Latics in a fog after another home defeat – Wigan Athletic 2 Ipswich Town 3

Posted on December 19, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Yanic Wildschut Wigan Athletic

Yanic Wildschut’s two goals were not enough to save Wigan. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Latics were left scratching their heads after they slipped to another defeat despite dominating for long periods against Ipswich at a fogbound DW Stadium.

Referee Keith Stroud gave the Tractor Boys an early Christmas present as he awarded a penalty for a fair challenge by Dan Burn on Tom Lawrence which was clearly outside the penalty area. Brett Pitman duly converted the spot kick in front of an incredulous home crowd.

Latics were on level terms on 35 minutes when Yanic Wildschut followed up Max Power’s powerful free kick and on 62 minutes he put them ahead with a brilliant finish from a tight angle.

The home team were well on top and it looked only a matter of time before they would add to their lead. But substitute David McGoldrick set up Pitman for the equaliser and with two minutes of normal time remaining he headed home the winner to devastate Latics.

Ipswich move up to 15th in the table and Latics remain in 23rd place and four points from safety.

Warren Joyce made three changes to the team which lost to Newcastle with Andy Kellett Jordi Gomez and Dan Burn returning in place of Craig Morgan, Shaun MacDonald and Luke Garbutt.

After only six minutes Latics were stunned by a bizarre refereeing decision.

Dan Burn made a good challenge on Tom Lawrence just outside the penalty area, but referee Keith Stroud decided to award a penalty kick, much to the disgust of the home players and supporters.

Brett Pitman made no mistake with the spot kick but there was no doubt that Latics were hard done-by.

With Latics low on confidence it took them awhile to respond to the setback.

But on 35 minutes they were level through Wildschut. The flying Dutchman was the first to respond when Power’s powerful free-kick was parried by Bartosz Bialkowski.

Soon afterwards Power nearly put his side in front but Bialkowski was in the right place to save at close range.

Just before the interval Ipswich might have regained their lead but Jonny Williams smashed his effort against the post.

Latics upped their game at the beginning of the second half and they were now dominating proceedings.

Jordi Gomez was starting to pull the strings in midfield and he was finding Wildschut with unerring accuracy down the left hand side.

On 52 minutes Gomez found Wildschut and the winger fired in a dangerous cross but Berra cleared before Power could connect.

But on 62 minutes Latics went ahead when Wildschut produced a stunning finish.

The winger drove into the Ipswich box first beating two players and then unleashing an unstoppable shot from a tight angle which flew past Bialkowski and into the top right hand corner.

Latics were now well on top and it looked as though they would soon add to their lead.

Power produced another excellent effort from distance, which almost deceived Bialkowski, but the keeper somehow hung on to gather the ball on the line.

Wildschut was causing all sorts of problems for the Ipswich defence but against the run of play the away team drew level.

With fog enveloping the stadium, substitute McGoldrick found Pitman and the striker blasted the ball home from 12 yards.

Latics duly responded and Wildschut looked to have restored the lead when he powered through the Tractor Boys defence but he blazed his final effort wide of the target.

The momentum had been with Latics for most of the second half, but just when it looked like the match would end all square, McGoldrick headed past Jussi Jaaskelainen to stun the home team and their supporters.

Wigan have now gone five home games without victory and remain rooted in the relegation zone.

The decision to sack Gary Caldwell after only 14 games of the season has not reaped any obvious benefits.

New manager Warren Joyce has taken time to familiarise himself with the playing staff and the transition is proving a painful one.

Fortunately Latics have not yet been cut adrift from the teams above them, but if results do not improve soon the prospects are bleak.

Posted in Brett Pitman, Championship, David McGoldrick, Ipswich Town, Warren Joyce, Wigan Athletic, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – The challenge ahead

Posted on December 16, 2016 by ianhaspinall
warren-joyce2

Big games ahead for Warren Joyce

Latics poor run of form continued on Wednesday night when they were outplayed by top of the table Newcastle United.

They had worked extremely hard to get a result, particularly in the second half, but there was always a feeling that Newcastle had plenty to spare and they could always go up a gear if required.

The gulf in class between the two sides was for all to see, but it is not surprising given the disparity in resources.

The current Newcastle squad is valued in the region of £130m while the Latics squad is worth around £10m.

In Rafa Benitez they have one of the top managers in Europe, a man who has won trophies wherever he has been. The contrast between the two clubs was a stark one.

Newcastle are likely to be promoted back to the Premier League sooner rather than later, and it is probably best that Latics don’t dwell on the result but dust themselves down and come out fighting over the Christmas and New Year period.

In a hectic spell of four games in seventeen days they will face Ipswich Town (h), Rotherham United (a), Derby County (a) and Huddersfield Town (h) and these could have a big say in the club’s survival chances.

Warren Joyce has talked about stopping opposition teams playing but this is only part of the formula for success and Latics must be prepared to commit more numbers forward if they are to be successful.

I stated previously that the manager should re-evaluate his formation and tactics in time for the home game against Newcastle United, and at least on this occasion he adopted a slightly more attacking line-up with striker Will Grigg making his first start under Joyce.

In the second half Latics created several good opportunities when they pressed higher up the pitch and this has to be the formula for the upcoming fixtures against Ipswich and Rotherham.

A couple of good results will boost the confidence and set the team up for difficult fixtures against Derby and Huddersfield.

On the horizon is the January transfer window and I expect Joyce to bring in several loan players, some of which may come from his former club Manchester United.

The big question however, is will Dave Whelan and David Sharpe provide the manager with a transfer fund to spend on new players? With Latics 23rd in the table and four points from safety surely now is the time for the owner and Chairman to take action.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 16th December 2016.

Posted in Championship, Derby County, Huddersfield Town, Ipswich Town, Newcastle United, Rotherham United, Warren Joyce, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics undone by table-topping Toon – Wigan Athletic 0 Newcastle United 2

Posted on December 15, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Man of the Match - Mohammed Diame

Former Latic Mo Diame scored the first goal for Newcastle

High-flying Newcastle scored a goal in each half through Mo Diame and Christian Atsu to condemn Wigan to another home defeat.

The Toon dominated the opening half and should have added to Diame’s opener as Latics failed to get a shot on target before the interval.

The home team were much better in the second half and might have equalised through substitute Andy Kellett but keeper Karl Darlow made a good save at close range.

However the three points were sealed on 78 minutes when Atsu found himself in plenty of space inside the area and fired home for the visitors.

Newcastle are now a point clear of Brighton at the top, while Latics remain rooted in 23rd place and four points from safety.

Warren Joyce decided upon a more positive line-up than in recent games with striker Will Grigg making his first start under the new manager in place of the injured Reece Burke.

Newcastle United came into the game in confident mood on the back of a 4-0 home victory against Birmingham City and they set about dominating proceedings right from the kick off.

The visitors first opportunity of the game came on nine minutes when former Latic Mo Diame forced a full length save from Jussi Jaaskelainen with a 25 yard effort.

Latics were trying to get a foothold in the game but they struggled to keep possession and rarely threatened the visitors goal.

Matt Richie tried his luck from outside the box on 23 minutes but just three minutes later Newcastle were ahead through Diame. The big midfielder played a neat one-two and then shrugged off a couple of challenges before slotting the ball past Jaaskelainen.

Latics tried to respond but they failed to get a shot on target throughout the first half and the gulf in class was for all to see.

Newcastle might have added to their lead just before the break when Jonjo Shelvey’s strike from the edge of the area went narrowly wide of Jaaskelainen’s left post.

Latics were lucky to go into the interval only one down given the visitors dominance.

However, Latics produced a much improved performance in the second half and might have drawn level on three occasions.

First Shaun MacDonald narrowly headed Max Power’s corner just over the crossbar.

Then from another corner on 58 minutes Will Grigg’s flicked header went just wide of Karl Darlow’s right post.

As Latics continued to press their best chance came on 66 minutes through substitute Andy Kellett.

Captain Stephen Warnock crossed from the left and found Kellett at the far post who forced a great close range save from Darlow.

But with 12 minutes remaining the visitors sealed the points through substitute Christian Atsu, who picked up Yoan Gouffran’s cross from the left hand side and lashed the ball past Jaaskelainen.

Latics brought on substitute Craig Davies for Shaun MacDonald on 80 minutes but the big striker failed to have any impact and Newcastle comfortably held onto their lead.

Wigan had worked hard, particularly in the second half, but there was always a feeling that Newcastle still had plenty to spare and they could always go up a gear if required.

Newcastle were promotion favourites at the beginning of the season and on this form it will not be long before their promotion is confirmed.

Posted in Championship, Christian Atsu, Mohammed Diame, Newcastle United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Grealish late strike sinks Latics – Aston Villa 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on December 11, 2016 by ianhaspinall
jack-grealish

Jack Grealish on target for Villa

Another spirited backs to the wall defensive display wasn’t enough to save Latics from defeat at Villa Park.

Warren Joyce’s risky strategy to defend for 95 minutes was undone in the 88th minute when Jack Grealish curled a shot into the top corner from 25 yards to secure the three points for Aston Villa.

Although Villa had been on top for most of the game it looked as though Latics had ridden out the storm until Grealish’s late stunner.

Latics remain rooted in the relegation zone while Villa move up to 13th in the Championship table.

The Wigan manager made the one change from the team who started against Derby County, with Reece Burke replacing Jordi Gomez.

Latics rarely threatened in the opening half as Villa dominated possession and created several good chances.

Jordan Amavi volleyed over the crossbar from a good position on seven minutes and Jonathan Kodjia had a great opportunity when one on one with Jussi Jaaskelainen but the 41 year old keeper did exceptionally well to get a glove to the ball to deny the striker.

Jaaskelainen then made another good save in the top left corner from a header by James Chester.

Latics had a rare opportunity in the first half when Burke fired an angled shot just over the crossbar from 25 yards out.

The visitors were working very hard to close down and were disciplined but it was always going to be a risky strategy to try and defend for such long periods.

Reece Burke had to be substituted at half time after a re-occurrence of his recent injury and was replaced by Jordi Gomez.

Gomez had an early attempt at goal but far the most part it was Villa pressing and Latics defending in depth.

Latics’ only real opportunity of the second half came when the increasingly isolated Yanic Wildschut cut inside Alan Hutton and fired a rising shot just over Pierluigi Gollini’s crossbar.

Latics had defended valiantly for most of the game but it all proved to be in vain when the talented midfielder Grealish curled the ball into the top corner from 25 yards with two minutes of normal time remaining.

Joyce belatedly introduced Will Grigg and Dan Burn as twin strikers but it was all too late to have any impact and the manager’s strategy was shown to be found wanting.

The manager must surely now re-evaluate his strategy in time for Wednesday’s home game against high-flying Newcastle United.

The players had worked extremely hard at Villa Park but the reality is that Latics must change their tactics if they are to start winning games.

Latics rode their luck against Barnsley and Huddersfield but they can’t persist with a formation and tactics that have failed to gain any points against both Derby and Villa.

The Championship is a tough league and Joyce may be thinking about potentially easier fixtures coming up, but the manager must look to his forward players such as Will Grigg and Adam Le Fondre if the team are to start scoring goals and winning games.

Posted in Adam Le Fondre, Aston Villa, Championship, Jack Grealish, Warren Joyce, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – The Bruce effect

Posted on December 9, 2016 by ianhaspinall
steve-bruce

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce

Latics will come up against former manager Steve Bruce when they visit Aston Villa on Saturday. The well-travelled Geordie has transformed Villa since taking over at the beginning of October, having lost only once in eight games they are now in 15th place in the Championship, just six points from the play-off zone.

Villa have been in a downward spiral for several seasons, which culminated in their relegation from the Premier League last season.

This season they got off to an indifferent start under manager Roberto Di Matteo and it was no surprise when the Italian was relieved of his duties after only 11 games in charge.

Bruce was an obvious choice for the Villans because of his ability to get clubs promoted from the Championship, doing it twice with both Birmingham City in 2002 and 2007 and Hull City in 2013 and 2016. He also took Hull to the FA Cup final in 2014 when they lost to Arsenal.

Villa’s expensively assembled squad, which includes Ross McCormack £12m, Jonathan Kodja £11m and Rudi Gestede £6m, are now expected to be in the top six at the end of the season.

It will be a big challenge for Latics to get a result against Bruce’s team at Villa Park. In an attempt to frustrate Villa, I expect Warren Joyce to persist with the formation and tactics of the last three games, with Yanic Wildschut employed as a lone striker.

Joyce’s 4-5-1 formation meant that Latics rode their luck at both Barnsley and Huddersfield, but it was found wanting at home to Derby County.

Wildschut has worked hard and done well in the last three games but playing one man up front cannot be a strategy for long-term success.

Latics were toothless in attack in the first half against Derby and it was not until Will Grigg was introduced that they really looked capable of scoring. Despite rumours to the contrary, Grigg looked sharp and his link-up play was excellent.

Not only is Grigg a top goalscorer but also key to Latics’ best attacking moves. He is adept with both feet and he gets his fair share of headers and his movement off the ball means that he is always a problem for defenders.

Grigg will score goals as long he gets good service. He should be central to the manager’s plans and he could well be the catalyst that gets Latics away from the relegation zone.

Joyce is wasting a talented player by leaving him on the sidelines. If he is not re-introduced into the team it can only be a matter of time before another club snaps him up in the January transfer window.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 9th December 2016.

Posted in Aston Villa, Championship, Steve Bruce, Warren Joyce, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics blunted in attack – Wigan Athletic 0 Derby County 1

Posted on December 5, 2016 by ianhaspinall
yanic-tree-crown

Wildschut was left isolated in Wigan’s attack. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic.

Warren Joyce’s decision to play Yanic Wildschut as the lone striker ultimately proved costly as Wigan Athletic slipped to a 1-0 home defeat to Derby County.

Bradley Johnson put Derby in front when he headed home Tom Ince’s free-kick on 16 minutes, although he did appear to foul Shaun MacDonald when going up for the header.

Johnny Russell might have doubled the lead when he picked up a poor backpass from Luke Garbutt, but Jussi Jaaskelainen came to the rescue by tipping his shot onto the post.

Joyce’s 4-5-1 formation had proved effective in the last two away fixtures but was found wanting in the first half as Wildschut was left isolated and Latics rarely threatened Derby keeper Scott Carson’s goal.

Latics were much improved in the second half as more players were pushed forward and striker Will Grigg was thrown into the fray. Their best chance of an equaliser came when Max Power’s header smacked against the crossbar.

Derby survived the second half onslaught and moved to within two points of the play-offs while Latics drop down to second-bottom in the table.

Wigan made two changes to the side which had won at Huddersfield with Craig Morgan and Jordi Gomez coming in for the injured Reece Burke and Nathan Byrne.

After a tentative opening period by both teams, Derby were the first to threaten when Matej Vydra nearly got on the end of Russell’s dangerous cross.

But on 16 minutes the visitors went ahead following Ince’s free-kick which was headed home by Johnson. MacDonald appeared to be fouled by Johnson but referee Andy Madley waved away all appeals.

Latics were now looking vulnerable and Derby might have doubled their lead when Russell saw his effort hit the post.

The former Dundee United player broke into the area, rounded Jaaskelainen and his shot looked destined for the net until the keeper recovered and tipped the ball onto the post before smothering the rebound.

Latics rarely troubled Carson in the first half but Power did have one effort which had the keeper at full stretch when he tried his luck from 25-yards-out.

The home team would have to change their approach if they were going to score and they certainly started the second half with great gusto.

The first opportunity came in the opening few minutes of the half when a corner from the left resulted in a goalmouth scramble.

Both Shaun McDonald and Craig Morgan tried to get a shot in but Derby somehow cleared the danger.

Joyce introduced Grigg for Gomez on 60 minutes and Latics looked invigorated by the change.The extra forward was making a difference and now more opportunities were being created.

Latics nearly levelled when Garbutt’s long range cross from the right evaded Carson and was just inches wide of the net.

Wildschut was now taking up a wide role and his pace down the flank was causing Derby problems. On 67 minutes he linked up well with Grigg and burst into the area before unleashing a shot which Carson did well to push away for a corner.

Pressure was mounting on the Derby defence and Latics had a great chance to level on 69 minutes when Power saw his close range header hit the crossbar after meeting Stephen Warnock’s excellent cross from the left.

Garbutt then saw his dangerous cross kicked off the line by Alex Pearce but Derby somehow held out for the three points.

The final result was harsh on Latics as they had dominated the second half and they probably deserved to get at least a point from the game.

Warren Joyce will probably be kicking himself that he did not start with a more attacking formation and push Derby back from the kick off. With Grigg on the pitch Latics posed a much greater threat and it is now surely time for the striker to return to the starting line-up.

Posted in Bradley Johnson, Championship, Derby County, Warren Joyce, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Is the lone striker the way forward?

Posted on December 2, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Will Grigg Wigan Athletic

Is Will Grigg due a recall? Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

It will be interesting to see what formation and tactics Warren Joyce employs against in-form Derby County on Saturday. Joyce has played one striker, packed the midfield and defended deep in his last two away games at Barnsley and Huddersfield and picked up four points.

Will he change to a more attacking formation or continue to defend in depth and hope to hit his opponents on the break?

It is something of a dilemma for the new manager. The home fans will have expectations to see their team attack Derby but using Yanic Wildschut as a lone striker and packing the midfield has delivered results so far.

There is no doubt that Latics rode their luck at both Oakwell and the John Smith’s stadium and they could easily have lost both games.

The statistics show that Barnsley had 62% possession and 16 shots to Latics 6. Huddersfield had 70% possession and 19 shots to Latics 9. The Terriers also had two good penalty shouts turned down.

A one-man attack will limit the number of chances created and it cannot be a strategy for long-term success unless the midfielders and wingbacks are pushed forward and support the striker on a regular basis.

If Joyce goes for a more positive approach on Saturday, Will Grigg has surely got to come into contention. Grigg’s recent absence from the team feels peculiar given his undoubted ability as a goal scorer.

The manager said that he hasn’t seen much of the striker in training due to international call ups and illness and that the player didn’t get much rest over the summer.

The Northern Ireland striker has only started in 12 games for Latics but he has still scored six goals this season. The prolific marksman should have trained this week and he has got to be the main option for a starting place if Joyce wants to be more attack minded.

Yanic Wildschut produced a Man of the Match performance at Huddersfield. He created the first goal and scored the second in a virtuoso display of strength and power.

He had worked his socks off for the team but he can’t be expected to fulfil such an energy-sapping role in every game.

Yanic was a revelation at Huddersfield, although comparisons to Marcus Rashford and Ronaldo are premature, the flying Dutchman has the potential to be a big success in the Championship.

A re-invigorated Wildschut and fully refreshed Grigg is an exciting prospect, but will the manager be brave enough to use them together?

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 2nd December 2016.

Posted in Championship, Derby County, Warren Joyce, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Yanic has the Terriers in a panic – Huddersfield Town 1 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on November 29, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Yanic Wildschut Wigan Athletic

Man of the Match Yanic Wildschut. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Lone striker Yanic Wildschut produced a Man of the Match performance to give Wigan Athletic an unlikely win at fourth placed Huddersfield Town.

Latics defended for long periods of the game and rode their luck but came away with their first three points under new manager Warren Joyce.

Wildschut created the first and scored the second in a virtuoso display of strength and power.

The Terriers had levelled through Aaron Mooy after Reece Burke’s close range finish had given Wigan the lead, but Wildschut sealed the points when he broke from his own half, rounded keeper Danny Ward and finished with aplomb.

Huddersfield dominated possession and had plenty of opportunities but failed to be clinical in front of goal.

Latics remain in the bottom three but move on to level points with Wolves in 18th place. The Terriers drop to sixth in the table.

Warren Joyce started with a defensive line-up and made three changes from the side which drew at Barnsley with Jussi Jaaskelainen, Nathan Byrne and Luke Garbutt coming in for Adam Bogdan, Craig Morgan and Nick Powell.

Huddersfield attacked Wigan from the kick off and they nearly went ahead on nine minutes when Elias Kachunga headed just over from Rajiv Van La Parra’s cross.

The Terriers went close two minutes later when Jon Stankovic headed over Aaron Mooy’s free-kick from the right hand side, and they had an Elias Kachunga effort ruled out for offside on 24 minutes.

Latics had to endure wave after wave of the home team’s attacks but Wildschut was looking lively on the break and he nearly put Latics in front with a powerful drive into the area but his final shot went narrowly wide of the top corner.

Huddersfield continued their dominance with Kasey Palmer, Tommy Smith and Sean Scannell all going close.

But against the run of play Latics went ahead just before the interval when Wildschut powered his way down the right hand side before crossing to the unlikely goal scorer Reece Burke who had somehow kept pace with Wildschut. The home crowd was stunned into silence.

Latics nearly added to their lead before half time when Wildschut once again ran at the Terriers defence but this time his final effort was deflected wide.

Latics had defended deep and in numbers for most of the first half and they started the second in similar fashion and it proved a risky strategy as the home team levelled four minutes in through Aaron Mooy from close range after good work by Nahki Wells down the left.

Huddersfield went in search of a second and Mooy had two efforts from range go close soon afterwards.

Despite the Terriers controlling most of the possession Latics always looked dangerous on the break through the outstanding Wildschut.

On the hour mark he restored Latics’ lead with a superb break from his own half, first powering past two defenders then rounding Ward and finishing for his first goal of the season.

Latics nearly increased their lead a minute later when the flying Dutchman once again drove at the Terriers defence but this time his final attempt was just wide of the target.

Wigan were lucky to survive a shout for a penalty when Luke Garbutt brought down Wells in the area but referee Tony Harrington waved away the hosts appeals.

Huddersfield continued to search for an equaliser but a combination of some very good defending by Shaun MacDonald, Stephen Warnock, Jake Buxton and Jussi Jaaskelainen plus a little luck enabled Latics to survive the onslaught and secure their first victory under Warren Joyce.

Posted in Aaron Mooy, Championship, Huddersfield Town, Warren Joyce, Wigan Athletic, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Whelan’s legacy

Posted on November 26, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Roberto Martinez and Dave Whelan

Roberto Martinez and Dave Whelan with the FA Cup

Wigan Athletic celebrated Dave Whelan’s 80th Birthday this week with the unveiling of a statue depicting the club owner parading the FA Cup. It was a fitting tribute to the man who has transformed the club during his 21 years in charge.

His contribution to Wigan has been nothing less than incredible. When Whelan took over in 1995 Latics were struggling in the bottom division and few could have expected that the club would have such a meteoric rise.

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

When Whelan said he would 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 chairmanship they did these extraordinary things.

When Whelan stepped down as Chairman in March 2015 after the damaging tenure of Malky Mackay, the appointment of his grandson David Sharpe as Chairman proved very successful as Latics won the League One title under Gary Caldwell.

However Latics are now going through a difficult period and there is some uncertainty about the direction of the club.

Recent events and changes in personnel would suggest that the owner has not taken a backseat and is still the driving force behind the big decisions and there is a risk that these decisions might not always be in the club’s best interests.

Latics have sacked four managers since the start of the 2012/13 season with only seven other clubs in the Premier League and Football League having a higher turnover of managers.

It is fair to say that Whelan has made some poor managerial appointments, in particular Owen Coyle and Malky Mackay, during his Chairmanship.

But Caldwell’s sacking was perhaps the most surprising given that Caldwell had just won the League One title and was only 14 games into the Championship season.

When Caldwell was appointed Chairman David Sharpe said it was “an appointment for the long-term” and spoke about having a “blueprint for the future”, but that has all now gone out of the window.

New manager Warren Joyce is only recently in post but he has set about making significant changes to the club. Chief Scout Malcolm Crosby and Goalkeeping coach Mike Pollitt have left the club and there is speculation that further changes are in the offing.

It was confirmed this week that First team coach Joe Parkinson has been sacked and that there are likely to be other changes with Joyce’s ex-Manchester United colleagues Paul Scholes, Paul McGuinness and Jim Ryan about to join the coaching staff.

The uncertainty off the pitch is certainly not helping performances on the field, as results have not improved. Despite being recommended by Whelan’s friend Alex Ferguson, Joyce has to be regarded as a risky appointment.

He is untried at Championship level having spent the last eight years in the protected atmosphere of reserve team football. If Latics were to be relegated back to League One it would be a disaster after the progress made by Caldwell and his coaching team.

Dave Whelan has achieved so much for Wigan Athletic during his time in charge but he should be careful not to taint his legacy by continuing to intervene in the big decisions.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Saturday 26th November 2016.

Posted in Championship, Dave Whelan, FA Cup, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Latics hold misfiring Tykes – Barnsley 0 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on November 19, 2016 by ianhaspinall
warren-joyce2

Warren Joyce got his first point in charge

Wigan Athletic secured their first point under new manager Warren Joyce with a backs to the wall defensive display against a Barnsley team who are struggling to find the net.

It was an improved defensive performance by Latics after the abysmal showing against Reading but they offered little going forward.

The Tykes had much the better of the chances with Sam Winnall, Marley Watkins, Adam Hamill and Conor Hourihane all going close.

Latics’ best opportunity came when Yanic Wildschut’s driving run took him past several defenders but he shot tamely at Barnsley keeper Adam Davies.

Latics remain in the relegation zone and Barnsley slip to 15th in the Championship table.

Warren Joyce made three changes to the starting line-up from Latics defeat to Reading with Craig Morgan, Nick Powell and Wildschut replacing Dan Burn, Jordi Gomez and Adam Le Fondre.

Latics had the first opportunity on four minutes when David Perkins tried a shot from the edge of the area but it was easily saved by Davies.

The Tykes then went close when Sam Winnall headed narrowly over from Andy Yiadom’s cross.

The home team continued to press and Marley Watkins close range effort was well saved by Adam Bogdan at the near post.

Max Power tried an effort from distance on the half hour mark but Latics were struggling to make any headway.

To compound Latics difficulties Nick Powell had to be withdrawn due to injury. Manager Joyce demonstrated his intentions by replacing Powell with midfielder Luke Garbutt rather than a striker such as Will Grigg or Adam Le Fondre.

Just before the interval the home team might have gone ahead but Winnall’s header was ruled out for offside.

The second half continued with Barnsley having more of the possession and looking the more likely to take the lead.

James Bree and Andy Yiadom both tried shots from outside the box but neither effort troubled Bogdan.

However, the keeper had to be replaced on 59 minutes when he seemed to pull a muscle when making a clearance. The experienced Jussi Jaaskelainen came on for his first League appearance of the season.

Latics forced a rare corner soon afterwards and Garbutt’s cross found the unmarked Craig Morgan in the area but the defender headed narrowly wide of the target.

The visitors then had their best move of the game as Michael Jacobs played through Wildschut but his final shot did not trouble Davies.

Latics forced a couple of corners in quick succession but as the game moved into the final 20 minutes it was Barnsley in the ascendancy as the visitors retreated further into defence in the hope that they might secure a point.

Craig Davies replaced the tiring Wildschut as the lone striker on 82 minutes, but he was unable to make any impact.

Armstrong headed over the crossbar from a good central position from Winnall’s cross and then Hourihane’s free-kick from 25-yards similarly cleared the crossbar.

Substitute Adam Hamill then tried his luck but his effort was high and wide.

As the game moved into five minutes of added time Hourihane had an opportunity to win it for the home side but his shot from the edge of the box went straight at Jaaskelainen.

Wigan had defended resolutely but they had also ridden their luck and if Barnsley had been more clinical in front of goal they would surely have taken all three points.

Latics manager Warren Joyce will be relieved to have got his first point, but it is clear that he has many challenges ahead and he must quickly find a more attacking formula if the club are to climb out of the bottom three.

Posted in Barnsley, Championship, Warren Joyce, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment