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

Derby day deadlock – Wigan Athletic 1 Blackburn Rovers 1

Posted on January 18, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Shaun Maloney

Shaun Maloney helped secure Latics a point

Both teams will have reason to feel frustrated after this Lancashire derby ended 1-1 at the DW Stadium on Saturday.

Rovers went ahead when Tom Cairney set up Corry Evans and his smart finish beat Scott Carson from the edge of the area.

James McClean equalised for Latics when he headed in substitute Shaun Maloney’s whipped free-kick.

Opportunities were wasted at both ends as the match finished level and with both managers feeling that they should have secured all three points.

Malky Mackay made four changes from the side that lost at Birmingham last week, with Ben Watson, Leon Barnett, Martyn Waghorn and William Kvist coming in for Don Cowie, Ivan Ramis, Shaun Maloney and Rob Kiernan.

Latics attacked from the kick off and should have been ahead within the opening four minutes through Adam Forshaw. The midfielder found himself in the perfect position when he picked up Martyn Waghorn’s low cross but he fired straight at Jason Steele before sending the rebound over the crossbar.

Rovers responded well and took the lead on 15 minutes through Evans. Carson punched the ball out from a corner and into the path of Cairney who teed up Evans, who then expertly curled the ball into the right hand corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area.

Despite the set back Latics continued to be competitive with James McClean was once again proving to be their most dangerous attacking player.

McClean nearly drew Wigan level five minutes before the interval from Chris McCann’s cross but he managed to miskick with the goal at his mercy.

Just before the interval McClean was booked for a lunging challenge on Markus Olsson and Rovers players surrounded referee Mike Jones arguing that it should have been a red.

Substitute Shaun Maloney replaced the disappointing Adam Forshaw at half time and Latics looked much improved going forward.

Maloney was instrumental in drawing Wigan level on 63 minutes when his excellent whipped free kick found McClean and the Irishman headed powerfully past Steele.

Latics now dominated possession and pressed for the winner. Yet it was Rovers who looked odds on to score on 70 minutes but Jordan Rhodes had his close range effort spectacularly headed off the line by Leon Barnett.

Striker Andy Delort joined the fray with 18 minutes remaining as Latics went for the winner. Rovers went closest two minutes from time with a header from a corner, but the hard-working Maloney was in the perfect position to clear off the line and secure the point for Latics.

Overall Rovers probably edged the first half and Latics the second. It was noticeable that Wigan improved following the introduction of Maloney and Emyr Huws and they must both surely start against Huddersfield.

William Kvist playing his first game under Mackay added stability to the midfield and put in a solid display and McClean who was Wigan’s outstanding player, is improving week by week.

Latics may remain in the bottom three and five points from safety but there are some signs of improvement and hope of survival still prevails.

 

Posted in Blackburn Rovers, Championship, Corry Evans, Emyr Huws, James McClean, Malky Mackay, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic, William Kvist | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Malky has got to find some green shoots of recovery

Posted on January 16, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Malky Mackay

Malky Mackay struggling for an answer

I’m trying to remain optimistic, but it’s proving to be a very difficult task. Wigan’s current form is abysmal and it isn’t showing any signs of abating. Just how long can Wigan’s malaise continue?

The introduction of a new manager was expected to give the club a boost, but the exact opposite seems to have happened. After a decent performance against Middlesbrough in Malky Mackay’s first game in charge results have gone downhill.

Yes we managed to get three points at Leeds United on Boxing Day, but those of us who were at Elland Road know that Wigan were very lucky that day as Leeds wasted a hatful of goal scoring opportunities during a second half onslaught.

A succession of home defeats to Norwich, Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday has dumped Wigan in the relegation zone and results are showing no signs of improvement.

The performance in the first 30 minutes at Birmingham was the worst by any Latics team in a very long time. They did rally at the end of the first and beginning of the second half but the team’s inadequacies are all too evident.

New loan signing Liam Ridgewell didn’t look match fit and made a succession of misplaced passes which put the team under pressure. Mackay’s judgement in introducing a player who didn’t appear ready for first team action must be called into question.

The transfer window provides an opportunity to improve our position and new signings should not be exacerbating Wigan’s difficulties.

Mackay is making some poor choices both in transfers and in the selection of his starting eleven. Few players apart from James McClean and James Perch emerged with much credit from St Andrews. These two are clearly putting in the effort but many of the others are not prepared to fight for the shirt.

The departure of Shaun Maloney to Leicester for around £1m has only deepened the gloom. Maloney is Wigan’s most creative player and he should not have been allowed to leave at a critical phase of the season and when the team is in desperate need of his quality.

Bringing in a transfer fee is not the priority when we are fighting to save our Championship status. The manager should have held onto him until the end of the season and then he could have been released with our best wishes.

Only three players, Boyce, McManaman and Watson, now remain from the team that won the FA Cup in May 2013.

There is little news of incomings at the time of going to press and with two weeks of the transfer deadline remaining a striker remains the top priority. Latics had been linked with Sunderland’s misfiring striker Danny Graham but even that rumour has now gone quiet.

In a recent press conference Mackay was asked whether a striker was a priority, the manager replied: “Yes, absolutely, and if you come up with one then give me a shout!” This may have been said in jest, but equally it reflects the desperate situation we are in.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on 16th January 2015.

Posted in Championship, Liam Ridgewell, Malky Mackay, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Downward trend continues – Birmingham City 3 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on January 11, 2015 by ianhaspinall
James McClean

James McClean’s wonder strike gave Wigan hope

Wigan slipped deeper into the relegation mire after a dispiriting 3-1 defeat to Birmingham City at St Andrews. An abysmal first 30 minutes gifted City a two goal lead through Clayton Donaldson, but it could have been so many more as Latics were shambolic.

New loan signing Liam Ridgewell had a particularly torrid time but few of Latics players emerged with much credit from the opening period.

The home team could have been at least five goals to the good before James McClean, who worked tirelessly throughout, produced a wonder goal to drag Wigan back into the game.

A much improved opening to the second half gave Wigan hope, but as they pressed for the equaliser City broke away to shatter the prospect of any comeback when Donaldson completed his hat-trick.

Mackay made four changes from the FA Cup defeat at Bolton. Scott Carson returned in-goal while new loan signing Liam Ridgewell made his debut. Shaun Maloney and Don Cowie came into the starting eleven.

Latics were behind within the first minute after sloppy play by Ridgewell. The former Birmingham defender’s misplaced pass found ex-Latics player David Cotterill. The winger’s deep cross found Donaldson at the far post, and his header evaded Carson and went in off the post.

Wigan were all at sea as wave after wave of Birmingham attacks came in. Latics players seemed incapable of passing to a teammate and no one was prepared to make a tackle to stem the tide.

Cotterill fired a free-kick from the edge of the box wide of Carson’s right hand post. Then an unmarked Donaldson blazed wide with the goal at his mercy.

But in the 14th minute City doubled their lead. Andy Shinnie turned in the box and his deflected shot rebounded along the goal line and Donaldson was on the spot to tap over the line.

It was a desperate opening and Latics looked to be heading for a major drubbing.

The hapless Adam Forshaw looked to have given away a penalty when he appeared to foul Shinnie in the box, but the referee Mick Russell waved away Birmingham’s appeals for a penalty.

Donaldson nearly connected with Paul Caddis’ cross at the far post. The former Crewe and Brentford striker had another chance soon afterwards, rounding Carson but Ridgewell managed to clear off the line.

Don Cowie was withdrawn on 30 minutes and replaced by Ben Watson as Malky Mackay tried to stem the tide.

James McClean was one of the few Latics players showing any endeavour and on 36 minutes the Irishman produced a bolt of hope.

He unleashed a wonder strike from the edge of the area which beat Darren Randolph and went in off the far post.

Latics were amazingly now back in the game despite the disastrous opening 30 minutes. The goal and the introduction of Ben Watson in midfield seemed to give them confidence and they finished the half as the better outfit.

Martyn Waghorn replaced an out-of-touch Ridgewell for the second half as Latics went to a back four.

Mackay’s half-time team talk must have had an impact on the players as Latics were dominant in the opening period of the second half.

McClean was a constant threat and linked up well with Waghorn. McClean forced Randolph into a full stretch save and then from the resulting corner Ivan Ramis headed narrowly over.

Waghorn saw a shot deflected for a corner, and again Ramis headed wide. Maloney produced an excellent 25 yarder that Randolph turned away for another corner.

It seemed only a matter of time before Latics would equalise. But it was Birmingham who broke away and shattered Wigan’s hopes. A cross to the far post found Demarai Gray and the ball fell to Donaldson who bundled the ball over the line for his hat-trick.

The goal proved to be the decider as Latics struggled to make an impact after conceding for a third time.

Mackay’s team have now lost six of their eight games in the Championship and the hoped for transformation since he took over has not materialised

The performance in the first 30 minutes was the worst by any Latics team in a very long time. They did rally at the end of the first and beginning of the second half but the team’s inadequacies are for all to see.

Mackay is making some poor choices, some players should not be in the starting eleven and too many players are not prepared to fight for the shirt.

The exception was James McClean who was Wigan’s outstanding player. He worked tirelessly throughout and produced a great strike to give the team hope. If more players showed his fighting spirit Wigan would not be in the position they are in now.

Posted in Birmingham City, Championship, Clayton Donaldson, Malky Mackay, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

12th Man: Where do we go from here?

Posted on January 9, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Liam Ridgewell

New loan signing Liam Ridgewell

Yet another defeat last Saturday this time to local rivals Bolton in the FA Cup and Wigan’s terrible run of form continues. Malky Mackay has been unable to improve results and has now lost six of his eight games since taking over as manager.

This latest defeat could have been much heavier if it was not for the heroics of Ali Al Habsi. The manager and many of the players should now be taking a very close look at themselves.

The first half performance was simply unacceptable and although there was improvement in the second, it appears that some of the players have lost the desire to play for the club.

If the club is to get out of this downward spiral there needs to be a massive change in attitude. Some of the players may believe they should be playing in the Premier League but they are likely to be playing in League One next season.

With the transfer window upon us it is a great opportunity for the manager to shape his squad, bring in the right type of players and ensure that we keep our best players.

The players must want to wear the Wigan shirt and be prepared to fight to maintain the club’s Championship status.

But so far the signs are not looking hopeful with the rumoured incomings uninspiring. Defender Liam Ridgewell is tipped to come in on a short-term loan from MLS team Portland Timbers and striker Danny Graham who has played for a multitude of different clubs during his career is expected to come on loan from Sunderland.

Some outgoing movement has already taken place with midfielder Roger Espinoza making a return to the MLS with Sporting Kansas City and striker Oriol Riera surprisingly allowed to depart on loan to Deportivo de La Coruna until the end of the season.

Shaun Maloney has been the subject of several transfer enquiries from Premier League clubs and one firm bid has come in so far from Leicester City of around £750,000. His contract is up at the end of the season but the club should do everything in their power to retain him until then.

Maloney is the most skillful player at the club and is currently one of the few capable of turning a game in Latics favour. When he came on at half time against Bolton the whole team was given a lift and he was the architect of all Latics best moves.

Maloney was a constant threat, twisting, turning and probing the Wanderers defence. He set up Wigan’s best chance of the game supplying Chris McCann to centre for Adam Forshaw’s close range header and almost equalised when his late free kick was tipped over by Adam Bogdan.

The Scottish international’s technique from dead ball situations is renowned and he could be a critical force in the fight for survival. A player of Maloney’s abilities should not be allowed to leave when Wigan are in such desperate need of quality.

Bringing in a transfer fee at this stage should not be the priority, but keeping Wigan in the Championship certainly is.

Questions are being asked about the manager’s team selections and now his activity in the transfer market is starting to look suspect.

The calibre of proposed signings doesn’t inspire confidence and making the wrong choices at this stage could be disastrous.

We have now reached a critical point and Malky Mackay’s decisions in the next few weeks will dictate whether Wigan are a Championship or Division One team next season.

 

Posted in Ali Al Habsi, Championship, Danny Graham, Liam Ridgewell, Malky Mackay, Oriel Riera, Roger Espinoza, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

FA Cup: Latics fall at the first hurdle – Bolton Wanderers 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on January 4, 2015 by ianhaspinall
FA Cup

FA Cup: Latics fall at the first hurdle

It was another disappointing day for Wigan as they slipped out of the FA Cup 1-0 to local rivals Bolton at the Macron Stadium. A goal by Wanderers debutant forward Zach Clough 14 minutes from time was sufficient to dump the 2013 winners and 2014 semi-finalists out of the competition at the first hurdle.

Latics first half display was simply not good enough as they gave the ball away far too easily with a succession of sloppy passes. Bolton seemed to have an extra player on the pitch at times as they created numerous goal scoring opportunities.

Ali Al Habsi returning to the Wigan team after a long absence produced a catalogue of fine saves following wave after wave of Wanderers attacks.

Wigan improved in the second half following the introduction of substitute Shaun Maloney and the little midfielder was instrumental in all their best moves.

Adam Forshaw had Latics best opportunity when his point-blank header was well saved by Adam Bogdan.

But on 76 minutes the 19-year-old Clough broke through the heart of the Wigan defence and chipped the ball over the advancing Al Habsi to seal Bolton’s progress to the fourth round.

Malky Mackay surprisingly only made one change to his starting line up from the defeat against Sheffield Wednesday with Ali Al Habsi replacing Scott Carson in-goal.

The 3,000 travelling Latics fans were frustrated to see their team pushed back in the early stages as Bolton pressed for a quick breakthrough. Al Habsi had to be at his best in the 10th minute as he came out to smother Liam Feeney’s shot.

They went close again on 20 minutes when David Wheater headed Tim Ream’s cross into the side netting. Soon afterwards Al Habsi was called upon to push away Liam Trotter’s close range header. Then James Perch made a last-ditch tackle as Feeney looked odds on to score.

Latics somehow survived the onslaught and went into the break level.

Mackay must have had some stern words at half time as Wigan emerged re-invigorated by the introduction of substitute Shaun Maloney for Marc-Antione Fortune.

Maloney was a constant threat, twisting, turning and probing the Wanderers defence. In the 52nd minute he set up Chris McCann down the left hand side and the Irishman’s perfect cross was met by Forshaw but his close range header was superbly kept out by Bogdan.

Bolton responded and Al Habsi was at full stretch to save Clough’s shot from the edge of the area.

The game was opening up now with both teams dangerous on the counter attack. James McLean headed over from Andrew Taylor’s cross and Al Habsi did well to save substitute Craig Davies effort.

But with 14 minutes of normal time remaining Wanderers made the breakthrough when Clough picked up Neil Dann’s excellent through ball and chipped the advancing Wigan keeper.

Latics tried to respond and McClean forced a full length save from Bogdan.

As the match moved into injury time Latics last chance to force a replay came from a free- kick but Maloney’s excellent effort was tipped over by Bogdan.

Latics are in a terrible run of form and Malky Mackay has now lost six of his eight games since taking over as manager.

This defeat could have been much heavier if it was not for the heroics of keeper Ali Al Habsi. The manager and players need to take a very close look at themselves.

The first half performance was simply unacceptable and although there was improvement in the second, it appears that many of the players have lost the desire to play for the club.

There needs to be a massive change in attitude within the club. Some of the players may believe they are capable of playing in the Premier League but they will be playing in League One next season if this form continues.

With the transfer window upon us now is the time to prune and restructure the squad and bring in the right type of players. Players who want to wear the shirt and are prepared to fight to maintain Wigan’s Championship status.

 

Posted in Bolton Wanderers, FA Cup, Malky Mackay, Wigan Athletic, Zach Clough | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

McManaman madness gives Wednesday the edge – Wigan Athletic 0 Sheffield Wednesday 1

Posted on December 31, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Callum McManaman

Callum McManaman dismissed for a reckless challenge

Wigan remain in the relegation zone after they slumped to their fifth defeat in seven games under manager Malky Mackay losing 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday at the DW Stadium.

Following another lacklustre performance by Latics the game appeared to be heading towards a stalemate until substitute Callum McManaman was sent off within 10 minutes of coming onto the pitch.

With Wigan reduced to ten men the Owls seized the ascendancy and Atdhe Nuhiu headed the winner eight minutes after the red card.

Malky made one change to his starting line-up from the team that won at Leeds United on Boxing Day with Adam Forshaw replacing Don Cowie in midfield.

Neither team gained the advantage in the opening stages although Latics enjoyed plenty of possession.

But in the 19th minute Wednesday were almost gifted the lead when Jacques Maghoma capitalised on Rob Kiernan’s poor pass. The winger stormed down the right and crossed towards Atdhe Nuhiu but the big Austrian striker somehow failed to capitalise and Ivan Ramis cleared the ball off the line.

Wednesday had another opportunity 15 minutes later when Lewis McGugan picked up the ball following Ben Watson’s mistake and fired an effort from distance, which took a deflection and went narrowly wide of Scott Carson’s post.

Latics had a half chance just before the interval when Chris McCann’s header towards the back post nearly found Marc-Antoine Fortune, but the Wednesday defence managed a hasty clearance.

Neither team had gained the upper hand by half time and the second period began in similar fashion with Latics having plenty of possession but they failed to threaten until 15 minutes into the half. James McClean broke down the left and brought a full length save from keeper Keiren Westwood.

Latics thought they had gone ahead four minutes later from a free kick. The ball was delivered into the near post with McClean getting the final touch, but the linesman flagged for offside.

McManaman replaced Fortune on 59 minutes and within ten minutes the winger saw red for a reckless two footed challenge on Claude Dielna. McManaman had been dismissed for a similar offence at Bournemouth last season. It is now becoming a worrying part of his game and he must learn to curb his temper or he will never fulfil his undoubted potential.

The red card was turning point and the Owls made the breakthrough thirteen minutes from time when Nuhiu met Jeremy Halen’s deflected centre to head home.

Wednesday should have doubled the lead in the 83rd minute, when Carson’s challenge from outside the area fell to Chris Maguire but the midfielder fired wide.

Latics nearly drew level with five minutes remaining when substitute Shaun Maloney’s superb free kick was headed agonisingly against the post by Ramis before McClean wasted the rebound.

Wednesday held on for the three points and move up the 10th in the Championship table. Latics sit second bottom in the table and three points behind fourth bottom Brighton.

Wigan will be glad to see the end of 2014. The off-the-field blunders have been matched by the team’s sorry decline from promotion favourites to relegation candidates. Surely things can only get better in 2015, can’t they?

Posted in Atdhe Nuhiu, Callum McManaman, Championship, Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Memorable for all the wrong reasons

Posted on December 29, 2014 by ianhaspinall
FA Cup

Latics were eight minutes away from a second successive FA Cup Final

The last two years have probably been two of the most memorable in Wigan Athletic’s 82-year history, but 2014 is now turning out to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Few events could match the tremendous highs of the historic first FA Cup win in May 2013 but the 2013/14 season was building for even more success until defeats in the FA Cup semi-final and Championship play-off semi-final shattered the dream.

The fine margins in football meant that Latics just couldn’t hold on for the final eight minutes against Arsenal to reach a second successive FA Cup Final. Losing on penalties was such a cruel way to miss out after performing so admirably.

If Latics had invested in a goal scorer they might have overcome QPR in a closely fought play-off semi-final and then gone on to beat Derby County in the play-off final.

These are all of course might have beens, but who could have imagined that they would be sitting in the relegation zone of the Championship by Christmas 2014.

Highlight

Probably the biggest double giant killing in FA Cup history. Latics stunned Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium in March this year.

Latics had vanquished City in the FA Cup final in May 2013, but this time City were even bigger favourites to win on their home patch. Yet Wigan produced an even more inspiring performance that gave tremendous hope to underdogs everywhere.

Lowlight

Like many Latics fans I had mixed feelings about the appointment of Malky Mackay. Dave Whelan’s decision to appoint Mackay was a controversial and risky appointment.

Out of the game since his sacking by Cardiff City, Mackay has apologised for his “sexist, racist and homophobic” text messages and is awaiting punishment by the FA.

But matters only got worse when Dave Whelan tried to defend the appointment. The FA charged the Chairman over comments he made about Jewish and Chinese people in an interview.

Whelan apologised for the comments but accepted the FA Charge and now awaits his punishment. He has indicated that he may resign from his position as Chairman and it is not clear where this would leave the club.

Best game

Latics produced their best performance of this season when they upset the odds and defeated Championship leaders Derby County on their own patch.

Going into the game the Rams had not been beaten in 12 matches and Latics had not won in eight games but two goals by James McClean ensured Wigan got their just rewards for a hard working team effort.

Best player

Shaun Maloney is probably the best player at the club. On his day the little Scottish international is Latics best creative outlet.

His ability from dead ball situations is renowned and his free-kick against Middlesbrough was typical of the highest quality. If Latics can get him fully fit he could be pivotal to our survival chances this season.

Prospects for 2015

The prospect of relegation to the third tier of English football looms large. All the good work done by the club in recent years could be undone this season. The downward spiral shows no sign of abating and unless radical change takes place the problems will continue.

The lack of a cutting edge remains evident and Malky’s ultra cautious team selections have contributed to the problems.

Malky has tended to go with the experienced older players but this has meant Latics have often lacked the energy to compete over 90 minutes. A more balanced mix of old and younger players is required if Wigan are to avoid the bleak prospect of relegation.

The bloated numbers of coaching staff at the club could be having a detrimental effect on the decision-making process. In addition to the manager Malky Mackay, there is David Kerslake, Graham Barrow, Eric Black and Mike Pollitt all involved in first team affairs. Could it be a case of too many cooks?

The playing squad is too big and needs to be trimmed to a more effective level, but a proven goal scorer should be top of the shopping list if we are to move away from the drop zone.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on 29th December 2014.

Posted in Arsenal, Championship, Dave Whelan, FA Cup, Malky Mackay, Manchester City, Play-offs, QPR, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A win at last – Leeds United 0 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on December 27, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Elland Road panorama

Elland Road panorama

A fortuitous own goal and a late winner by James McClean gained Latics a 2-0 victory over fellow Championship strugglers Leeds United at Elland Road on Boxing Day.

It was a vital first win in six games for new manager Malky Mackay and it moves the team to within three points of fourth bottom Millwall.

Wigan took an early lead through a freak own goal when Leeds defender Liam Cooper chested James McClean’s cross past his own keeper in the 11th Minute.

McClean sealed the victory with ten minutes remaining when he completed a great counter attacking move rifling his shot past Marco Silvestri. It was Latics first three points since the away win at Derby County on the 25th October.

Malky made four changes from the recent defeat against Rotherham United with Rob Kiernan, James Tavernier, Ivan Ramis and Marc-Antoine Fortune coming into the starting eleven. FA Cup winners Emmerson Boyce, Shaun Maloney and Callum McManaman were on the substitutes bench.

The manager decided to go with a new formation with Ramis, Kiernan and Perch as centre backs and Tavernier and Taylor as wingbacks and a front-two partnership of McClean and Fortune.

As expected it was Leeds who were quick out of the blocks forcing Latics into defence. But Wigan were ahead in bizarre circumstances on 11 minutes.

McClean whipped in a low cross to the near post and under no pressure the Leeds centre-half Liam Cooper stretched to reach the ball with his chest and inadvertently diverted it into the bottom corner of Silvestri’s net.

It was a stunning blow for a home team lacking in confidence and it also gave Latics a platform to build on.

Leeds might have drawn level on 28 minutes when Cooper’s header beat Scott Carson but smacked against the crossbar. Carson then had to be sharp to cut out a delivery from Antenucci and Billy Sharp curled an effort wide of the Wigan upright.

However, Fortune might have doubled Latics lead just before the break, when he was played through by McClean but the Leeds keeper got down well to the striker’s angled drive.

The first period had been a fairly even affair, but Latics went into the interval with the important advantage.

The second-half was a different affair as Leeds dominated proceedings from the kick off. The Leeds manager Neil Redfearn reshuffled his line up at half time with striker Steve Morrison and the midfielder Rudolph Austin replacing Bianchi and Mowat.

Latics struggled to contain some free-flowing Leeds attacks with Stephen Warnock instrumental in many of their best moves. The home team created a plethora of goal scoring opportunities but a combination of some poor finishing, good defending and a little Lady Luck meant the Latics goal was not breached.

Antenucci failed to convert Lewis Cook’s cross from the right, and Carson produced an excellent save to tip over Giuseppe Bellusci’s drive. Carson then saved Cook’s drive from the edge of the box and then an effort from Austin.

The pressure was almost relentless as Carson tipped away Morrison’s header for a corner, and Byram headed over. Then Morrison put his effort well wide from the edge of the box, and then Austin shot high over the crossbar.

Latics should have put the game to bed on 81 minutes when substitute Roger Espinoza was sent clear by McClean but his effort was just wide of Silvestri’s left hand post.

But a minute later the result was sealed as Cowie’s through ball found McClean in the box and the Irishman rifled his shot past the helpless Silvestri. Cue scenes of great delight from the travelling band of Latics supporters.

This was a big confidence boosting win for Wigan but on this performance there is still plenty of work to do if the team are to rise up the table and away from the relegation zone.

Posted in Championship, James McClean, Leeds United, Liam Cooper, Malky Mackay, Neil Redfearn, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Season’s Greetings to all Wigan Athletic fans

Posted on December 24, 2014 by ianhaspinall
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I just wanted to say thank you to all ‘Let’s Hang On’ readers for your support this year. It’s been great to have so many readers and receive your regular feedback. I’m looking forward to further discussions in 2015.

The last two years have been two of the most memorable in Wigan Athletic’s 82-year history, but 2014 is now turning out to be memorable for all the wrong reasons. Hopefully 2015 will see Latics hitting the headlines again and for all the right reasons.

Keep the faith and Let’s Hang On in the Championship!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Latics fans everywhere.

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