12th Man: Time for players to take responsibility

Posted on December 19, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Shaun Maloney

Shaun Maloney

Latics enter the hectic Christmas period in poor form and desperately in need of a first win under Malky Mackay. Saturday’s opponents Rotherham were expected to be near the drop zone after their promotion from League 1 but Wigan are in a position that few would have predicted in pre-season.

Latics have massively under achieved this term with a squad that should be much higher up the table. The current squad is endowed with an abundance of international experience.

Wigan had six stars representing their countries recently with Shaun Maloney (Scotland), James McClean (Republic of Ireland), Emyr Huws (Wales), William Kvist (Denmark), Maynor Figueroa (Honduras), and Ali Al Habsi (Oman) all on international duty.

Add to that list fellow internationals Emmerson Boyce (Barbados), Roger Espinoza (Honduras), Scott Carson (England), Don Cowie (Scotland), Thomas Rogne (Norway) and a long list of players who have represented their countries at Youth or Under-21 level, and it is clear that on paper the club have a very talented group of players.

Managerial changes and off the field controversies have all been a distraction this season but the players need to take a close look at their own performances.

It is easy to look for excuses when things are not going as well as expected and confidence is low, but the players have a responsibility to the fans to be the best that they possibly can.

In comparison to most people the players earn large salaries and have very fortunate lifestyles. There should be no need for excuses when professional pride is at stake.

Many of the players have performed to a high standard in the Premier League, some have won trophies and some have been involved in promotion winning teams, but for whatever reason they are not reaching those levels of performance at the current time.

The players need to be 100% focused and determined to get the win on Saturday. The mistakes that have plagued Wigan this season need to be eradicated and when the chances are created they need to be finished.

The players now need to step up to the standards expected of them. Rotherham will be no pushovers but the Wigan players must put their bodies on the line to get the vital first win and close the gap on the team that sit four points ahead of them in the table.

The manager has a big responsibility to instill belief in his players so that they can secure the vital first win under his stewardship. Now is time for Malky to adopt a more positive approach with his team selection and go all out for the three points with an attacking line up.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 19th December 2014.

Posted in Championship, Malky Mackay, Rotherham United, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Watford add to Wigan woes – Watford 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on December 14, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Chris McCann

Chris McCann on target for Latics

Two goals by Watford’s Troy Deeney condemned Wigan to their third consecutive defeat in four games under new manager Malky Mackay at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

The free scoring striker produced a top quality finish to give the Hornets the lead but Chris McCann headed in an equaliser just before half time.

Latics had been the better team in the second half but with only eight minutes remaining Deeney headed home the decisive goal.

Mackay made three changes from the team beaten by Norwich City with Don Cowie, Roger Espinoza and skipper Emmerson Boyce replacing Shaun Maloney, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Maynor Figueroa.

Most people had anticipated changes to the forward line after recent poor results but the manager sprung a surprise by moving James McClean into the central striker’s position role with Espinoza operating on the left side and McManaman on the right.

Latics started hesitantly against the Hornets who had defeated Fulham 5-0 at Craven Cottage the previous week.

Scott Carson made a couple of good saves from Gianni Munari’s shot and a 30-yard free-kick from Daniel Tozser. Watford took the lead on 20 minutes following good work by winger Ikechi Anya, who crossed for Deeney to produce a quality low finish from a tight angle.

Wigan responded well and gradually got a foothold in the game, pushing Watford back with some concerted pressure.

A Ben Watson free kick found Leon Barnett unmarked eight yards out but his header was straight at Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes.

Soon afterwards Latics had two good chances to draw level. Chris McCann’s shot was blocked before the ball fell to McClean who beat his marker but his drive was saved low down by Gomes.

Latics were level just before the interval. McClean’s whipped corner found McCann unmarked on the penalty spot and the Irishman’s header flew past Gomes and high into the Watford net. It was a deserved equaliser and augured well for the second half.

Latics continued the good work after the interval with Watson nearly re-creating his famous FA Cup winning goal but this time he headed just over the crossbar from McClean’s corner.

McClean forced Gomes into another good save low down as Wigan continued to have the better of the play.

Latics were showing more signs of cohesion than in the last two games and it was looking likely that they could hang on for at least a point, but with eight minutes remaining all the good work amounted to nothing as Deeney grabbed the winner.

Anya was allowed far too much space on the right hand side and the little winger crossed for Deeney to power home his second of the game and his fifth goal in the last two matches.

It was hard on Wigan, but in the final analysis the difference had been in the quality of the strikers. Latics are struggling to find any marksmen and Watford have quality in abundance with Deeney, backed up by Matej Vydra, Almen Abdi, and Daniel Tozser.

Latics remain the second bottom in the Championship table and are now four points from safety.

Malky said the defeat was hard to take but was still upbeat in his analysis and believes results can be turned around. He said:

“We’ve played three of the top four clubs in the division in the last few weeks and we’ve been in the games absolutely so that’s what I hold on to in terms of this group of players we’ve got here.

It’s just about the fine details and the demands that the players are putting among themselves; they’ve got to keep demanding of themselves so that one little error isn’t costing them the game which it is what’s happened over the last couple weeks.

It’s a bit about belief as well, we’ve got to keep believing in ourselves because this is a good group and they’re together”.

Posted in Almen Abdi, Championship, Chris McCann, Daniel Tozser, Matej Vydra, Troy Deeney, Watford, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Where are all the goals?

Posted on December 12, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Oriel Riera

Striker Oriol Riera deserves his chance

Latics fans will be travelling down to Watford on Saturday more in hope than expectation of getting a good result. The signs are not looking good for Wigan as they slumped to a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Norwich City in their last game while Watford who are currently in the play-off zone produced an emphatic 5-0 victory at Fulham.

Latics were toothless in attack against Norwich and despite dominating possession in the second half they looked incapable of getting an equaliser.

Malky must address the lack of goals immediately or they will continue to struggle. Latics have produced a pitiful tally of only 20 goals in 20 matches this season and their top scorer Callum McManaman has only five goals. Midfielder Shaun Maloney has two, while our strikers Marc-Antoine Fortune, Oriol Riera, Martyn Waghorn and Andy Delort have only managed four between them.

In comparison the Hornets have scored 36 goals and have a potent central strike force in Troy Deeney and Matej Vydra who have scored seven goals each this season. They are backed up by goal scoring midfielders/forwards Almen Abdi five goals and Daniel Tozser and Fernando Forestieri who have scored four each. The contrast between Watford and Latics forward lines is a stark one.

Deeney was picked up for a relatively modest £500,000 from Walsall in 2010 and has scored 63 goals in 179 appearances for Watford. Vydra is a Czech Republic international who won the Championship Player of the Year in 2012/13 and is currently on loan from Udinese. He‘s in his second loan spell with Watford and has hit the net 27 times in 59 appearances.

Wigan shelled out around £5m for strikers Riera from Osasuna and Delort from Tours but neither has been given much game time to show what they can do. Malky has used Fortune as the one central striker since taking over as manager and although he will want to be defensively strong at Vicarage Road, surely it is time to try something different upfront?

A new central striker partnership of Riera and Delort or Fortune could provide the cutting edge that Latics have been missing. The summer transfer signings should be given their opportunity to see if they can make a difference. A fresh approach in attack is now required if Malky is to get his first win in charge.

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

Posted in Andy Delort, Malky Mackay, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Oriel Riera, Watford, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Latics draw Bolton in FA Cup Third Round

Posted on December 8, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Macron Stadium formerly Reebok

Macron Stadium

Wigan Athletic have been drawn away at Bolton in the FA Cup third round.

They will travel to the Macron Stadium in Horwich for a local derby against Wanderers for the third round tie to be played between 3-6 January 2015.

Full details of the date, time and ticket prices for the third round tie will be made available on the Official website in due course.

Latics will be hoping to emulate their recent excellent record in the FA Cup having won the trophy in 2013 by defeating Manchester City and then reaching the semi-final last season.

Posted in Bolton Wanderers, FA Cup, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Malky Mackay has a tough job ahead – Wigan Athletic 0 Norwich City 1

Posted on December 7, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Malky Mackay

Malky Mackay

Wigan Athletic manager Malky Mackay saw his charges slump to a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Norwich City on Saturday. The Latics manager has been embroiled in off the field controversies since his arrival at the club, but it is on the pitch where he needs to start making his managerial skills count.

Wigan were one of the pre-season promotion favourites for promotion but have now won only one game in the last 14 under Uwe Rosler and Mackay and are facing a major battle to retain their Championship status.

The signs are not looking good as Latics produced a tepid performance and quite unlike the previous two games under Mackay.

Jonny Howson’s early goal gave the Canaries only their second win in eleven Championship games and relieved the pressure on under fire manager Neil Adams.

Latics made three changes to the team which lost in the last game at Sheffield Wednesday with Shaun Maloney, James Perch and Maynor Figueroa coming in for Boyce, Forshaw and Ramis.

Latics started like strangers with Norwich quick out of the blocks and soon the away team were ahead.

With only five minutes on the clock Howson was allowed far too much time and space inside the box to fire a shot past a helpless Scott Carson.

Almost immediately the Canaries could have doubled their lead but an unchallenged Cameron Jerome shot tamely at Carson.

Latics continued to struggle against quicker and sharper opposition and their first attempt on goal only came on the half hour mark. The hard-working Marc-Antoine Fortune controlled a long ball on the turn and produced a low shot which was comfortably saved by John Ruddy.

Callum McManaman then produced Latics best effort on goal when he cut inside and fired a drive narrowly wide of Ruddy’s right hand post.

Despite these two attempts the home team had been second best in the first half and were lucky to go into the interval only one goal down.

Wigan did improve in the second period and managed to push Norwich back onto their own 18 yard line, but they failed to create many clear-cut chances.

James Perch headed James McClean’s free-kick towards goal but Ruddy saved low down, and with eight minutes remaining Fortune’s cross could not be turned home by McClean or McManaman after Ruddy had spilled the ball.

Latics failed to create little else before the final whistle and Norwich returned to Norfolk grateful for all three points.

Few of Latics players emerged with much credit from the game. The normally reliable Ben Watson and Chris McCann were ineffective and Shaun Maloney struggled with a virus and was substituted after being sick at half time.

Latics were once again toothless in attack and Mackay needs to address the striker conundrum immediately or they will continue to struggle.

After such a poor display it is clear that the manager has a significant task ahead. He quickly needs to get a positive reaction from his players starting at Watford next Saturday.

In his post match interview the Wigan manager vowed to turn the situation around:

“There’s nothing else for it but to work hard; I’ve been here three weeks, I’ve got a good, honest group of players and I know that but we’ve got to make sure we turn that into wins.

“That’s why I’m here, that’s what I do and I’ll work from morning to night to make sure that we turn this around for Wigan Athletic”.

Posted in Championship, Jonny Howson, Malky Mackay, Neil Adams, Norwich City, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Conundrum up front needs sorting

Posted on December 5, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Andy Delort

Striker Andy Delort may start against Norwich City

Latics will feel very frustrated not to have got at least a point from last Saturday’s fixture at Sheffield Wednesday. Despite dominating possession they failed to capitalise on their chances and a couple of defensive lapses were their downfall. Such is life in a very competitive Championship where only 13 points separate the bottom three from the top six.

Many of the teams in the Championship have realistic expectations of challenging for promotion including some of the historic powerhouses of English football. It is a division with relatively small differences between the top and the bottom teams. Latics for example, went to Derby County in a poor run of form but overcame the league leaders.

This weekend’s opponents Norwich City have demonstrated how difficult a division it is for everyone. The Canaries have only won once in 10 matches after the recent 2-1 defeat by Reading.

Like Wigan, they were hoping to make an immediate promotion back to the Premier League. They made a strong start to this campaign, but after sitting top of the Championship at the beginning of October, they have fallen to 11th and taken just seven points from the last 30 available.

Norwich manager Neil Adams’ job is reportedly under threat following the poor run of results, and just like Wigan they will be desperate for a good result on Saturday.

The margins between success and failure in this division can be very fine indeed. Latics have played well in their recent home games but they have drawn the last five. If only they could have turned the draws into wins they would now be sitting around mid table. The task ahead for Malky Mackay is to turn home games into home wins starting with the match against Norwich.

One of the key problems facing Malky is the lack of a striker or strikers to finish off the numerous chances created this season. Marc-Antoine Fortune has been a willing worker in recent games but his strike rate continues to be poor with only seven goals in 63 appearances for the club.

So the manager may decide to go with a new strike partnership. Summer signings Oriol Riera and Andy Delort played together for the Development Squad in the two recent victories over Morecambe and Walsall, and may get the nod on Saturday.

The new manager has only been in charge for two games and is still assessing his playing staff but he needs to get results quickly and instil a winning mentality. In time he will be able to make the necessary changes to his squad and select his preferred line up but at the moment results are paramount.

Malky is a manager who has achieved success in the Championship by getting Cardiff City promoted, and he is capable of doing so again. It has been a difficult period for the club, both on and off the pitch, but with 27 games to play there is still plenty of time for Wigan’s season to turn around.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 5th December 2014.

Posted in Andy Delort, Championship, Malky Mackay, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Neil Adams, Norwich City, Oriel Riera, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Defensive errors prove costly for Latics – Sheffield Wednesday 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on November 29, 2014 by ianhaspinall
The Hillsborough Clock

The Hillsborough Clock by Daniel Bagshaw

Wigan Athletic’s defensive frailties were evident as they lost 2-1 to Sheffield Wednesday in a game in which they should have secured at least a point. Latics took a 26th minute lead through a Chris McCann header but the Owls equalised almost immediately through Stevie May and with Wigan pushing forward a mistake by Emmerson Boyce allowed May to grab a second.

Manager Malky Mackay made two changes to the starting line up from the draw against Middlesbrough with Shaun Maloney unavailable due to illness replaced by Ben Watson and James McClean preferred to Roger Espinoza on the left of midfield.

Latics started positively with Adam Forshaw driving into the Wednesday box and appearing to be brought down by Glenn Loovens, but referee Chris Kavanagh dismissed the Latics players’ appeals.

Wednesday then went close at the other end when Atdhe Nuhiu’s header flew over, then May headed straight at Scott Carson.

Latics came back when Callum McManaman had a shot well saved by Keiren Westwood at his near post.

Following more Latics pressure, Wednesday broke away and Jose Semedo’s powerful drive beat Carson, rebounded off the post and fell straight to Chris Maguire whose shot was parried away by Carson.

In the 26th minute Latics took the lead following McClean’s right-wing corner when McCann powered home a header at the near post. A little composure at this time could have been crucial but Latics switched off and Wednesday equalised almost immediately from the restart. Wigan’s static defence allowed May plenty of space and the Scottish international finished comfortably past Carson.

Latics went forward and tried to respond quickly, but Wednesday broke away and Carson pulled off a brilliant save from the former Real Madrid winger Royston Drenthe.

McManaman unleashed a drive which forced Westwood to parry and McClean nearly capitalised on the loose ball, but the Wednesday keeper recovered just in time.

McManaman then freed McClean on the left, and his deep cross found Fortune at the far post, but Westwood pulled off another good save.

It was end-to-end stuff as the half drew to a close but neither team had gained the upper hand by the interval.

Mackay reshuffled the defensive line up at the interval with Ivan Ramis replaced, James Perch slotting in at right back and skipper Emmerson Boyce moving into a central role.

Latics could have gone ahead in the 53rd minute when Watson’s corner to the far post found Fortune who headed back for McClean but his header was cleared off the line by Lewis McGugan.

Soon afterwards Wigan repeated the move and Boyce this time headed back a second Watson corner and McCann volleyed over from the edge of the six yard box.

Latics were pressing forward and looking to force the winner but the game turned in 70th minute in Wednesday’s favour following a defensive mistake.

Boyce tried a crossfield pass but the ball was intercepted by Jeremy Helan, he then set up Maguire who crossed for May and his looping header beat Carson, striking the inside of the post and trickling along over the goal line despite the efforts of Andrew Taylor.

Latics might have drawn level with two great chances within minutes. First Forshaw nearly got on the end of McManaman’s cross, before McManaman’s drive inside the area went just wide of Westwood’s post.

May might have completed his hat-trick for Wednesday but Carson was able to save when he broke clear.

Latics dominated the closing stages creating a series of chances but could not capitalise on their pressure. The best opportunity came in the 86th minute when McCann burst into the box and fired across goal but no Wigan player was in a position to make it count.

Wigan can feel very frustrated not to have got something from the game. It had been an end-to-end encounter with both teams creating numerous chances. Latics had dominated possession but failed to capitalise and a couple of defensive lapses had been their downfall. There are fine margins between success and failure in the Championship and it will be up to the new manager Malky Mackay to eradicate the mistakes and ensure that points are not lost unnecessarily in the future.

Watch Malky Mackay’s post match interview here:

Posted in Championship, Chris McCann, Malky Mackay, Sheffield Wednesday, Stevie May, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Malky can weather media storm

Posted on November 28, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Ben Watson

Ben Watson returned to first team action

Malky Mackay’s appointment and Dave Whelan’s subsequent controversial comments have resulted in an unprecedented amount of negative media coverage for the club, but on the pitch there are grounds for optimism.

The media storm created must have been a massive distraction for the players going into last Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough but they responded in a very positive manner. Although third from bottom in the table they outplayed the third top team in the Championship and with a little luck could have taken all three points.

Mackay made an immediate impact with his team selection and formation. He was fortunate to have captain Emmerson Boyce, Ivan Ramis, Chris McCann and Andrew Taylor all returning from injury, but the players all looked energized and determined to impress the new man.

Right from the kick off it was evident that he had given them a boost. McCann looked like he’d never been away despite an eight-month absence. The 27-year-old Irishman was winning tackles, passing crisply and driving forward with the ball at every opportunity.

Maloney was also back to his best for Latics after a series of top quality performances for Scotland. The little Scot was involved in most of Latics best play going forward and after a sighting shot he produced the perfect free-kick into the top left hand corner of the Boro net.

Taylor returned at left back and probably had his best game in Latics colours. Solid defensively, he also linked up well with the midfield and attack and the former Cardiff City player looked happy to back under the stewardship of Mackay.

Boyce and Ramis added much-needed stability to a backline that had looked all at sea in the defeat at Bolton. Boyce inevitably tired in the final minutes after two months on the injured list, but the importance of the return of the team captain should not be underestimated.

Another big bonus was the very welcome return as a substitute of FA Cup hero Ben Watson from a nine-month absence and from what had been a second leg break in the space of only 15 months. A fully fit Watson will give everyone at the club the belief that Latics luck is starting to change and a rise up the table is now in the offing.

Mackay galvanised the players into an effective unit for last Saturday’s game and a good result away at Sheffield Wednesday this Saturday will provide an indication as to whether that good reaction is ongoing or just temporary.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 28th November 2014.

Posted in Andrew Taylor, Ben Watson, Championship, Emmerson Boyce, Ivan Ramis, Middlesbrough, Shaun Maloney, Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Classic combination – Northern Soul and Wigan Athletic

Posted on November 25, 2014 by ianhaspinall

Northern Soul Keep the Faith

Latics have put together the classic combination of Northern Soul music and Championship football for their next home fixture versus Norwich City on Saturday 6th December.

The club have developed a Latics Tracks feature this season to highlight the Northern Soul history of Wigan and this special Northern Soul supporters event will take place prior to the Norwich City fixture.

The Players Car Park in the South East corner of the DW Stadium will play host to a fantastic event including a stage for supporters to relive the moves from back in the day, local soul DJ Dickie Ashcroft spinning the decks, an outdoor bar with lager, cider, bitter and soft drinks and the chance to buy superb home-made Lancashire Hotpot.

The event is completely free of charge, but with a limit of 500 attendees at any one time so we advise an early arrival. Gates open from midday and the event will close at kick off at 3.00pm.

Match tickets for the game are on sale from £20 for Adults and £5 for Under 16s.

You can buy your match tickets now by telephone, at the ticket office or on wiganathletic.com/tickets.

Don’t miss out on this great footy and music combo.

Posted in Northern Soul, Norwich City, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Maloney magic lifts Latics spirits – Wigan Athletic 1 Middlesbrough 1

Posted on November 23, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Shaun Maloney

Shaun Maloney on target for Latics

It was a difficult day for everybody at Wigan Athletic as the new manager Malky Mackay took his first game in charge against Middlesbrough. The furore about his appointment and Dave Whelan’s subsequent controversial comments meant that there was a huge amount of media attention focused on the club prior to kick off.

Mackay and Whelan were well received by the Latics faithful and the club Chairman was tearful when he received a rousing round of applause from the supporters before the game.

Wigan produced a much improved performance under Mackay. Shaun Maloney’s superb free-kick put Wigan in control after 24 minutes, but Middlesbrough substitute Patrick Bamford drew them level on 58 minutes. Both teams had chances to win it, but the game ended in stalemate.

Mackay made four changes from the team that lost at Bolton, with Ivan Ramis, Andrew Taylor, Chris McCann and Emmerson Boyce coming in for Perch, Kiernan, Figueroa and Huws.

Chris McCann was making his first start in eight months after returning from a long-term injury sustained in March, and the Irish midfielder made a significant impact in the early stages. His attacking runs with the ball resulted in a series of free-kicks on the edge of the Boro box.

Maloney’s first free-kick beat Boro keeper Dimitrios Konstantpoulos but skimmed the top of the crossbar and away to safety.

Wigan continued to press forward, with first Marc-Antoine Fortune and then Emmerson Boyce firing wide of the Boro goal.

They went ahead on 24 minutes following a superb 25 yard free-kick by Maloney. The Scottish international found himself in a similar position to his first free-kick, and the midfielder curled the ball over the wall and into the top left hand corner past a helpless Konstantpoulos.

Latics were now on top and looking likely to add to their lead, although Kike’s effort at the end of the first-half nearly drew Boro level.

Wigan might have doubled their lead on the stroke of half time, when Maloney’s cross from a free-kick was punched away by the keeper to Adam Forshaw on the edge of the area, but he volleyed just inches wide of the left hand post.

Latics had further chances at the beginning of the second period, with first Leon Barnett and then Fortune miss-kicking their efforts in front of goal.

Realising his team were lacking a cutting edge, Boro boss Aitor Karanka replaced Adam Reach with Chelsea loanee Patrick Bamford. The substitution had an immediate impact when the striker had a neat interchange with Kike on the edge of the box, and then evaded the attention of Ivan Ramis, before side footing home from close range to draw Boro level.

As both teams pressed for the winner Chris McCann’s effort cleared the crossbar for Wigan, before Bamford had a chance for Boro following George Friend’s dangerous cross.

Middlesbrough had a couple of unconvincing appeals for penalties as the game moved towards the final whistle, but the best chance of the final quarter of the game fell to Leon Barnett. Following Maloney’s corner, the big defender was left unmarked but disappointingly volleyed the ball against the post from close range.

Given all the off the field dramas this week, the Latics players should be pleased with their work. Boro are one of the best teams to come to the DW Stadium so far this season. On this display Aitor Karanka’s team are well organised, have quality in-depth and are likely to be in the promotion shake up at the end of the season.

The draw left Wigan still in the bottom three of the table but they can take great heart from the performance. It was evident that new manager Mackay had already galvanised the players into a more combative unit. The welcome return of Chris McCann along with a return to form of Shaun Maloney make the prospect of a rise up the table much more likely.

Posted in Championship, Dave Whelan, Malky Mackay, Patrick Bamford, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments