Wigan Athletic season preview 2014/15

Posted on August 1, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Championship Trophy

The Championship Trophy

The last two seasons have been two of the most memorable in Wigan Athletic’s 82 year history. Few seasons could match the tremendous highs of the historic first FA Cup win and gut wrenching lows of relegation from the Premier League in 2012/13.

But the 2013/14 season was building for success after a euphoric first adventure into Europe until defeats in the FA Cup semi-final and Championship play-off semi-final shattered the dream.

Despite the massive disappointment, the feeling around the club was that success could have been achieved if only Uwe Rösler had been in charge from the beginning of the season.

The former Brentford manager only joined in December after a disappointing start under Owen Coyle but during Rösler‘s time in control he revolutionised the club and galvanised the players into competing strongly across three competitions.

The expectations are therefore high that Latics can make a serious push for promotion this time around.

Departures and new acquisitions 

The most significant departure has been that of midfield maestro Jordi Gomez to Sunderland. Gomez was last season’s player of the year and his creativity and spectacular goals will certainly be missed by Latics. Also leaving the club in the summer on free transfers were full-backs Jean Beausejour and Stephen Crainey.

Rösler has moved quickly to bring in three young full-backs. Left-back 27-year-old Andrew Taylor has arrived from Cardiff City along with another left-back 23-year-old Andrew Taylor-Sinclair from Partick Thistle and right back 22-year-old James Tavernier from Newcastle United.

In midfield, 31-year-old Scottish international Don Cowie has arrived from Cardiff on a two-year deal along with 20-year-old Welsh international Emyr Huws, who has arrived on a six-month loan from Manchester City.

Latics biggest signing of the summer so far has been striker Oriel Riera from Osasuna for £2 million. The 28-year-old,  6ft 1in goalscorer has joined on a three-year contract and will be expected to play an important role in Latics promotion bid.

Current squad

Rösler has hinted that other signings are in the pipeline, but the key to Latics success this season could be the fitness of midfielders Shaun Maloney, Ben Watson, Chris McCann and James McArthur who have all been troubled by injuries.

Honduran World Cup midfielder Roger Espinoza provides another option in midfield and the tough tackling midfielder is also capable of scoring some spectacular goals. 

Wigan have quality in-depth in the goalkeeping department with former England international Scott Carson, Omani international Ali Al-Habsi and former England U19 international Lee Nicholls.

Defensively, James Perch, Emmerson Boyce, Ivan Ramis and Leon Barnett provide top quality experience and promising youngsters like Rob Kiernan and Thomas Rogne give the squad good strength and depth.

In attack, Callum McManaman will be looking to stay fit and re-create his FA Cup heroics more consistently. Martyn Waghorn will expect to contribute significantly to Latics’ goal tally and James McClean will be looking to add more composure in front of goal. Marc-Antoine Fortune will need to improve on last season’s erratic performances and may struggle to win a starting place if everyone is fit.

Grant Holt has been a huge disappointment since arriving at the club and it is no secret that the former Norwich striker is unlikely to feature in Rösler’s plans. Given that Holt still has two years left on his contract, a loan move away from the DW Stadium looks the most likely scenario in the short-term.

Prediction

With Rösler in charge I think we can make the top six, but whether we can score enough goals to make automatic promotion remains to be seen.

Predicted Championship League Table 2014/15

1. Fulham
2. Derby
3. Wigan
4. Norwich
5. Reading
6. Cardiff
7. Blackburn
8. Brighton
9. Bournemouth
10. Ipswich
11. N.Forest
12. Wolves
13. Brentford
14. Watford
15. Middlesbro
16. Bolton
17. Huddersfield
18. Sheffield W
19. Rotherham
20. Charlton
21. Leeds
22. Millwall
23. Blackpool
24. Birmingham

Posted in Cardiff City, Championship, Derby County, FA Cup, Fulham, Norwich City, Reading, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

2014/15 fixtures announced – Royals first up for Latics

Posted on June 18, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Wigan badge banner

Wigan Latics coming to a ground near you

The Championship fixtures have been announced for the 2014/15 season and Wigan Athletic start the campaign with a home game against Reading on Saturday August 9th. This is followed up by away trips to Charlton Athletic on the 16th and a Tuesday night game versus one of the favourites for promotion Cardiff City.

Latics travel to Division One Champions Wolves on Saturday 4th October and make a first trip to Rotherham United’s New York Stadium on Saturday 14th March.

Season highlights include Bolton Wanderers away on 8th November and at home on 21st March. Boxing Day sees Latics away at Leeds United and they finish the campaign away at Uwe Rösler’s former club Brentford on Saturday 2nd May.

Wigan are rated fifth favourite for promotion by the bookies, which seems a realistic assessment given the wealth of powerful clubs in this year’s Championship.

The full list of fixtures is available on the Wigan Athletic website.

Posted in Bolton Wanderers, Brentford, Cardiff City, Championship, Charlton Athletic, Rotherham United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Wigan inspired Campo Retro shirt review

Posted on June 12, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Campo Retro shirt

Wigan inspired Campo Retro shirt

I’ve now tested the Wigan inspired Campo Retro shirt and can confirm it’s a winner. Due to The Bernabeu’s versatility it can be worn at matches as well as casual attire – looking great in both situations. The soft, light material gives the shirt a comfortable feel.

Special features such as the stitched white-on-white Campo logo really add to the quality look of the shirt. Of all the great details, the design of the collar stands out the most. It allows you to wear the collar raised without it losing it’s shape, despite being made from a soft cotton material. This is due to reinforcement within the rim which gives a rigid hold.

I wouldn’t normally wear a collar raised, but with The Bernabeu it adds an extra dimension to the look of the shirt, especially with the block of blue hiding underneath.

The two blue stripes are bold and striking against the base white colour. You can tell the high quality of the product by the well tailored fit and quirky features. The shirt washes very well and although I’ve not had it long the material appears hard wearing and should last for some time.

The packaging supplied with the product is first class and makes your purchase from Campo feel like a special present for any lucky receiver. It comes with colourful printed wrapping paper as well as a smart pull string plastic shoulder bag.

To top it off there is a small Campo logo pin badge supplied as an extra little treat. Campo have even designed a small area of the shirt where you can fit your pin badge to without having to worry about damaging the shirt.

I am extremely impressed with my first Campo product and it certainly won’t be the last one in my collection. You will not be disappointed.

Review by Jamie Aspinall

Posted in Campo Retro, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Play-off heartache for Latics – Queens Park Rangers 2 Wigan Athletic 1 (AET)

Posted on May 12, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Emmerson Boyce

Man of the Match Emmerson Boyce didn’t deserve to be on the losing team

Wigan suffered the disappointment of an extra-time play-off semi-final defeat at the hands of Queens Park Rangers.

Latics had taken an early lead through James Perch but Gary Caldwell conceded a penalty and Charlie Austin converted from the spot kick.

The former Burnley striker then broke Latics hearts early in extra-time with a well taken finish.

Rangers now go on to face Derby County in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on 24th May.

Uwe Rösler decided to start with 3-5-2 formation and began the game without an established central striker, James McClean and Callum McManaman providing the forward threat.

It was McClean who provided a low cross for James Perch to put Wigan ahead on nine minutes. The former Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United player getting in front of the last defender to blast the ball home from close range.

Soon afterwards McClean had a one-on-one with Green following a poor back pass, but instead of electing to go around the former England keeper, he went down and was booked for simulation.

Latics had succeed in quietening the home crowd and it was only towards half time that Rangers started to threaten.

Nico Kranjcar began to turn the Wigan defence and create opportunities for his team mates.

An Austin effort was cleared off the Wigan line by a combination  of Scott Carson and McClean and Emmerson Boyce brilliantly headed away two goal bound efforts in quick succession just before the interval.

Rangers continued to press for an equaliser after the interval and Harry Redknapp introduced Bobby Zamora for the ineffective Kevin Doyle on 64 minutes.

The turning point of the game came soon afterwards as McClean had another one-on-one with Green. The winger this time fired a low shot into the keeper’s body and although the ball bounced back into his path he knocked the ball against the outside of the post and out for a goal kick.

On 69 minutes Rangers drew level when Caldwell made a rash challenge on the edge of the box on Zamora. Charlie Austin stepped up and sent Carson the wrong way from the spot kick.

When committing the foul Caldwell had injured himself and was immediately replaced by Leon Barnett.

Substitute Martyn Waghorn had a low shot well saved at the near post by Green as Latics looked to regain their lead.

The former Leicester City striker then had a shot blocked in a crowded penalty area following Shaun Maloney’s corner.

On 81 minutes Zamora had a glorious opportunity to give Rangers the advantage but he looped his effort onto the roof of the net.

Wigan might have won it on 90 minutes when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Rangers box. Memories of Maloney’s superb equaliser at Loftus Road last season came flooding back, but this time the Scot decided to keep his effort low and the ball was deflected away from goal.

But the home team were ahead just six minutes into extra-time when Austin evaded Barnett to divert the ball past Carson following Zamora’s chipped pass.

Latics pushed and probed for an equaliser but despite forcing a series of corners in the dying minutes they could not make the vital contact.

Rob Kiernan’s speculative late deflected strike almost gave Latics a lifeline but it was just not to be on the night.

Rangers now head to Wembley to face Derby County in the play-off final. Brave Wigan will look back on a season in which they played more games than any other English team and fell just short of creating some special football history.

Injuries to key players and a poor start to the campaign meant Latics were always playing catch up. If Uwe Rösler had been in post prior to the start of the season Wigan might now be celebrating.

A repeat FA Cup success and promotion via the play-offs would have been a unique achievement and Latics fans should be proud that we got so near.

Posted in Championship, Harry Redknapp, Play-offs, QPR, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Play-off semi-final stalemate – Wigan Athletic 0 Queens Park Rangers 0

Posted on May 10, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Jordi Gomez

Jordi Gomez went closest for Wigan

Wigan were frustrated by Queens Park Rangers in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final at the DW Stadium.

Latics had the better of the possession and created the best opportunities but they failed to beat former England keeper Robert Green in the Rangers goal.

Jordi Gomez might have given Wigan the lead in the first half but Green saved well from close range and in the second half Marc-Antoine Fortune wasted two good goalscoring opportunities.

Latics keeper Scott Carson produced an excellent one-handed stop from Armand Traore in one of Rangers rare dangerous moments.

Rangers skipper Clint Hill was lucky not to concede a penalty in the opening stages after appearing to elbow Latics defender Rob Kiernan.

Uwe Rösler made eight changes from the side that lost 4-3 at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday with only Scott Carson, Gary Caldwell and Rob Kiernan keeping their places.

In a tense and nervous atmosphere it was clear that Rangers had come determined to defend with a five man back line and often four midfielders parked in front of them.

Wigan struggled to break down the mass of defenders and only rarely threatened to break the deadlock when Gary Caldwell headed straight at Green following a corner and Gomez saw his low drive saved by Green.

Scott Carson didn’t have a real save to make in the first half as Rangers were more intent on time-wasting and petulant fouls than going in search of a victory.

Their first and only real chance came early in the second half when Carson did well to keep out Traore’s snapshot.

But Wigan should have been ahead on the hour mark when Fortune ballooned over a cross from Kiernan and then had another effort blocked by QPR defender Nedum Onuoha.

Rösler introduced strikers Martyn Waghorn and Nicky Maynard for Fortune and McManaman with 15 minutes remaining but neither player was able to break the deadlock.

QPR will now feel that they have a psychological advantage going into the 2nd leg but many of Wigan’s better performances this season have been away from home.

Wigan outplayed QPR in their last fixture at Loftus Road but failed to take the numerous chances they created and subsequently lost the game 1-0.

If they are to avoid a similar result on Monday night they will have to defend resolutely and be more ruthless in front of goal.

Going forward Martyn Waghorn should start in place of Marc-Antoine Fortune and their might be a place for Nick Powell on the bench.

So it’s still all to play for on Monday night. Wigan have upset the odds on many occasions in recent seasons and they are capable of doing it again.

Posted in Championship, Jordi Gomez, Marc-Antoine Fortune, QPR, Robert Green, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lessons learned from Rovers defeat? Blackburn Rovers 4 Wigan Athletic 3

Posted on May 4, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Ewood park

Ewood Park

Wigan were involved in a high scoring 4-3 defeat to Blackburn on Saturday but the defeat may have provided some vital lessons for Latics imminent play-off games against Queens Park Rangers.

Tom Cairney gave Rovers an early lead before Ivan Ramis levelled for Wigan.
Rudy Gestede put the home team ahead with a header and then extended the lead before half-time.

James McClean reduced the deficit for Wigan, before Jordan Rhodes and Nicky Maynard added late goals.

Latics had already sealed a place in the Championship play-offs but Blackburn knew reaching the play-offs was going to be a difficult task, needing Reading and Brighton to lose, while beating Wigan and then turning around a seven-goal swing on Reading.

Uwe Rosler decided to field a predominantly second string line-up to give fringe players an opportunity to force themselves into the play-off starting line up.

Rovers took an early lead when a poor pass by Rob Kiernan put Jack Collison under pressure and Cairney was able to progress relatively unchallenged before slotting past Scott Carson.

Latics were soon level as Martyn Waghorn’s corner was flicked on by McClean before Maynard headed against the bar and Ramis headed home the rebound at the back post.

Almost immediately from the restart Rovers regained the lead through Gestede. Latics defence switched off and Craig Conway’s pull-back was met by the Benin international who finished low down to Carson’s right.

Wigan’s defensive line-up of Kiernan, Caldwell and Ramis looked ill at ease, particularly in the air, against a powerful Rovers front line including prolific striker Jordan Rhodes.

It was not surprising that Gestede increased Rovers advantage on 35 minutes when he was allowed far too much room in the centre of the box to head past Carson following Cairney’s cross.

In truth Latics were probably a little lucky only to go in 3-1 down at the interval. As Rovers had a succession of chances to increase their lead.

Wigan reduced the arrears on 59 minutes with McClean’s close-range strike and the chances continued at both ends.

Gestede was denied a second hat-trick in three games by the crossbar before Rhodes scored his 25th goal of the season with a header.

Maynard produced a quality finish from the edge of the penalty area to reduce the arrears but it was too late for Latics.

Few of Latics starting line up emerged from the game with much credit and it may be that only Roger Espinoza, Martyn Waghorn and Scott Carson start against QPR on Friday night in the play-offs.

Blackburn finish the season unbeaten in their last 12 matches, but it is Wigan who go into the play-offs knowing their destiny is in their own hands and that they are on the verge of a quick return to the Premier League.

Posted in Blackburn Rovers, Championship, Ivan Ramis, James McClean, Jordan Rhodes, Nicky Maynard, Rudy Gestede, Tom Cairney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wigan inspired shirt competition winner announced

Posted on May 2, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Campo Retro shirt

Campo Retro shirt

Let’s Hang On and Campo Retro are pleased to announce the winner of the competition to win a Campo Retro shirt.

The winner of The Bernabeu, with a subtle hint of Wigan, shirt is James Clare. Congratulations to James.

The competition is now closed but don’t forget Campo Retro also has a wide range of retro shirts available. With classic shirts and track jackets ranging back from 1950s to 2000s, not only that, but Campo Retro will also print any number that you want on the back of the shirt to make it extra special.

Posted in Campo Retro, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Wigan secure play-off spot and push Birmingham near the drop – Birmingham City 0 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on April 30, 2014 by ianhaspinall
View from the away end at St Andrew's

View from the away end at St Andrew’s

Callum McManaman’s coolly taken third minute goal was enough to confirm Wigan’s place in the Championship play-offs and condemn Birmingham to likely relegation at St Andrew’s last night.

Latics cemented their place in the top six in their 59th game of the season. Few people could have expected them to make the play-offs when Uwe Rösler took over as manager from Owen Coyle in early December.

They were struggling in 14th position and the prospect of a relegation scrap was a distinct possibility.

But Rösler has galvanised the squad, while making some astute loan signings and his determination to succeed has propelled the team into the end of the season mini knock-out.

Last night’s victory was certainly hard-fought against a team who are desperately trying to avoid the drop.

Birmingham have had a catastrophic slide down the league tables.

Only three years after winning the league cup, they are now looking at the reality of relegation to the third tier of English football following an 18th successive home game without a win stretching back to October.

Lee Clark’s side remain third from bottom, and will drop into League One if they lose at Bolton on Saturday.

Even a victory will not be enough to secure survival if other results go against them.

Latics made a great start at St Andrew’s and scored after only three minutes. Jordi Gomez strode through the home defence and played the ball to McManaman, who showed great composure by curling his low right-footed shot past keeper Darren Randolph and into the corner of the net.

They might have increased their lead when a scramble in the home penalty area involving James Perch and Martyn Waghorn ended with the ball in the net, but the referee ruled out the goal for what looked like a a very minor infringement on the Birmingham keeper. 

Lee Clark’s side might have drawn level after 29 minutes, but Scott Carson produced a superb save to deny Manchester City loanee Emyr Huws.

But Wigan had always looked the better team in the first half with McManaman and Shaun Maloney causing problems for the Birmingham rearguard. 

Clark sent on 6ft 8in striker Nikola Zigic at half-time to try to unsettle the Latics defence.

His best opportunity came in the 69th minute but his weak header from six yards was comfortably dealt with by Carson.

Waghorn fired into the side netting for Latics but as the half progressed they visibly tired and the home team pushed desperately for an equaliser.

Birmingham’s aerial bombardment was unsettling the Wigan defence and in a frantic finale, Carson was called upon to dive at the feet of Federico Macheda, before saving a goal bound shot from Hayden Mullins.

There was much relief amongst the Wigan players and the 1,000 travelling fans at the final whistle. The margins between success and failure at this level are often very slight.

What seemed like an unrealistic play-off spot in December has now become a reality and the chance of a quick return to the top flight is now within sight.

Posted in Birmingham City, Callum McManaman, Championship, Play-offs, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Tangerines spring a surprise but more drama to come – Wigan Athletic 0 Blackpool 2

Posted on April 26, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Andy Keogh Blackpool

Andy Keogh on target for the Tangerines

Latics promotion push suffered a surprise setback when they went down 2-0 to relegation strugglers Blackpool at the DW Stadium.

Martyn Waghorn’s first half penalty was well saved by the Tangerines keeper Matt Gilks after Tony McMahon had brought down Shaun Maloney.

Wigan failed to capitalise on their first half dominance and were shocked to go behind from Andy Keogh’s header on 60 minutes from Isaiah Osbourne’s cross.

The result was sealed on 70 minutes when Keogh played in Stephen Dobbie whose low shot beat Ali Al Habsi.

The Tangerines who were cheered on by 4,000 fans, most of whom had been paid for by Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston at a cost of £60,000, subsequently moved out of the bottom three.

Latics now go to strugglers Birmingham City knowing that three points will be crucial if they want to avoid having to beat Blackburn Rovers on the final day of the season at Ewood Park.

Following the recent defeat to Burnley Uwe Rösler reverted to the forward line that had so convincingly beaten Reading 3-0.

Latics looked lively in the opening stages with Shaun Maloney, Martyn Waghorn and Callum McManaman creating problems for the Tangerines back line.

James Perch had his header saved by Gilks before Jordi Gomez drove wide of the target from a good position.

On 20 minutes Wigan were awarded a penalty when Maloney was fouled by McMahon. The normal penalty taker Gomez was surprisingly replaced by Waghorn but the former Leicester City striker’s penalty was superbly saved by Gilks.

Waghorn had a great chance to make up for his penalty miss on 30 minutes but he failed to connect with Espinoza’s cross with the goal at his mercy from six yards out.

Blackpool had failed to test Ali Al-Habsi in the first-half and it was looking like it was only a matter of time before Latics would make their dominance count.

Nick Powell replaced Waghorn at half time and the Manchester United loanee had a glorious chance to give Wigan the lead from close range following a free kick by Gomez but he missed the target.

But Latics were rocked on the hour mark when Keogh headed home from Osbourne’s cross.

Wigan’s day got even worse ten minutes later when the Tangerines doubled their lead. Keogh cut the ball back and Dobbie steered his shot past Al Habsi.

Latics tried to respond and both Perch and Gomez had shots blocked before Powell blazed the rebound high over the cross-bar.

Blackpool had not won away from home since the 2nd November but this unexpected victory will certainly give them hope that they can survive with one match remaining.

Wigan will be desperately disappointed not to have secured their play-off place on the day, but they will also be conscious that another win in their last two games will give them a play-off spot and that promotion is still very much within their reach.

Posted in Andy Keogh, Blackpool, Championship, Stephen Dobie, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Wigan fail to spoil Burnley’s big day – Burnley 2 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on April 22, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Turf Moor panorama

Turf Moor panorama by Adam Haworth

Latics were unable to prevent Burnley enjoying their promotion party as they went down 2-0 at Turf Moor on Easter Monday.

The Clarets confirmed their return to the Premier League after a four-year absence with goals by Ashley Barnes and Michael Kightly.

Uwe Rösler decided to rest several key players following Good Friday’s impressive demolition of Reading with Stephen Crainey, Jack Collison, James McClean and Marc-Antoine Fortune coming in for Roger Espinoza, Shaun Maloney, Callum McManaman and Martyn Waghorn.

The decision to shuffle the midfield and change the entire forward line from Friday’s game meant Burnley were given an advantage from the kick off.

This is not take anything away from the Clarets who rightly deserve their place in the Premier League after showing great consistency and determination over the course of the season.

Wigan adopted an uncharactersitic long ball game with forwards McClean and Fortune the target men. The Clarets coped easily with an increasingly frustrated Latics frontline and even the normally reliable Jordi Gomez was guilty of resorting to the speculative long ball. 

Burnley were quicker out of the blocks and it was apparent that they were determined to ensure automatic promotion on the day.

Burnley went ahead on 21 minutes when Dean Marney’s deep cross from the right-hand side found Ashley Barnes who volleyed past the helpless Ali Al Habsi from close range.

Latics went close to equalising when a Gomez free-kick was flicked on by Fortune and  onto the bar and Emmerson Boyce was unable to capitalise on the rebound.

Just before the interval the Clarets went two ahead. James Perch appeared to have fouled Scott Arfield in the left hand corner of the pitch near the touchline but referee Keith Stroud gave the free kick at the corner of the penalty area.

Michael Kightly drove his free kick towards goal and after taking a slight deflection off Crainey the ball flew past Al Habsi.

Callum McManaman and Rob Kiernan replaced Gomez and Crainey at half-time and it was not long before McManaman nearly got on the score sheet when he evaded several Clarets’ defenders before shooting just wide of Tom Heaton’s right-hand post.

Boyce had a couple of opportunities to reduce the deficit from set pieces but on both occasions he headed just wide of the Burnley goal.

Sean Dyche’s team were not to be denied the three points and their promotion spot and they might have increased their lead but for Al Habsi saving well from Barnes volley.

Rösler’s decision not to field his strongest team is certainly a debatable one but with more crucial fixtures in the offing it may prove to be a correct one.

A win at home to Blackpool on Saturday could be enough to secure a play-off place and soon the drama of the knockout phase will begin.

If Wigan do achieve promotion through the play-offs, this poor team selection and performance will soon be forgotten.

Posted in Burnley, Championship, Michael Kightly, Sean Dyche, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments