12th Man – Have the wheels fallen off our promotion bandwagon?

Posted on December 18, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Gary Caldwell, Wigan Athletic

Some difficult decisions ahead for Gary Caldwell

Latics have gone from heroes to zeros in the space of only a few weeks. And the fans are wondering if the wheels have come off Wigan’s promotion bus.

Latics travel to Oakwell on Saturday to face a resurgent Barnsley team who ended their hopes of Wembley in the JPT. If Latics were to lose at Barnsley they could drop out of the out of the play-off zone.

The pressure is increasing on Gary Caldwell and his team to stop the rot. It is evident that the players are under-performing and the manager needs to review his tactics.

Latics currently lack the creativity to break down the opposition. The midfield players are not providing the quality ammunition for the forwards.

The build up play is too slow and predictable and other teams have found it easy to nullify any attacks. The team has been relying on the individual brilliance of Yanic Wildschut and if he is well marked we do not threaten.

Caldwell is struggling to decide on his best attacking players. He has rotated his forward players regularly with Craig Davies, Will Grigg, Alex Revell, Yanic Wildschut, Michael Jacobs, Jordi Hiwula and Haris Vuckic all featuring at different times.

The manager needs to find the right combination and vary his tactical approach to get back to winning ways.

During Latics’ successful period they closed down quickly, won the ball with efficiency and moved the ball forward quickly.

They should now return to this type of play, make better use of the 4-4-2 formation, adopt a pressing game and pose a bigger threat going forward.

They need more creativity from midfield and they need to attack on both flanks. With Wildschut and Jacobs as the wide men and Grigg and others getting into the box they are capable of scoring more goals.

There is also a strong case for Francisco Junior as a creative option in midfield. But whatever the line-up the players need to get back to their previous good habits if they are to combat the current malaise.

Latics are, of course, capable of turning it around, but the players must take greater responsibility and the manager will have to make some difficult decisions about his team and tactics if they are going to be successful.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 18th December 2015.

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Simply not good enough – Wigan Athletic 0 Blackpool 1

Posted on December 13, 2015 by ianhaspinall
donervon-daniels73-2690784_231x264

Donervon Daniels had a great opportunity to equalise

Another abject home performance by Wigan Athletic allowed crisis club Blackpool to take all three points at the DW Stadium on Saturday.

An unchallenged Tom Aldred headed home from a corner in the 36th minute to give Blackpool an unlikely advantage.

But despite Latics having plenty of possession they lacked the creativity and guile to unlock a resilient and hard working Seasiders defence.

Wigan subsequently drop down to sixth in the table while Blackpool moved out of the relegation zone to 19th.

Gary Caldwell made four changes to the side which lost in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy against Barnsley last week, with Don Cowie, Craig Davies, Donald Love and Yanic Wildschut replacing Jack Hendry, Michael Jacobs, Alex Revell and Andy Kellett.

The match commenced in heavy rain and strong winds making conditions difficult for the players.

Blackpool were the first to show when David Ferguson shot from the edge of the area and his effort just cleared the crossbar.

The Seasiders goalkeeper Dean Lyness then spilled a low cross from Will Grigg but unfortunately no Latics player was on hand to capitalise.

Blackpool were not looking like a team low on confidence and Mark Cullen forced good save from Jussi Jaaskelainen in the sixteenth minute.

Latics were struggling to create any clear-cut opportunities and the Seasiders were looking the more dangerous and they went ahead on 36 minutes.

Abysmal defending by Latics allowed an unchallenged Tom Aldred to head home at the near post from a corner.

Latics tried to respond and a good effort by Will Grigg from the edge of the area was deflected just wide of the target.

Max Power then tried his luck from with a free kick from 30 yards but the ball sailed just over the Blackpool crossbar.

But the visitors were deservedly ahead at the interval as they had mastered the conditions much better and had showed greater desire and commitment than the home team.

Donervon Daniels replaced Don Cowie at the interval and he had a great opportunity just nine minutes into the second half. An unmarked Daniels had a free header from a corner but he headed well wide of the Seasiders goal.

Latics were now enjoying even more possession but they were struggling to penetrate a well-drilled Blackpool defence and were being restricted to shooting from distance.

Donald Love shot from 25 yards forced Dean Lyness into a good save and then Max Power fired over the crossbar from the edge of the area.

Substitute Michael Jacobs created an opportunity for Grigg and then Power but neither player could make the most of it.

Grigg did go close on 74 minutes when he forced a great save from Lyness. The striker met a low cross from Power inside the area and unleashed a powerful drive but the keeper managed to tip the ball over.

Blackpool continued to defy Latics by defending in depth and closing down quickly when Latics found any space.

Latics build up play was often pedestrian and predictable which further helped Blackpool’s cause. Latics did not move the ball quickly enough and they lacked the creativity to unlock the visitors defence.

Yanic Wildschut was limited to only occasional forward runs and when he did get the ball he was well marked by the Pool defenders.

Michael Jacobs did have a late opportunity when he shot from the edge of the area, but Lyness was able to save and the three points deservedly went to the visitors.

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12th Man – Latics need a boost after JPT exit

Posted on December 11, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Wigan manager Gary Caldwell

Gary Caldwell hurting after JPT exit

The fans were angered and frustrated when Latics lost out on penalties to League One bottom club Barnsley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Latics had been within touching distance of Wembley and the disappointment was palpable last Saturday evening.

But the man who was probably hurting most was Gary Caldwell. The manager has only been in post for eight months but he knew he had a fantastic opportunity to take his team to Wembley in his first full season in charge.

Caldwell could not hide his frustration when he spoke to the media afterwards:

“It is hugely disappointing for everybody; there are not many times in your life that you get the opportunity to win a trophy and, not only that, but one playing at a stadium like Wembley and we have let that opportunity pass us by.”

Caldwell now has the big task of lifting his players for the league campaign. He also has to deal with injuries and the loss of form of key players.

Latics were without Donervon Daniels and Donald Love against Barnsley, but for me the biggest absence was the steadying influence of captain Craig Morgan.

Morgan marshals the defence to great effect, he is comfortable on the ball and is cool under pressure. His continued absence during the Christmas period will not help Latics’ cause.

Several players have struggled with their form in recent weeks, for example David Perkins and Michael Jacobs, who were impressive in the early part of the season, have not been producing their best.

Alex Revell made a good start in the win at Rochdale and scored against Shrewsbury but has subsequently failed to make an impact.

Fortunately Will Grigg got back on the goal trail with a brace against Barnsley and hopefully this will give him the boost he needs to get firing regularly again.

Yanic Wildschut continues to be Latics’ best offensive threat, and he could prove to be a defining factor in their promotion campaign.

The manager will be very aware that the player’s loan deal comes to an end in January and he should do everything in his power to retain the Dutchman’s services.

Every manager has to deal with bad results during a season but the sign of a good manager is how he gets his players to respond to a setback.

Caldwell now has to ensure that his players quickly put the Barnsley result behind them and get back to doing the right things on the pitch.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 11th December 2015.

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Wembley dream blown away – Wigan Athletic 2 Barnsley 2 (Barnsley win 4-2 on penalties)

Posted on December 6, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Will Grigg Wigan Athletic

Will Grigg’s two goals were not enough to save Latics from a JPT exit. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic.

Wigan Athletic’s hopes of winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy were blown away by League One strugglers Barnsley in the Northern Area semi -final.

Latics have only themselves to blame after a below par performance against a Barnsley team who showed more determination to progress and twice took the lead before being pegged back.

Wigan did manage to take the game to a penalty shoot-out, but Craig Davies and David Perkins failed to find the net, whereas the Tykes comfortably scored all their penalties to progress into the Northern Final.

Gary Caldwell fielded a strong starting line up with four changes from the team which drew at Southend. David Perkins, Michael Jacobs  Andy Kellett and Jack Hendry coming into the team.

In blustery conditions Latics might have been awarded a penalty in the second minute when Kellett appeared to be fouled in the area but referee Keith Hill turned down the appeals.

Barnsley soon threatened and Ben Pearson brought a good save from Juusi Jaaskelainen, Ivan Toney headed over the bar and then Jaaskelainen had to palm away Adam Hammill’s effort from the edge of the area.

The Tykes did not look like a team at the bottom of the League One table and they took the lead on 42 minutes when Hammill cut inside his markers and curled a superb shot into the far corner.

Wigan were not the cohesive unit of previous weeks with passes going astray and very few goalscoring opportunities created.

Caldwell must have been relieved that they were only one goal behind going into the interval.

It was no surprise when the manager introduced Yanic Wildschut at half time with Reece James making way.

The substitution had an immediate impact and the Dutch winger broke free down the left and crossed low from the byline and Will Grigg was on hand to get the final touch and draw Latics level.

The home team might have gone ahead soon afterwards when a deflected shot was cleared off the line by Alfie Mawson.

But on 53 minutes Barnsley re-took the lead when Toney headed home after Jaaskelainen could only parry a superb drive from Conor Hourihane.

Caldwell almost immediately made a double substitution replacing Alex Revell and Michael Jacobs with Craig Davies and Jordan Flores.

The game was now wide open with both teams attacking and neither team looking comfortable defensively.

With 82 minutes on the clock Latics drew level again. Davies showed good strength in the area and crossed for Grigg who made no mistake from six yards, much to the delight of the home fans.

There was still time for chances at both ends. Sam Winnall shot over and then Toney fired narrowly wide for Barnsley before Wildschut broke clear for Latics but his ball across to Davies was poor and opportunity was missed.

Despite a tense finale with five minutes of added time the match finished level.

Under JPT rules no extra time is played and the match moved straight to a penalty shoot-out.

Max Power showed great composure with Latics first penalty and sent Adam Davies the wrong way. Hourihane did similarly for Barnsley to make it 1-1. But then Craig Davies blazed high over the crossbar.

Toney then made it 1-2. David Perkins then had his tame effort saved by the Barnsley keeper. Sam Winall made it 1-3. Jordan Flores made it 2-3 with a cool finish but Mawson scored his penalty and Barnsley were through to the Northern Final.

Overall it had been a very disappointing performance from a strong Latics line-up. They were second best against a team who have had a torrid time in League One so far.

Gary Caldwell expressed his clear disappointment in his post match comments to the media:

“It is hugely disappointing for everybody; there are not many times in your life that you get the opportunity to win a trophy and, not only that, but one playing at a stadium like Wembley and we have let that opportunity pass us by.

“It is a disappointed dressing room but I said to them that you, more often than not, get what you deserve in football and we didn’t deserve to win the game.”

The players had let themselves and the club down by not making it through to Wembley. Caldwell now has a big job to rally his players for the League One campaign.

 

Posted in Adam Hamill, Barnsley, Ivan Toney, Johnstone's Paint Trophy, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – An opportunity not to be missed

Posted on December 4, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Wembley Stadium

Wembley is the objective

Latics face Barnsley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern semi-final on Saturday and it is important that they grasp the opportunity to progress towards another Wembley final. They have appeared at the National Stadium on four occasions since April 2013 and it would be another great boost for the club and the town to make it there again.

Very few football clubs get the opportunity to play at Wembley so often and Latics are now within touching distance of creating football history.

They are only three games away from another big day and if they can overcome League One strugglers Barnsley, they will face either Fleetwood or Morecambe in the two-leg Northern Final.

Latics have a great chance of going on to win the trophy for a record breaking third time but they must avoid any complacency if they are to progress.

The expectations are that Wigan will go through, but they must not take anything for granted, as Barnsley will be desperate to cause an upset and turn their season around.

Barnsley manager Lee Johnson has had a torrid time since taking over at Oakwell. The club sit bottom of the table and they have won only once in eleven League games.

However, they have beaten Scunthorpe, Bradford and York in the JPT, and they did manage a draw in their last game against Sheffield United and defeated League leaders Burton Albion and fourth placed Gillingham earlier in the season.

Wigan’s recent performances have been unconvincing with a narrow home win against Shrewsbury, a home defeat against Burton and a draw away at Southend.

Wigan have lacked a cutting edge in those three games with only loan striker Alex Revell finding the net against Shrewsbury. Will Grigg has struggled with his form of late and Craig Davies does not look fully fit.

It is possible that Jordi Hiwula may get a recall to the starting line up after netting two goals in the last round against Blackpool.

Latics will be hoping that Yanic Wildschut is available after being rested for the Southend fixture, the dynamic Dutchman has been hampered by a hamstring injury, but if fit, he is likely to be Wigan’s biggest goal threat.

But whatever the players selected, it is important that Gary Caldwell and his players guard against any complacency and ensure that they move closer to another Wembley final.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 4th December 2015.

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Stalemate at the seaside – Southend United 0 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on November 29, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Southend United versus Wigan Athletic

Goalmouth action at Roots Hall

Southend and Wigan had a hard fought goalless draw in blustery conditions at Roots Hall.

Ryan Leonard went closest for Southend when he hit the crossbar in the sixth minute but Latics centre back Leon Barnett went close on three occasions. One was cleared off the line, another well saved by Dan Bentley and in added time he nearly stole the points when his effort crashed against the crossbar.

Latics remain in fifth place in the table and the Shrimpers in eighth.

Gary Caldwell made five changes to the starting line up with Yanic Wildschut and Craig Morgan injured and David Perkins, Michael Jacobs and Tim Chow dropped to the bench. Into the team came Will Grigg, Francisco Junior, Leon Barnett, Don Cowie and Jason Pearce.

Southend nearly rocked Latics early on when Ryan Leonard beat Jussi Jaaskelainen from 20 yards but the ball crashed against the crossbar and away to safety.

Latics best chance came in the 37th minute, when Barnett’s shot direct from a Max Power corner was cleared off the line by Will Atkinson.

Chris McCann had to leave the pitch on 40 minutes with a groin strain and was replaced by David Perkins.

Southend United mascots

The freakiest mascots in the Football League?

Early in the second half Latics might have gone ahead when Power’s corner was met by Barnett who forced a good save from Dan Bentley with a volley. Reece James then saw a powerful effort from 20 yards saved by Bentley.

Southend responded with a good spell of pressure, Mooney’s header causing problems for Jaaskelainen and Daniels had to be on hand to cut out Payne’s cross before John Whiter’s shot flew a yard wide.

Michael Jacobs replaced Grigg after 65 minutes and Craig Davies replaced Junior in the 75th minute as Latics looked to secure the three points.

Wigan had a great shout for a penalty when Davies turned his man and was hauled down in the penalty box but the referee Keith Stroud waived away their appeals.

As the match moved into added time Leon Barnett evaded his marker from a corner and his close range effort crashed against the crossbar and away to safety.

Ultimately it was probably a fair result as Latics lacked the cutting edge to finish off their combative opponents.

 

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12th Man: We need to be back to our best

Posted on November 27, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Roots Hall Southend United

Latics will be hoping to get back to winning ways at Roots Hall

In last week’s column I said that our next three matches would give us a good indication of Latics’ promotion credentials. The trio of games commenced with mid table Shrewsbury Town at the DW Stadium.

For most of the game Latics were the better team leading 1-0 and creating plenty of chances, but they struggled to put the game to bed and were left hanging on for a nervous final ten minutes.

Latics briefly moved up to fourth in the table and the expectations were that if they could overcome fifth placed Burton Albion on Tuesday night and other results go their way they could rise into the automatic promotion places.

However, everything did not go to plan and Burton proved stubborn opponents and frustrated the home team with a well-organised defence, some robust tackling and time wasting tactics.

The match looked to be heading towards a draw until Latics were caught out with a swift counter attack and Burton stole the three points.

The Brewers style of football is not pretty to watch but their manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink had got his tactics right and had out witted Gary Caldwell on the night.

It was a harsh lesson to learn but it might just stand Caldwell in good stead for the rest of the season as he continues to learn the ropes as a rooky manager in League One.

Latics next game is away at Southend United who are pushing for a play off spot and had an impressive 5-2 away win at Oldham in midweek. They are only three points behind Latics and will prove a stiff test.

The Shrimpers were promoted to League One via the League Two play off final last season and have made a good start to this campaign. They are unbeaten in their last five league games and like Latics they are still in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Wigan will need to be at their best if they are to get a good result at Roots Hall.

Several players looked out of sorts and others looked to be carrying injuries against Burton so the Wigan manager will need to assess his options for Saturday and make sure he picks his strongest available players.

A return to the 4-4-2 that was so successful at Rochdale could prove most effective, with vice-captain Jason Pearce returning to the defence and Will Grigg partnering Alex Revell upfront.

Latics undefeated 11 game run has now come to an end, and Saturday’s game will be a difficult fixture, but they must get back to winning ways quickly if they are to secure a promotion spot.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 27th November 2015.

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Latics unbeaten run comes to an end – Wigan Athletic 0 Burton Albion 1

Posted on November 25, 2015 by ianhaspinall
reece-james73-2690806_231x264

Reece James hit the post for Latics

Wigan Athletic’s 11 game unbeaten run and unbeaten home record came to an end as they lost 1-0 to Burton Albion.

Latics were the dominant team but struggled to make their possession count and squandered several good opportunities before Burton struck with a late winner.

Following a spell of Latics pressure the Brewers broke away and substitute Timmy Thiele squared the ball for Abdenasser El Khayati to slot home.

The home team could have equalised when Reece James hit the Brewers post in the 84th minute, but the three points went to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s team.

Burton move up to third in the table while Latics remain in fifth spot.

Latics were unchanged from the 1-0 victory against Shrewsbury with Michael Jacobs surprisingly in the starting line-up despite having suffered a serious looking knee injury on Saturday.

Wigan started brightly with Yanic Wildschut charging down the left hand side and then squaring the ball to Tim Chow but the midfielder failed to get a shot on the Brewers goal. Michael Jacobs then fired a free-kick just over the crossbar from 25 yards out.

Burton were well organised and set up with two banks of four which made it hard for Latics to penetrate.

Wildschut did have an opportunity after 30 minutes when he ran almost the full length of the pitch before being thwarted by John Mousinho just when he was about to shoot. Soon afterwards Jacobs tried his luck from 20 yards but his effort cleared the crossbar.

Burton were also frustrating Latics with some time wasting tactics and some debatable challenges which referee Mark Haywood allowed to go unpunished.

Latics continued to press at the start of the second half and Burton continued to frustrate them.

Jacobs went closest when he curled a free kick that was cleared off the line but the Burton backline held firm.

Caldwell replaced Revell with Craig Davies to try to unlock the Brewers defence but it was the visitors who broke away and scored.

Max Power was dispossessed on the edge of the Burton box and Timmy Thiele broke away before squaring to Abdenasser El Khayati, who slotted home.

Caldwell replaced Jacobs and Craig Morgan with Will Grigg and Francisco Junior in an attempt to draw Latics level.

It looked as though they had got a deserved equaliser on 84 minutes when the ball fell to Power near the penalty spot but his shot was somehow blocked and when the ball came to Reece James his drive smacked against the near post.

Burton’s time wasting tactics resulted in seven minutes of added time but despite this, Latics could not make the vital breakthrough.

Although it was a below par performance by Wigan, the final result was rather harsh on them, a draw would have been a more accurate reflection of the game.

 

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Latics revelling in their success – Wigan Athletic 1 Shrewsbury Town 0

Posted on November 22, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Alex revell Wigan Athletic

Alex Revell scored on his home debut. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Striker Alex Revell’s first goal for Wigan was enough to defeat Shrewsbury and extend their unbeaten run to 11 games.

Latics had plenty of chances to increase their lead during the game but they had a nervous final ten minutes as Shrewsbury pressed for a late leveller.

Gary Caldwell made two changes to the side which won away at Rochdale with Tim Chow and Chris McCann replacing Jason Pearce and Craig Davies.

Latics started briskly and Max Power had the first attempt on goal within the first five minutes when his long-range effort cleared the crossbar.

Michael Jacobs had to leave the pitch on 14 minutes after a heavy challenge by a Shrewsbury defender and Will Grigg was brought on to replace him.

Yanic Wildschut was once again proving to be Latics most dangerous attacker and the Dutchman continued to create chances down the left hand side.

Latics were dominant and might have gone ahead on the half hour mark when Reece James got on the end of Will Grigg’s low cross but unfortunately the wing-back was unable to make a good enough contact and the effort went wide.

But the home team were ahead on 36 minutes, and it was that man Wildschut creating the opportunity for Alex Revell to score.

Wildschut took the ball down the left and cut inside his marker before chipping the ball to the back post for Revell to head powerfully past the Shrewsbury keeper Leutwiler from 12 yards.

Revell led his teammates in a commando style celebration. Crawling along the ground as they had done on a midweek team building exercise.

Almost immediately from the re-start Wildschut produced another mazy run before crossing into the danger zone where Tim Chow made contact but couldn’t quite make the opportunity count.

Latics continued to press at the beginning of the second half, but they were unable to add to their lead.

The visitors were growing in confidence and had an opportunity around the hour mark. Sulley Kaikai’s free-kick from 30 yards beating Jaaskelainen but also the right hand post.

Wildschut was continuing to the a thorn in the Shrews side as he jinked through the defence, and in the 69th minute his powerful effort from the edge of the area just cleared the crossbar.

Donervon Daniels then looked to have doubled Latics lead when he met Reece James’ corner, but his glancing header went just wide of the far post.

Latics should have been well ahead by the time Shrewsbury had another chance. Kaikai forcing an excellent save from Jaaskelainen with his volley from the edge of the area on 71 minutes.

Gary Caldwell replaced Alex Revell with Craig Davies and later Tim Chow with Jason Pearce as Latics sought to regain their momentum.

Latics were soon creating more opportunities with Chris McCann and Craig Davies forcing Leutwiler to make good saves, before in the final minute the Shrews keeper produced his best save of the match to deny Max Power’s goalbound effort by tipping over the crossbar.

Latics move up to fourth in the table and are now only one point behind second place Gillingham. They face fifth place Burton Albion on Tuesday night knowing that another home win could project them into the automatic promotion places.

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12th Man – Rising to the promotion challenge

Posted on November 20, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Alex Revell Wigan Athletic

Alex Revell made a good impression on his first start

It was another great away day last Saturday as Latics dominated proceedings to win at Rochdale. Latics should probably have won by more than two goals on the day, but it was still a classy performance by Gary Caldwell’s team.

Caldwell has put together a very strong squad for League One and he continues to add quality through the loan market.

Middlesbrough loanee Yanic Wildschut has been a revelation since his arrival at the club and his powerful attacking play has caused havoc amongst opposition defences.

The fans are understandably clamouring for the flying Dutchman to be signed permanently, and if this is not possible, at least until the end of the season.

The addition of Cardiff City loanee Alex Revell has further enhanced Wigan’s forward line, and if his performance at Spotland is anything to go by, he will be a success at Wigan.

Vice-captain Jason Pearce’s return to the starting eleven has got to be a big bonus and his no-nonsense defending at Rochdale helped the back four to keep a clean sheet for the first time away from home.

As one of the promotion favourites at the beginning of the season Latics were expected to be at the top of the table, but despite an indifferent start they are now rising to the promotion challenge.

Latics have a large squad with strength in-depth with only Kevin McNaughton currently on the injured list. The competition for places is now hotting up with at least two players vying for each place in the first team.

The mood at the club is buoyant and if they can maintain the momentum the prospects are looking good.

Latics are also going well in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, making the dream of a third Football League Trophy success a real possibility.

The prospect of playing in a Wembley final will be a major incentive for the players and should help to give more squad players game time and further galvanise the club.

Latics are now ten games unbeaten in League One, fifth in the table and only four points behind top team Gillingham.

The next three games are Shrewsbury Town (H), Burton Albion (H) and Southend United (A) and should provide a good indication of the team’s promotion credentials as they seek to move into the automatic promotion places.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 20th November 2015.

Posted in Alex Revell, Gary Caldwell, Jason Pearce, Johnstone's Paint Trophy, League One, Wigan Athletic, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment