutes there was a rousing minute’s applause in appreciation of the 23 years of the Whelan family ownership at Wigan Athletic.

As the half wore on the visitors took control, dominating possession and pressing high on the Latics defence. Adam Forshaw forced a good save from Walton and Latics were lucky to get to the interval on level terms.

But soon after the restart the visitors went in front following a mix-up between Kipre and Walton which allowed Roofe an easy task to score from close range.

Leeds had further chances to increase their lead with Roofe firing wide and Hernandez crashing another effort against the post.

Latics’ best opportunity came on 85 minutes when McManaman superbly turned his marker in the area and fired just over the crossbar.

Leeds had deserved the three points which took them back to the top of the table and I expect them to be involved in the promotion shake-up at the end of the season.

Latics will be rueing their mistakes and hoping for a quick end to their injury crisis. Very few clubs of Latics’ stature could compete against tough opposition without five of their best attacking players.

It may have been disappointing result on the day but nothing can detract from the last 23 years which have been an incredible success story for the Whelan family.

Dave Whelan’s contribution as Wigan Athletic owner should be celebrated as one of the great football success stories. Whelan and his grandson David Sharpe have made Wiganers dreams come true.

To climb through the divisions and to establish themselves in the Premier League for eight years, reach a League Cup Final, win an FA Cup Final and qualify for the Europa League is an almost unbelievable achievement for such a small town club.

It has been a privilege to support Wigan Athletic during this period and I can only thank them profusely for an amazing 23 years.

Posted in Championship, Dave Whelan, David Sharpe, Kemar Roofe, Leeds United, Reece James, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Championship, Dave Whelan, David Sharpe, Kemar Roofe, Leeds United, Pablo Hernandez, Reece James, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

Whelan’s farewell – the times they are a changin’

Posted on November 1, 2018 by ianhaspinall

Roberto Martinez and Dave Whelan

The takeover of Wigan Athletic by the International Entertainment Corporation (IEC) should be completed tomorrow at the Extraordinary General Meeting (Friday 2nd November).

The change in ownership from Dave Whelan to IEC means the end of an era for the club. During the last 23 years Whelan’s time in charge of Latics has been truly remarkable. Whelan has completely transformed the club during his tenure.

When he took over in 1995 Latics were struggling in the bottom division on attendances of less than 2,000 and few could have expected that the club would have such a meteoric rise.

When Whelan said he would take the club into the Premier League many people mocked. When he said he would like to see the Latics play in the FA Cup Final many people said it was an impossible dream.

But during Whelan’s ownership they have done these extraordinary things. Whelan’s investment in Wigan should also be recognised for the huge social and economic benefits it has brought to the town.

The £30m DW Stadium development and associated sporting facilities have been a tremendous boost for the local community.

Raising the town’s profile in front of a global TV audience can only have had positive benefits for the area, which has otherwise suffered considerable economic adversity.

Whelan’s leadership of the club has been steadfast and unswerving, he has given his financial backing to his managers but he has also been prepared to take some difficult decisions when required.

He has, of course, made mistakes. He fatefully appointed Malky Mackay as manager who was at the centre of an FA investigation while at Cardiff and the media storm followed him to Wigan. But his mistakes are far outweighed by his successes and the club is now light years away from when he took over.

In the last few years the club has been steered by Whelan’s grandson David Sharpe who is a Latics fan through and through. It has generally been a successful period with two promotions from League One and the one relegation from the Championship.

The club has been sold by the Whelan family in a strong position. It is financially solvent and making very good progress in the Championship under Paul Cook’s leadership. The hope now is that the new owners can bring continued success.

They have said that there will be continuity for many of the key staff who have been running the club, including the manager and his coaching staff, Chief Executive Jonathan Jackson and many of the other long standing employees.

Experienced football professionals Joe Royle and his son Darren Royle will be on the new board and they will hopefully be good custodians for the club going forward.

But whatever happens in the future, Dave Whelan’s achievements should be appreciated and celebrated as one of the greatest football stories. Whelan has done so much for the club and the town during his time in charge, everyone should be very grateful for an amazing 23 years.

His success as the businessman who created JJB Sports and subsequently DW Sports was renowned but his achievements at Wigan Athletic will be his enduring legacy.

Latics take on second-placed Leeds United in the lunchtime kick-off on Sunday and I’m hoping the club will have arranged a fitting tribute to Dave Whelan either at the game or in the near future; he certainly deserves one.

Posted in Championship, Dave Whelan, David Sharpe, International Entertainment Corporation, Leeds United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Championship, Dave Whelan, David Sharpe, IEC, Leeds United, Wigan Athletic | 2 Comments

Sharp as a knife through butter – Sheffield United 4 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on October 28, 2018 by ianhaspinall

An early Latics attack at Bramall Lane

Wigan Athletic’s poor away form continued with a sixth consecutive away defeat at Bramall Lane against new Championship leaders Sheffield United.

Latics had the better of the opening exchanges but went behind to a calamitous own goal from Chey Dunkley, the ball deflecting off Callum Connolly before the centre back diverted it into his own net.

Latics quickly drew level when substitute Kal Naismith finished from close range after a good cross by Nathan Byrne. But the Blades restored their lead before the interval when Billy Sharp produced a neat finish after a knock back at the back post from a set-piece.

Eight minutes after the restart the Blades increased their advantage when Sharp added his second goal from Leon Clarke’s excellent low cross.

The prolific striker then completed his hat-trick on 63 minutes when a hesitant Dan Burn allowed Sharp to lift the ball over Christian Walton from inside the six-yard box.

Joe Garner reduced the deficit on 69 minutes when he finished well from Josh Windass’ cross and Latics had further opportunities before the final whistle but it was all to no avail.

Paul Cook made four changes from the team which lost at Millwall with Nick Powell, Gary Roberts, Nathan Byrne and Antonee Robinson coming into the starting line-up. Cedric Kipre was surprisingly rested and Burn joined Dunkley at centre back with Robinson at full back.

Latics started the brighter with Powell having an early header saved before Reece James blazed over from 25 yards.

Their best opportunity came when Dunkley rose high about the Blades defence but couldn’t direct his header under the crossbar from a Roberts corner.

Latics then conceded a very sloppy goal following a quick throw in. Chris Basham’s pull back from the byline hitting Connolly before being diverted by Dunkley into his own net.

Naismith replaced Roberts on 36 minutes and the substitute scored his first goal for the club from close range after an excellent cross by Byrne down the right hand side.

But the Blades were quickly back in front as Latics failed to defend a set-piece and Sharp demonstrated his excellent finishing skills from the edge of the six-yard box.

McGoldrick had an a great opportunity just before the interval but Robinson did well to get back and make an excellent block.

Early in the second half the Blades did increase their lead as Sharp was once again in the right place at the right time to convert Clarke’s low cross.

On the hour mark the points were effectively sealed as Sharp completed his hat-trick flicking the ball over Walton inside the six-yard box despite Burn being in close attendance.

Garner reduced the deficit on 69 minutes with a neat finish from a Windass’ cross and Latics continued to work hard and create opportunities in the remaining minutes.

Reece James’ free kick forced an excellent finger tip save from Dean Henderson and then Naismith fired across the six-yard box with no Latics player on hand to convert.

At the final whistle the Blades moved to the top of the Championship table. Latics had caused the new league leaders plenty of problems going forward and had it not been for several defensive lapses and the brilliance of Billy Sharp they might have been coming away from Bramall Lane with at least a point.

Manager Cook will be looking to eradicate the defensive mistakes and hoping Leeds United do not have a striker in top-form like Billy Sharp in their next game at the DW Stadium next Sunday.

Posted in Billy Sharp, Championship, Joe Garner, Kal Naismith, Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Billy Sharp, Championship, Joe Garner, Kal Naismith, Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

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