12th Man – Checkatrade Trophy fiasco

Posted on November 10, 2017 by ianhaspinall
checkatrade-trophy-logo

The EFL Trophy has become a fiasco

Latics went out of the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night after they fielded their Academy team against League Two Accrington Stanley.

Manager Paul Cook demonstrated his priorities by not risking first team players in a competition, which has been devalued and degraded by the inclusion of Premier League and Championship U21 teams in the last two seasons.

The Football League Trophy, which was previously only for League One and League Two teams, was once a valid chance for these teams to get to Wembley and to win a trophy.

However we could now see a farcical situation where Premier League Academy teams face each other in the final.

The League One and League Two clubs have effectively been given a financial bribe by Premier League clubs to allow their Academy teams into the Football League Trophy and in doing so have made the competition meaningless.

It is clear that the competition is now for the benefit of the rich Premier League clubs trying to develop their young players.

Many of the lower league clubs are struggling for financial survival and they have been bribed by increasing the prize money from £2m to £3m to continue to participate.

Many fans have vehemently opposed the change in the competition and have started a B Team Boycott campaign but the English Football League (EFL) have disregarded their opinions and scored a massive own goal by submitting to the demands of the Premier League.

Most football fans are against having Premier League U21 teams in the competition and they see it as the first steps in a move to introduce B teams into Leagues One and Two.

The influence of the Premier League over the Football League is increasingly oppressive.

The financial rewards available to Premier League clubs are ever increasing while the Football League clubs are limited to relative scraps of money from the top table as the divide increases.

A master and servant relationship is now developing and the Premier League’s demands on the lower league clubs are ever increasing.

There is already a drive by the top six teams in the Premier League to have a greater share of Premier League revenue and they would also like to have their B teams playing in the Football League.

The football authorities and in particular the EFL have alienated many football fans and have evidently lost the plot as far as helping their membership.

Average attendances in the EFL Trophy decreased by 56 per cent last season with the introduction of Academy teams. Tuesday’s attendance at the DW Stadium was only 1,473, which is a big drop from Latics’ previous years in the EFL Trophy.

Bradford City have an average attendance of over 20,000 for League One games but their fans similarly voted with their feet on Tuesday night and adopted the B Team Boycott, with only 931 people at their game with Rotherham United.

It is planned that the Checkatrade Trophy will continue next season with the inclusion of Premier League Academy teams. If this proves to be the case I would urge all football fans to continue the B Team Boycott and lobby for change.

I fully support Paul Cook’s decision to play an Academy team in the light of the ridiculous state of the competition. But sadly we’ve now been forced into a surreal situation where our football club is not bothered about winning football matches.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 10th November 2017.

Posted in Accrington Stanley, Checkatrade Trophy, EFL, Paul Cook, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Extra special Evans fires Latics into the 2nd Round of the FA Cup – Wigan Athletic 2 Crawley Town 1

Posted on November 4, 2017 by ianhaspinall
Lee Evans

Lee Evans

Lee Evans produced an extra special strike to fire Wigan Athletic past Crawley Town and into the Second Round of the FA Cup.

Crawley had taken a surprise lead on 20 minutes when Jordan Roberts produced a superb piece of skill to first control the ball and then volley over his shoulder and into the corner of the net.

Latics were stunned into action and midfielder Evans made great strides down the left hand side beating two defenders before crossing for Ivan Toney to acrobatically finish from close range on 29 minutes.

Latics dominated possession throughout and might have gone ahead when Nick Powell outwitted the Crawley defence but he clipped his effort narrowly wide of the far post.

Crawley defended resolutely however, and it took an exceptional 30-yard strike from Evans’ left boot to ultimately overcome their League Two opponents.

Paul Cook surprisingly made five changes from the team which had drawn with Blackburn Rovers with Matija Sarkic, Reece James, Alex Bruce, Gary Roberts and Evans coming into the team.

Latics had plenty of possession in the early exchanges, but possibly due to the team changes, lacked a fluidity and cutting edge.

However, it came as something of a surprise when Crawley went ahead on 20 minutes.

Roberts first chesting the ball on the edge of the area and then producing a superb volley into the top corner of Sarkic’s net.

But Latics were quick to respond and nine minutes later Evans did well to jink the ball past three defenders before crossing for Toney to acrobatically volley home.

Powell might have given Latics the lead before the interval but despite outwitting the Crawley backline his final effort went narrowly wide of the far post.

Early in the second half Toney had a great opportunity from eight yards-out, but despite  wrong-footing a couple of defenders, he fired his shot against the crossbar.

But with 20 minutes remaining Evans’s produced a stunning goal. The Welsh international surprisingly switching the ball to his unfamiliar left foot before unleashing an unstoppable strike from 30-yards.

Latics might have increased their lead before full time with chances for substitutes David Perkins and Will Grigg, but credit should be given to Crawley for some resolute defending.

Latics deservedly progress into the 2nd round and they will be hoping for favourable opponents in Monday night’s draw.

 

 

Posted in Crawley Town, FA Cup, Ivan Toney, Jordan Roberts, Lee Evans, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Show patience and the goals will continue to flow

Posted on November 3, 2017 by ianhaspinall

FA Cup Final Prog 2013

Latics’ forwards had a rare off day on Saturday as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Blackburn Rovers. Ivan Toney, Michael Jacobs, Gavin Massey and Nick Powell were not at their best in the blustery conditions, but it was the first time Latics had failed to score since the 1-0 reverse at Shrewsbury on September 9th.

Blackburn will be amongst the promotion challengers and they defended in numbers throughout. But some fans were still quick to be critical of our failure to score.

They believe that given Grigg’s injury problems and Toney’s lack of goals that Latics need to bring in another forward.

But it is hardly a crisis and a little patience is required by the fans, as Latics have netted 29 times so far this season and are the highest scorers, along with Rotherham, in League One.

There is still plenty of time to assess Grigg’s fitness and see if Toney can start to get amongst the goals before the transfer window opens on January 1st.

Don’t forget Grigg netted 25 times in 2015/16 in League One and many of those goals came in the second half of the season.

Latics may feel they have a short-term problem but Saturday’s opponents Crawley Town have much bigger problems having netted only 12 times in their 16 league games.

The FA Cup is no respecter of league form but a home tie against League Two opposition gives Latics’ players a good opportunity to get back into scoring form.

19th placed Crawley are in a poor run of form and have failed to win or score in their last four league games.

Grigg is likely to return after injury against Crawley and you would expect him to be back amongst the goals if he is given the right service.

The FA Cup brings back fantastic memories of the biggest day in Latics’ history, the 11th May 2013, when they lifted the trophy.

It would be great to see Latics have another long cup run and pit themselves against some of the top teams in the country.

I think manager Paul Cook will be giving the competition a high priority and I’m expecting him to field a strong team tomorrow.

Cook is, of course, a former Latics player and he enjoyed some special cup games during his time on the pitch.

The young midfielder was a member of the squad, which reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in 1987 when they narrowly lost to Leeds United at Springfield Park.

Cook understands the special place that the FA Cup holds in Latics’ history and I’m sure he will want to go as far as possible in the competition this season.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 3rd November 2017.

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Latics’ unbeaten run continues in Lancashire Hotpot derby – Wigan Athletic 0 Blackburn Rovers 0

Posted on October 29, 2017 by ianhaspinall
Gavin Massey

Gavin Massey went closest for Latics

It finished all square in this hard-fought Lancashire hotpot derby as both Latics and Rovers struggled to come to terms with the blustery conditions and poor refereeing decisions at the DW Stadium.

Latics might have taken the lead in the first half when Gavin Masssey was clean through on goal but Rovers keeper David Raya easily saved his tame effort.

Early in the second half Bradley Dack had a couple of great chances for Rovers when he headed wide and volleyed over.

Rovers were reduced to 10-men on the hour mark when Elliott Bennett was given a second yellow card for simulation by referee Darren England.

The home team dominated the remaining 30 minutes but failed to capitalise on the man advantage, they went closest when Massey hit the post from the edge of the box.

Latics retained the same starting line-up from the team which won at Blackpool with Max Power keeping his place in midfield ahead of Lee Evans who was on the bench.

The windy conditions and some inconsistent refereeing decisions did not help either team in the first half but Latics had the greater possession and looked the most likely to score.

Michael Jacobs had a great opportunity to give Latics the lead but he headed Callum Elder’s cross wide of the far post.

Massey had the best chance of the half when he was clear in front of goal but his low side-footed effort was easily saved by Raya.

Dack had two good opportunities early in the second half but he first headed wide of the far post and then later volleyed over from eight yards out.

Hapless referee England got a rare decision correct when he dismissed Elliott Bennett for a second yellow card for simulation. Bennett was driving forward towards Dan Burn but when he was challenged he flung himself to the floor despite Burn not making any contact.

Latics proceeded to dominate the remaining 30 minutes with Elder forcing another good save from Raya and Ivan Toney and Max Power also going close.

With 15 minutes remaining Massey looked to have given Latics the lead but his powerful effort from the edge of the box came back off the post with Raya beaten.

Latics peppered the Rovers goal with crosses and Powell and Dunkley almost got on the end of one particularly dangerous deep cross.

Captain Sam Morsy nearly grabbed a late winner when his 30-yard effort sailed just over the crossbar but the match remained goalless.

Both teams will probably be satisfied with a draw as Latics reduced the arrears to one point on leaders Shrewsbury and maintained their unbeaten run at the DW Stadium, while Rovers stayed in touch with the play-off places and still have two games in hand on many of the teams around them.

 

 

 

Posted in Blackburn Rovers, Elliott Bennett, Gavin Massey, League One, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – You Are My Sunshine When Skies Are Grey

Posted on October 27, 2017 by ianhaspinall
CheyDunkley

Chey Dunkley

Last Saturday in some of the worst conditions I have experienced at a football match, Latics still managed to stay composed, play controlled football and produce a memorable victory at Bloomfield Road.

In the extremely wet and windy conditions Chey Dunkley had inadvertently gifted Blackpool the lead when he headed over Jamie Jones.

But the big central defender was able to shrug off his disappointment and show great character by first drawing Latics level just before half time and then giving them the lead in the second half.

The icing was put on the proverbial cake when the fans’ favourite, David Perkins, scored his first ever goal for the club much to the great delight of the travelling fans.

The performance was testament to the power of manager Paul Cook’s leadership skills, as many teams would have crumbled in the adverse conditions after going a goal behind so early in the game away from home.

Latics’ players showed their skill and determination by persevering with their short passing football and not resorting to long ball tactics.

Cook and his coaching team have instilled good habits into the players and there was no sense of panic despite going a goal behind.

The strength and depth of Latics’ squad is also paying dividends as despite the absence of the suspended Lee Evans and the injured Will Grigg they have continued their excellent form.

It was an important result, which helped Latics to open up an eight-point gap on Bradford City and Charlton Athletic and kept the pressure on surprise leaders Shrewsbury Town.

After 15 games the League One table is starting to take some shape with many of the teams expected to be in the promotion mix now in the top half of the table.

Latics will face a real test of their promotion credentials on Saturday when they come up against Blackburn Rovers.

Rovers were the close season favourites for promotion and after an indifferent start to the campaign they have now moved into the play-off places with two games in hand on most of the teams above them.

Since Tony Mowbray was appointed as their manager in February this year they have only lost nine of his 32 games in charge, a win rate of nearly 44 per cent.

One of Latics’ former transfer targets Rovers midfielder Bradley Dack is starting to hit some form and has gained many plaudits for his performances.

The 23-year-old former Gillingham star is even being tipped by his manager to one day play in the Premier League.

But Latics have their own special midfielder in captain Sam Morsy and I’m expecting the hard-tackling Egyptian to keep Dack in check on this occasion and help Latics to maintain their excellent home record.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 27th October 2017.

Posted in Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, Bradley Dack, Chey Dunkley, David Perkins, League One, Tony Mowbray, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wet and wild but Wigan do wonders – Blackpool 1 Wigan Athletic 3

Posted on October 21, 2017 by ianhaspinall
Blackpoolaway

Blackpool defend a Latics corner

Chey Dunkley scored an unusual ‘hat-trick’ and David Perkins grabbed his first ever goal for the club as Latics defeated Blackpool at a very wet and windswept Bloomfield Road.

Dunkley gifted the Seasiders the lead after only eight minutes when he headed over his own keeper Jamie Jones and Kyle Vassell followed up.

Despite the setback and dreadful conditions Latics stayed composed and continued to play controlled football and they got their reward in first half stoppage time when Dunkley finished from close range.

Early in the second half Dunkley added his ‘third’ goal to give Latics a deserved lead when Gavin Massey’s shot broke to him inside the area.

Latics sealed the three points on 82 minutes when Perkins scored his first ever goal for the club, much to the delight of the travelling fans.

Paul Cook kept the same team that drew 1-1 at Gillingham on Tuesday night, with Will Grigg injured and Lee Evans suspended.

It was something of a surprise when Blackpool went in front after only eight minutes. Dunkley gifting the home team when he tried to head the ball back to his keeper but instead headed over the advancing Jamie Jones and over the line with Kyle Vassell following up.

In almost torrential rain and swirling wind Michael Jacobs went close for Latics when he headed against the post midway through the half.

Nick Powell volleyed just over, before in first half stoppage time Dunkley levelled from close range after Ivan Toney’s header was cleared off the line.

Much to the players’ and fans’ relief the wind and rain relented in the second half and Latics took control of matters on the pitch.

Dunkley gave Latics the lead adding an imperfect ‘hat-trick’, following up after Massey’s shot fell to him inside the six yard box on 54 minutes.

The visitors were well on top now and went close through Powell, Toney and Massey.

It was all over on 82 minutes when substitute Perkins scored his first ever goal in front of the ecstatic travelling support.

Michael Jacobs’ angled pass found Perkins on the penalty spot and the former Blackpool midfielder slid in to give Latics a very memorable victory.

Perkinsgoal

David Perkins celebrates his goal in front of the travelling fans

Posted in Blackpool, Chey Dunkley, David Perkins, League One, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Big news in Little Wigan

Posted on October 20, 2017 by ianhaspinall
Dave Whelan

The Dave Whelan era could be coming to an end

This week’s news was dominated by off the field matters – the announcement of the likely takeover of Latics by a Far East sports betting firm K8. It was something of a surprise to most fans even though it has been known for some time that owner Dave Whelan was looking for a buyer for the club and Latics Director and former Manchester City Chief Executive Garry Cook had been brought in to broker such a deal.

A process of due diligence is currently being undertaken by the English Football League (EFL) as they will have to assess if the online gambling and casinos firm are a ‘fit and proper owner’ for Latics.

The EFL has been reappraising its owners’ and directors’ test after a catalogue of disastrous financial and administrative problems at clubs throughout the divisions.

Leyton Orient, Leeds United, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Charlton Athletic, Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers have all recently suffered at the hands of dubious owners.

The EFL says it has responded and the terms upon which individuals are considered fit and proper to take ownership of a club are being reviewed.

However whether a fit and proper test can prevent the catalogue of bad club owners that have afflicted football remains to be seen.

Whelan has a reputation for driving a hard bargain so it will be interesting to see what the exact deal entails. He may want certain assurances before selling up.

He might, for example, want to retain a shareholding in the club and require the involvement of his grandson David Sharpe on the board as well as Chief Executive Jonathan Jackson.

There are question marks about who will own the Stadium and issues about Wigan Rugby’s tenancy and Whelan is expected to want safeguards about the future running of the club.

There may be similarities about the agreement with the recent takeover at Portsmouth, where former Walt Disney Chief Executive Michael Eisner took control.

Eisner pledged to form a heritage board, which would protect the club’s name, colours, and badge and prevent any relocation to a ground more than 15 miles from the city centre.

The K8 investors have big ambitions, are promising to invest heavily and are aiming to get the club back into the Premier League.

Whether they can commit the resources to do that however remains to be seen. Particularly as the sums invested by, for example, Championship clubs are very significant indeed.

The fans seem fairly divided about whether the takeover is for the long term good of the club. Certainly any agreement with K8 should build in safeguards so the club preserves its heritage and identity.

There are clearly risks involved in taking on new backers, but ultimately the club will require new investment if it is to be successful.

Many fans have experienced the Premier League, Europa Cup and FA Cup and are excited at the prospect of new investment and the possibility of new successes.

It was inevitable that the Whelan era would come to an end at some point and we can only hope that the new era will prove to be equally successful.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 20th October 2017.

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Morsy rescues a point for below par Latics – Gillingham 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on October 17, 2017 by ianhaspinall
IMG_6503

Sam Morsy’s late strike saves Latics

A superb 20-yard strike by captain Sam Morsy rescued a point for Wigan Athletic as they toiled to overcome League One strugglers Gillingham at Priestfield.

Latics started briskly and should have have been ahead in the opening half as Max Power, Nathan Byrne, and Michael Jacobs all went close but having failed to capitalise on their chances they paid the penalty in the second half when the Gills went ahead on 54 minutes.

The Gills Sean Clare was allowed plenty of space to cross and Tom Eaves got between the two central defenders to head past Jamie Jones.

The home team had three good chances to seal the victory when Josh Parker, Billy Bingham and Elliott List went close but with eight minutes remaining Morsy curled a superb shot into the top left hand corner to draw the teams level.

Latics might even have won it in the dying minutes with chances for substitutes Gary Roberts and Noel Hunt.

Wigan drop to second in the table behind Shrewsbury although they have a five point cushion over third placed Bradford City.

Paul Cook made one change from the team which had beaten Southend United with Ivan Toney replacing Will Grigg up front.

Latics could have gone ahead in the first minute when Max Power’s shot from outside the box was deflected narrowly wide.

Michael Jacobs then forced a save from Gills keeper Tomas Holy and fired another narrowly wide, while Nathan Byrne had a shot saved at the near post.

Dan Burn headed over from a good position as Latics looked to capitalise on their dominance.

Against the run of play Eaves had a great chance to put The Gills ahead when clean through but a brilliant late challenge by Chey Dunkley saved the day.

All square the the interval but the home team went ahead on 54 minutes when Clare was allowed plenty of space to cross from the right and Eaves headed home between central defenders Dunkley and Burn.

Latics were stunned and The Gills then had three great opportunities to increase their lead firstly when Eaves played Parker in on goal, but the winger shot wide of the target. Then Billy Bingham had his shot well saved by Jones before Elliott List had another chance but saw his effort deflected on to the post by Dunkley.

Having had a reprieve Latics desperately searched for an equaliser and they drew level in the 82nd minute. Nathan Byrne fed Morsy on the edge of the box and the captain came to Latics’ rescue with a curled strike into the top corner of the net.

Substitutes Noel Hunt and Gary Roberts went close late on as Latics searched for the winner, but overall they will be relieved to have gained a point from a match they could so easily have lost.

Posted in Gillingham, League One, Sam Morsy, Tom Eaves, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Title favourites looking good for promotion – Wigan Athletic 3 Southend United 0

Posted on October 15, 2017 by ianhaspinall
Michael Jacobs2

Michael Jacobs

Latics moved to the top of League One with comfortable 3-0 victory against mid-table Southend United at the DW Stadium.

They went ahead after only eight minutes when Michael Jacobs deflected shot evaded the Shrimpers keeper Mark Oxley. It was a something of a surprise that Latics didn’t add to their lead in the first half after another dominant display.

Southend’s Jermaine McGlashan was sent off on the hour mark for a two-footed challenge on Callum Elder.

Nick Powell and substitute Ivan Toney added further goals late on to give the scoreline a more accurate representation of Latics’ dominance.

Wigan made two changes to the starting line up with Captain Sam Morsy returning after international duty with Eqypt and Michael Jacobs returning from injury.

The home team were on top from the kick off with Nathan Byrne quickly forcing Oxley to tip the ball over the crossbar.

It was not long before they were ahead with Jacobs’ shot taking a fortuitous deflection past the Southend keeper.

Nick Powell then blasted his volley from the edge of the box over the crossbar.

Byrne was then denied when he jinked past several defenders in the box but Oxley saved well with his feet.

Dru Yearwood wasted a good opportunity for the Shrimpers in a rare attack. Latics keeper Jamie Jones didn’t have a save to make throughout the half.

It continued to be one way traffic at the start of the second half as Latics created more chances. This time Jacobs drove into the box evading a couple of challenges before his angled low shot was well saved by Oxley.

Chey Dunkley then went close with a header from Max Power’s corner, and Jacobs forced another good save from the Shrimpers keeper.

On the hour mark Jermaine McGlashan made a reckless two-footed challenge on Callum Elder and referee John Busby had no hesitation in issuing a red card.

Despite having the extra man advantage Latics became a little complacent and with the match still in the balance Southend started to pose more of a threat.

Nick Powell was dropping too deep and Latics weren’t creating as many opportunities. However, with the introduction of Gary Roberts for the tiring Jacobs on 78 minutes they upped their game.

As Southend pushed men forward for an equaliser Latics counter- attacked and Roberts’ through ball found Powell in the clear and he showed great composure by rounding the keeper and slotting the ball into the empty net.

Roberts was then involved the third goal when his low cross from the left found an unmarked Ivan Toney who finished with ease from six yards out.

Latics have now won seven of their last eight games and have moved to the top of the table on goal difference. They have confirmed their standing as League One title favourites and who would bet against them on current form.

 

 

 

 

Posted in Ivan Toney, League One, Michael Jacobs, Nick Powell, Southend United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Nick Powell a fragile genius

Posted on October 13, 2017 by ianhaspinall
Nick Powell 3

Nick Powell

Media pundits and football fans are prone to hyperbole but Nick Powell is justifying all the hype this season. Powell is an exceptional talent who is proving to be a cut above most players in League One. He is Latics’ top scorer with six goals so far and he is certainly capable of bagging 20 plus at this level.

The goalscoring midfielder is now showing the type of form that encouraged Manchester United to spend £6m back in 2012. The Cheshire born Powell represented England from U16 right through U21 level and was always regarded as a very unique player.

Unfortunately due to the wealth of talent at Old Trafford, a succession of injuries and question marks about his attitude meant that he was unable to establish himself in the Premier League.

Powell had spells on loan with Latics, Leicester City and Hull City before signing permanently on a three-year contract in 2016.

Injury restricted his appearances to only 21 last season but he still almost managed to rescue Latics from relegation with some startling late season performances including an 11-minute hat-trick against Barnsley.

However until Paul Cook took over as Latics manager he was unable to put together a consistent run of appearances. Cook sent him to Everton’s training facility pre-season in a bid to resolve the niggling injury problems and this appears to have made a difference this season.

The manager has a good working relationship with Powell and although he rarely completes a full 90 minutes he gets plenty of game time. While he is on the pitch he is almost unstoppable and the team have usually confirmed the three points before he exits the pitch and milks the rapturous applause from the fans.

He is supremely confident on the pitch and very difficult to dispossess. He is two footed with tremendous skill and technique. He is a good header of the ball and is usually clinical with his free kicks and penalties but he is also on a short fuse and looks like he might be sent off for haranguing the referee or when seeking retaliation.

He is still only 23-years-old and has a lot still to learn both on and off the pitch. He was arrested for drunk driving back in April 2014 and was subsequently left out of Latics’ team to play QPR in the Championship play-offs that season.

He jokingly calls himself a ‘pure sloth’ which reflects his lethargic approach to off-the-field matters including training. In the past he has been outspoken and could be something of a maverick but he now believes those days are behind him and he is concentrating on his football.

Powell is probably the best player in League One and is producing some of the best form of his career and he may have found the perfect manager in the jocular Cook. If he continues to mature and avoid further injury he can lead Latics back to the Championship and one day he may even return to the top level.

This article was first published in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 13th October 2017.

Posted in League One, Manchester United, Nick Powell, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment