Renewed hope or false dawn? Reading 0 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on February 18, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Reading's Madejski Stadium

Reading’s Madejski Stadium

Latics won their first game in nine Championship matches as they overcame Reading 1-0 at the Madejski Stadium tonight.

A 17th minute right foot finish by debutant defender Jason Pearce was enough to secure the three points for Wigan despite an agonising eleven minutes of added time after Chris Herd was stretchered off.

The result gave Wigan hope that they can still escape relegation as they now sit six points behind fourth bottom Brighton with fifteen games remaining.

Malky Mackay had to make changes to his defence following the departure of Liam Ridgewell and the injury to Leon Barnett, with Jason Pearce and Harry Maguire making their debuts.

There was also a full debut for Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo while the other change was a return for Marc-Antoine Fortune to partner Leon Clarke up front. Kim Bo Kyung dropped to the bench, while Don Cowie missed out through injury.

Reading tested Ali Al Habsi early on through Hal Robson-Kanu and then Garath McCleary had an effort cleared off the line by Fortune.

But Latics soon forced two corners and then James McClean fired a free-kick over from an angle after Ojo was brought down near the corner flag.

And Latics’ were ahead on 17 minutes following a corner by Ojo. Clarke’s header on the penalty spot wasn’t cleared by Federici and Pearce was able to steer it in through a sea of legs from inside the six yard box.

Reading responded and Nathaniel Chalobah came closest when he diverted McCleary’s drive just over the bar but Latics were always dangerous on the break.

Ali Al Habsi denied the Royals when he first had to come out of his box to clear a long punt from Federici with Simon Cox closing in on him, then palming away an effort from Robson-Kanu and finally saving Chalobah’s powerful header from eight yards out.

Latics went into the interval relieved to be ahead but Reading started the second half pressing for the equaliser with Cox heading Oliver Norwood’s corner wide.

Following another Reading corner Latics were forced into an early change as Chris Herd was stretchered off with what looked like a leg injury after a collision.

But Wigan started to look dangerous as a good move down the right saw Ojo set up James Perch but he slipped when in a good position. Kim then tried an effort from distance which didn’t trouble Federici.

Substitute Martyn Waghorn fired a 20 yard drive wide of Federici’s upright and fellow substitute Billy Mckay shot narrowly over the crossbar in injury time.

But Latics had to endure eleven agonising minutes of added time due to Herd’s earlier injury, but they held on for a vital win.

Latics had matched the Royals for shots and possession but was this a case of the home team having an off day after their FA Cup exertions or the revival of Wigan’s hopes for Championship survival?

Posted in Jason Pearce, Reading, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

12th Man: Forest loss was a new low for Latics

Posted on February 13, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Malky Mackay

Malky Mackay still struggling for an answer

Wigan plunged to new depths on Wednesday night as Nottingham Forest handed out a humiliating defeat. In a season that goes from bad to worse this was a new low point.

The nature of the 3-0 defeat at the City Ground suggests that Latics relegation to League One is only a matter of time.

Forest are a good mid-table team but Latics were thoroughly outclassed and the score line could easily have been so many more.

The glimmers of hope from the Bournemouth performance were soon extinguished, as Latics looked second best all over the pitch. The players now seem to have lost belief and there was a noticeable lack of organisation and any cohesion had disappeared.

Malky Mackay’s team selection and tactics have got to be called into question. The selection of former Cardiff City players Andrew Taylor and Don Cowie is baffling. Both players have struggled for any kind of form this season but the manager persists with playing them.

New loan signing Chris Herd was thrown into midfield against Forest but looked out of his depth against Championship opposition. Maybe not surprising given his track record of fitness problems and lack of game time.

One of Latics few bright spots on the night at Forest, Kim Bo-Kyung was strangely withdrawn by Mackay early in the second half.

The manager’s cautious approach is not providing any benefits. His tactics of playing a lone striker is clearly not working, and with wins vital for any chance of survival, playing for a draw is not an option.

New striker Billy Mckay is the top scorer in the history of the Scottish Premiership but was only introduced as a substitute at Forest when it was too late the affect the result.

On loan Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo looks an exciting prospect who is capable of turning a game in his team’s favour, but he was only introduced as a substitute when Latics were already two nil down at Forest.

Mackay has brought eight new players to the club and shipped out 12 players. The quality of those arriving is already being called into question and those on short-term loan deals are most likely to return to their host clubs.

Mackay has a pitiful record of only one win during his 14 games in charge. We are now eight points adrift of safety with only 16 games remaining.

The manager has had little, if any, positive impact since taking over and despite a massive turnover in players during the transfer window the situation is getting worse.

Is it time for drastic action in a last gasp attempt to stave off relegation or should we accept relegation and try to rebuild in the League One with Mackay in charge?

Clubs such as Southampton and Wolves have successfully managed to regroup and make a quick return to the Championship, but others such as Sheffield United have floundered.

Dave Whelan has a big decision to make. Is Malky Mackay the right man to lead the club going forward?

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on 13th February 2015.

Posted in Championship, Dave Whelan, Malky Mackay, Nottingham Forest, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Simply not good enough – Nottingham Forest 3 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on February 12, 2015 by ianhaspinall
City Ground

City Ground Panorama, Nottingham Forest

Wigan Athletic’s nightmare season shows no sign of abating after yet another defeat this time at the hands of Nottingham Forest.

Forest rarely needed to get out of second gear to comfortably win 3-0 against a Latics team which now looks destined for League One.

Striker Britt Assombalonga slotted home Chris Burke’s through-ball to put Forest ahead after 33 minutes.

Forest increased their lead after the interval when Michail Antonio found Burke, who blasted home off the post.

Henri Lansbury then added a third when he curled in from the edge of the box, but in truth it could have been so many more if the home team had pressed home their advantage.

Malky Mackay made one change to his starting line-up from the team defeated by Bournemouth, with James Perch coming in for the injured Chris McCann. Chris Herd, who deputised at right-back for Perch against Bournemouth, came into midfield.

Forest could have been ahead as early as the 4th minute when Assombalonga laid the ball to Chris Burke. His deep cross reached Michail Antonio but the header was fortunately wide of Ali Al-Habsi’s post.

Latics rarely threatened the Forest goal, but Kim did manage to test the home keeper Karl Darlow with a long-range effort on 2o minutes.

But Forest went ahead on 33 minutes when Burke was allowed far too much room by Herd in the centre of midfield and he played in Assombalonga on the right side of the box, and the striker coolly finished low past Al-Habsi.

Latics tried to respond, but with Leon Clarke isolated upfront, none of their attacks came to anything.

The home team went into the interval one nil ahead, and with Latics lacking any real attacking threat, they realised the game was theirs for the taking.

When Andrew Taylor pushed forward down the left and Latics lost possession a quick break meant they were short at the back. Antonio chipped a long ball to the unmarked Burke, who had plenty of time to set himself and fire past a helpless Al-Habsi in off the far post.

Somewhat bizzarely Latics most creative player Kim was then withdrawn by Mackay and replaced by Sheyi Ojo.

Forest went further ahead on 61 minutes. Henri Lansbury was given far too much room on the edge of the area and the former Arsenal midfielder curled the ball past Al-Habsi.

Martyn Waghorn replaced Herd but Latics rarely looked like they had the movement or imagination to create a decent goal scoring opportunity.

Their only real chance came late on when McClean forced a good save from Darlow when Ojo had put him through.

Forest in comparison created plenty of opportunities and really should have had more than the three goals. The only real downside for the home team was a late injury to Assombalonga who was carried off on a stretcher.

It was a dispiriting performance by Latics who had appeared to be showing some signs of promise in the last home game against Bournemouth. The players now seem to have lost belief and there was a noticeable lack of organisation and any cohesion had disappeared.

Mackay’s tactics of playing a lone striker is clearly not working, and with wins vital for any chance of survival, playing for a draw is not an option.

The manager has had little, if any, positive impact since taking over and despite a massive turnover in players during the transfer window the situation is getting worse. The club is now eight points adrift of safety with only 16 games remaining.

Posted in Britt Assombalonga, Championship, Chris Burke, Henri Lansbury, Nottingham Forest, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Promise in defeat? Wigan Athletic 1 AFC Bournemouth 3

Posted on February 8, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Leon Clarke

New loan striker Leon Clarke on target for Latics

Wigan’s season continued its downward trajectory with a 3-1 home defeat to Championship leaders AFC Bournemouth.

A new look Latics line-up including Leon Clarke, Chris Herd and Kim Bo-kyung started brightly but Bournemouth gained the upper hand with what appeared to be a offside goal from Callum Wilson.

The Cherries were two ahead just before half time when Chris McCann was dispossessed on the edge of his own area and Jann Kermorgant finished clinically from 18 yards.

The points were sealed on 57 minutes when Wilson added a second, although Latics did manage a consolation goal through debutant Clarke.

Latics were struck a huge blow before kick off with the news that midfielder Emyr Huws had turned an ankle in training and would be out for the rest of the season.

Malky Mackay made four changes to the starting line up following the draw at Ipswich last week with Chris Herd, Leon Clarke, Kim Bo-Kyung and Chris McCann coming into replace James Perch, Emyr Huws, Martyn Waghorn and Marc-Antoine Fortune.

Latics started confidently and William Kvist tested Artur Boruc in the Cherries goal from the edge of the area within the first two minutes.

Clarke then fired low cross across the area but Leon Barnett was unable to capitalise.

Soon afterwards James McClean nearly got on the score sheet when his curled free kick from the right hand side evaded Boruc but crashed against the crossbar and away to safety.

Bournemouth rallied and Ali Al-Habsi produced a great save low down to deny Kermorgant.

It was now end to end stuff with both teams creating good opportunities.

Leon Clarke might have given Wigan the lead when he sprang the Bournemouth back line but he disappointingly fired wide of the target.

New signing Kim Bo-Kyung nearly broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. The South Korean international played the ball out wide to Taylor whose cross was returned to Kim and his acrobatic overhead kick just cleared Boruc’s crossbar.

But the game turned in Bournemouth’s favour on 37 minutes.  A long ball was flicked on by a Bournemouth player and Wilson, who appeared to be in a offside position, was allowed to run in on goal and slot past Al-Habsi to give the Cherries the lead.

The situation got worse for Latics ten minutes later when Chris McCann tried a dragback on the edge of his own area and Kermorgant capitalised finishing expertly from 18 yards.

Leon Barnett was lucky not to concede a penalty when he appeared to man handle Wilson in the penalty area but referee Mark Haywood waved away the Bournemouth players appeals.

Latics went into the interval unlucky to be 2-0 down but knowing that it would be a tall order to pull back the deficit against the League leaders.

Bournemouth were full of confidence and now controlling possession and they might have increased their lead on 56 minutes. Wilson was proving to be a thorn in the side of the Wigan defence and when he flicked the ball over Ridgewell he looked odds on to score but he volleyed high and wide of the target.

Wilson repeated his flick over Ridgewell a minute later and the Cherries were three up as he outpaced Barnett and rounded Al Habsi to side foot home.

Latics were now in disarray and Mackay brought on new Liverpool loan signing Sheyi Ojo in a desperate attempt to get something back. Ojo looked sharp and immediately set about running at the Cherries defence.

Wigan managed to pull a goal back in the 61st minute when McClean broke down the left hand side before delivering an excellent deep cross for Clarke to finish from close range.

For a time it looked as if Wigan might retrieve something from the game after all.

Ojo’s speed and quickness of thought was now causing Bournemouth problems and when his superb curled pass set up Don Cowie down the right hand side, the Scottish midfielder’s cross found substitute Billy Mckay at the near post but Boruc managed to save low down to his left.

The home crowd noticeably got behind the team and they started to believe a comeback might be in the offing.

Liam Ridgewell had an opportunity following a corner, but his header from around the penalty spot was tipped over by Boruc.

Latics had a shout for a penalty when Mckay looked to be taken out by a Bournemouth defender but the Latics players appeals came to nothing.

Wigan continued to press and Barnett might have reduced the deficit and set up an exciting finale with sixteen minutes remaining, but the defender headed just wide of the post from Cowie’s cross.

Bournemouth held on and maintained their position at the top of the table. Latics remain deep in trouble and seven points from safety.

Bournemouth had certainly been the slicker outfit and had dominated possession but Latics had created enough chances to have gained at least a point.

The large turnover in players during the last few weeks is a big gamble for Latics but there were some promising performances from the new signings giving hope that all is not yet lost.

Posted in Bournemouth, Callum Wilson, Championship, Jann Kermorgant, Leon Clarke, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Revolving door is not slowing down

Posted on February 6, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Gaetang Bong2

Can Bong rescue Latics?

The revolving doors at the DW Stadium kept turning this week as the club experienced an unprecedented turnover in playing staff. Latics have gone through a huge transformation in the last few weeks with ten players leaving and seven joining the club.

This week Andy Delort and Fraser Fyvie were added to Roger Espinoza, Oriol Riera, James Tavernier, Ben Watson, Shaun Maloney, Adam Forshaw, Callum McManaman, and Ivan Ramis who had all left the club in the space of the last few weeks.

CEO Jonathan Jackson has explained that Latics have to reduce costs with the prospect of relegation looming and manager Malky Mackay believes that some of the players were just not up for the fight.

It was inevitable that Wigan had to reduce the wage bill to remain sustainable but the worry is that on paper the new arrivals do not have the same quality as those leaving. The new signings are a mixture of players who have been surplus to requirements at other clubs and in the case of Billy Mckay and Sheyi Ojo are untested at Championship level.

The major concern is do we have the quality to survive in the Championship?

Defender Liam Ridgewell has improved following a very rocky start against Birmingham City, but he will be returning to Portland Timbers in only three weeks time.

Australian utility player Chris Herd has as yet to make his debut for Latics but he has not played competitively for Aston Villa this season and his loan spell at Bolton was blighted by injury.

Jason Pearce lost his place in our relegation rivals Leeds United’s team this season and although he has been described as a wholehearted defender he is reported to be vulnerable to the Championship’s quicker forwards.

Cameroon international defender Gaeten Bong has impressed while on trial at Latics following his release by Olympiacos. However, he is untried in English football and the worry is that if he is such a good player why wasn’t he snapped up by a club at a higher level?

Much travelled striker Leon Clarke has only scored two goals for Wolves this season in 19 appearances and it is maybe asking a lot for him to resolve all our goal scoring problems.

17 year-old Sheyi Ojo is an exciting prospect and has joined on-loan from Liverpool. But it remains to be seen whether he will be able to cope with the physical demands of a relegation battle.

Striker Billy McKay may prove to be a bargain. The Northern Ireland international has been in prolific form for Inverness Caledonian Thistle scoring ten goals and five in his last five games. He could be the goal scorer Latics have been crying out for, but can he make the transition from Scottish football to the Championship?

Wigan already have quality in the squad with Ali Al-Habsi now returned in goal, James Perch in defence, the emerging partnership of Emyr Huws and William Kvist in midfield and the impressive James McClean upfront.

But some the new players will need to make an instant impact if we are to survive in the Championship. The high turnover of playing staff is a big gamble at this stage in the season.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on 6th February 2015.

Posted in Andy Delort, Billy McKay, Championship, Chris Herd, Fraser Fyvie, Gaetan Bong, Jason Pearce, Leon Clarke, Liam Ridgewell, Malky Mackay, Sheyi Ojo, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics transfer deadline day round up

Posted on February 2, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Sheyi Ojo

New loan signing Sheyi Ojo

Wigan Athletic’s transfer deadline day activity resulted in three new additions and two departures.

Liverpool and England Under 18 winger Sheyi Ojo joined on-loan until the end of the season, Cameroon international full back Gaëtan Bong signed a short-term contract and Wolves striker Leon Clarke signed a loan deal.

Striker Andy Delort returned to his previous club FC Tours for the remainder of the season and Scottish midfielder Fraser Fyvie joined Hibernian after his contract was terminated at Latics.

Ojo, Bong and Clarke become Wigan’s fifth, sixth and seventh signings since the start of the year following the arrivals of Liam Ridgewell, Chris Herd, Billy McKay and Jason Pearce.

Wigan manager Malky Mackay said he was delighted with the capture of the England U18 international. He commented:

“I spoke to Brendan Rodgers at length about Sheyi, and we both agreed that this is the next stage of his development,

Brendan sees him as a Liverpool player of the future and will take him into his squad in the summer. We both hope that his time at Wigan Athletic can be a productive one for both parties.

I have watched him and was excited by what I saw in terms of his pace, touch and awareness. Now it’s a question of integrating him with our squad and managing his progress carefully.”

Gaetan Bong

Gaëtan Bong playing for Cameroon

Left back Gaëtan Bong has signed a short-term contract until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old is a free agent after leaving Greek side Olympiakos and has impressed after a trial period.

Latics manager Malky Mackay welcomed Bong to the club, saying:

“I’m delighted Gaëtan has agreed to join us. He impressed me a lot during the week. He is a terrific athlete, his professionalism stood out immediately and I believe he will be a very good addition to the squad.”

After seven signings in short succession, plus the loan window opening in a week’s time, he added:

“I have said all along we need to reshape the squad. The first part of that process was to allow players to leave and make way for new players to come in and take their place and that process is now taking place.

Every transfer in and out over the last month has been done with the benefit of Wigan Athletic football club in mind and myself, along with Jonathan Jackson and David Sharpe, are working day and night to make this squad as strong as it can be for the future.”

Bong began his professional career at Metz in the French league, and after a spell on loan at Tours, joined Valenciennes for whom he played over 100 times before moving to Olympiakos. He appeared in the 2010 World Cup for Cameroon, but missed out on the 2014 squad having played in the qualifying stages.

Bong can play in a number of defensive positions but he is likely to provide stiff competition for current left back Andrew Taylor.

Leon Clarke

New loan striker Leon Clarke

Latics last signing of deadline day was the 29-year-old striker Leon Clarke who joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan until the end of the season.

Clarke started his career at Wolves in 2003 and has scored goals throughout his career, netting 90 goals from 188 league starts.

He was prolific in 2013-14, bagging 16 league goals in 36 for Coventry City, earning himself a move back to Wolves last Summer.

Clarke has struggled to get into the first team this season at Molineux and has been forced to play most of his minutes off the bench – nevertheless, he has scored two late winners, at Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday.

Posted in Andy Delort, Championship, Fraser Fyvie, Gaetan Bong, Leon Clarke, Sheyi Ojo, Transfers, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics make a point in bore draw – Ipswich Town 0 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on February 1, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Al Al Habsi

Ali Al-Habsi returned to the team to keep a clean sheet

Wigan managed a welcome point at Portman Road in a dour goalless draw on Saturday. Chances were at a premium as both teams struggled to make an impact.

Jay Tabb had the best opportunity for the Tractor Boys in the first half, but he fired over the crossbar when put through by Tyrone Mings.

James Perch should have done better when he failed to get on the end of a Don Cowie corner and David McGoldrick might have given Town all three points but he headed straight at Ali Al Habsi from a good position.

Malky Mackay made three changes to the starting line up with Ali Al-Habsi replacing Scott Carson in-goal and Don Cowie and Marc-Antoine Fortune replacing the injured Chris McCann and the departed Callum McManaman. New signings striker Billy Mckay and defender Jason Pearce took their places on the bench.

Wigan made an early opening when James Perch crossed from the right hand side and Fortune got in a header but the ball looped over the crossbar.

Ipswich responded and from a similar type of cross Jay Tabb’s header was well wide. Tabb then had another opportunity but he failed to hit the target from about eight yards out.

As the half wore on neither side was able to gain the ascendancy as both lacked creativity and failed to string many passes together.

The second half was not much better as both teams struggled to build any momentum.

Latics did have a couple of half chances when Emyr Huws delivered a terrific cross into the box that Waghorn just failed to reach, Fortune pulled a shot wide after Huws had sent him clear, then Perch failed to connect with Cowie’s corner.

Ipswich had their own opportunities when McGoldrick headed straight at Al Habsi from 12 yards out and substitute Freddie Sears brought a better save from Al Habsi after McGoldrick had pulled the ball back from the by line.

Both teams huffed and puffed until the final whistle but in reality neither team deserved to take the three points.

Latics have had a very difficult week with so many top players leaving the club so Malky Mackay will be very pleased to secure a point away from home against promotion chasing Ipswich.

Wigan certainly showed some fight and determination yesterday,  but the question is: Do they now have the quality to survive in the Championship?

The club is going through a huge transformation with stars Roger Espinoza, Oriol Riera, James Tavernier, Ben Watson, Shaun Maloney, Adam Forshaw, Callum McManaman and Ivan Ramis having left the club in the space of a few weeks.

New signings have been relatively few with Liam Ridgewell and Chris Herd joining on loan and Jason Pearce and Billy Mckay signing permanently.

Latics’ rebuilding process is likely to continue before Monday’s transfer deadline with a couple more incomings and more departures likely.

Posted in Billy McKay, Championship, Chris Herd, Ipswich Town, Jason Pearce, Liam Ridgewell, Malky Mackay, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

12th Man: Fire sale chaos or master plan for survival?

Posted on January 30, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Billy McKay

New Striker Billy Mckay

It’s been another dispiriting week to be a Wigan Athletic fan, yet another home defeat and the exodus of our FA Cup winning stars. Just when you think things can’t get worse, we get another kick in the teeth as relegation rivals Rotherham surprisingly defeat Bolton and set up an eight-point gap between them and us.

The mass clear out of Latics stars is reaching unprecedented proportions. Roger Espinoza, Oriol Riera, James Tavernier, Ben Watson, Shaun Maloney, Adam Forshaw, Callum McManaman and Ivan Ramis have all left the club in the last few weeks.

The extent of the exodus has been mind-boggling. It was evident that something had to be done to address the poor form but shipping most of our top players was not quite what we had in mind.

Only club captain Emmerson Boyce now survives from the starting line up that won the FA Cup in 2013.

There is a need to reduce wage bill and parachute payments will decrease next season but the scale of the departures has been shocking. Questions are inevitably being asked about Dave Whelan’s ongoing commitment.

The club has been very quiet on the situation but it is evident that massive changes are taking place during this transfer window. Latics are shedding their high paid stars and looking to bring in lower valued players and on much cheaper wages.

So far the confirmed incomings have been loan defenders Liam Ridgewell from Portland Timbers and Chris Herd from Aston Villa. Former Leeds United captain and central defender Jason Pearce looks likely to sign after both clubs agreed a fee.

Striker Billy Mckay will join for around £150,000 from SPL team Inverness Caledonian Thistle and could prove to be a bargain. The Northern Ireland international has scored ten goals this season and five in his last five games. He also has the distinction of being the highest scorer excluding penalties in the Scottish Premiership era.

Expect some more transfer activity before the end of deadline day on Monday. Latics have been linked with a number of players including Burnley striker Lukas Jutkiewicz, Basel forward Giovanni Sio, Hull City midfielder Tom Ince, Olympiacos full back Gaetan Bong and Manchester United duo Nick Powell and Jesse Lingard, but there could be more outgoings as well.

Is this the last desperate attempt to save our Championship status by changing the culture of dressing room and bringing in Malky Mackay’s type of player, or is it just preparing for League 1 with a reduced wage bill? The jury is out but the next few weeks should give us a better indication of what is really going on.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on 30th January 2015.

Posted in Adam Forshaw, Ben Watson, Billy McKay, Callum McManaman, Championship, Chris Herd, James Tavernier, Jason Pearce, Malky Mackay, Oriel Riera, Roger Espinoza, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

More doom and gloom – Wigan Athletic 0 Huddersfield Town 1

Posted on January 25, 2015 by ianhaspinall
William Kvist

Man of the Match William Kvist

Latics slipped nearer to League 1 with another disappointing performance at home to Huddersfield Town.

Despite having more shots and possession Wigan failed to create any clear-cut chances throughout.

But with the match heading towards a stalemate a freak goal secured all three points for the Terriers.

Conor Coady attempted a cross to the back post but the ball sailed over Scott Carson and into the top corner of the Wigan net.

Malky Mackay made two changes from the starting line up against Blackburn with Emyr Huws and Callum McManaman coming in for Ben Watson and Adam Forshaw

Latics started brightly with William Kvist, Huws and Chris McCann moving the ball around briskly.

Callum McManaman was looking lively and his dangerous cross forced Alex Smithies to punch clear in the 11th minute.

McCann then tested the Terriers keeper from 20 yards following good work by Martyn Waghorn.

Huddersfield responded and Latics had to make two goal line clearances to keep the scores level.

First a Nahki Wells header was cleared off the line by Liam Ridgewell and then Waghorn headed Tommy Smith’s effort off the line following a corner.

Latics continued to dominate possession but they lacked the creativity to unlock a resolute Terriers defence.

They may already be rueing the release of their most creative midfielder Shaun Maloney to Chicago Fire before the end of his contract.

In the previous home game against Blackburn it was Maloney’s quality that had brought Wigan back into the game.

Unable to create any clear goal scoring opportunities Latics went into the interval level.

Wigan continued to have the better possession in the second half but did not carve out an opportunity until the 60th minute.

McManaman beat his marker and got to the by line before chipping a great cross to McClean in the centre of the box but the Irishman did not make the right contact and the header flew over the crossbar.

McCann was withdrawn with a hamstring strain and replaced by Don Cowie. The ineffective Waghorn was replaced by Marc-Antoine Fortune and Andy Delort was thrown into the fray to replace the tiring McManaman, but Latics still struggled to create an opening.

But it was Huddersfield who claimed the points with eight minutes of normal time remaining. A speculative cross to the far post by Coady sailed over the helpless Carson and into the top corner.

Latics huffed and puffed to grab an equaliser but the Terriers defence stood strong and moved 13 points ahead of Wigan in the Championship table.

Yet another dispiriting defeat for Wigan means the prospect of League 1 football looms even larger.

If they are to somehow escape the drop they must now use the transfer window and the Emergency Loan system to great effect. Reinforcements are desperately needed and there have been links with Leeds United defender Jason Pearce, Aston Villa defender Chris Herd and Burnley striker Lukas Jutkiewicz.

Mackay has indicated that the players brought into the club will be ‘his type of player’. Let’s hope these players have the requisite quality and desire for a fight to save our Championship status.

 

Posted in Championship, Chris Herd, Jason Pearce, Lukas Jutkiewicz, Malky Mackay, Wigan Athletic, William Kvist | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

Posted on January 23, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Emyr Huws Wigan Athletic

Emyr Huws returned from injury

It’s been a nightmare season so far but there is some evidence to suggest that the dark days may be coming to an end. Saturday’s improved second half performance against Blackburn Rovers has given me renewed hope that Latics can avoid the drop.

Rovers are pressing for a play-off spot but Latics could have taken all three points after the introduction of Shaun Maloney and Emyr Huws gave them a second half boost.

Maloney looks likely to sign for Chicago Fire in the MLS at the end of his contract but his contribution until then will have a major bearing on which league Latics are in next season.

He provided the free-kick for James McClean’s headed equaliser and was in the right place at the right time to clear off the line in the dying stages. His creativity and undoubted quality from dead ball situations could be a vital ingredient in Wigan’s survival campaign.

Emyr Huws made a welcome return from his injury lay off and showed why Uwe Rosler secured his services from Manchester City on a four-year contract. The 21-year-old Welsh International added much needed verve to the midfield and he should start against Huddersfield this Saturday.

Danish international William Kvist made his first full start for Malky Mackay against Rovers and he added a greater composure to the midfield. His experience is likely to be invaluable as Latics look to move away from the drop zone.

Ali Al-Habsi will be returning to the club following his Asian Cup adventures and I believe it is time he was given an opportunity in the team. His heroics in the FA Cup tie at Bolton demonstrated why he is a top keeper.

His shot-stopping abilities are exceptional, and now is the time for a change between the sticks after Scott Carson’s recent indifferent performances.

Malky Mackay has stated his determination to sign a new striker in the transfer window but ironically James McClean and Martyn Waghorn could prove the answer to Wigan’s goal scoring problems.

The duo showed signs that they could be forging a dangerous partnership upfront after only two games playing together.

It looks as though Callum McManaman might be on his way to West Bromwich Albion, but the Baggies will have to increase their offer of £4.5m if the winger is to be released by Latics.

It would be sad to see one of Wigan’s FA Cup winners leave but a fee of around £6m would be a great return for a player who has unfortunately been inconsistent and never fully realised his potential.

Reinforcements are still needed to improve the squad and the money received would go a long way towards helping the manager’s rebuilding plans in the transfer window.

The last six months have been a difficult time to be a Wigan Athletic fan but there are now signs of recovery and a feeling that the great escape can be achieved.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on 23rd January 2015.

Posted in Ali Al Habsi, Championship, Emyr Huws, Malky Mackay, Martyn Waghorn, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic, William Kvist | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment