Wigan’s winless run continues – Cardiff City 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on August 19, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Cardiff City Stadium

Cardiff City Stadium

Latics poor start to the season continued in the Welsh Capital as they were edged out 1-0 by an impressive Cardiff City.

A second half goal by former Latics loanee Nicky Maynard was enough to seal the points for the home team who have now moved up to second place in the Championship table.

Wigan’s winless run means that they have now slumped into the bottom four, with only local rivals Bolton keeping them out of the bottom three, but the overall performance was worthy of at least a point. The visitors had more shots and possession than the home team and they should have finished one of the many chances they created.

Uwe Rösler continues to rotate his squad in an attempt to get the elusive first win, and it looked as they would achieve it in a first half in which Marc-Antoine Fortune and Callum McManaman looked dangerous.

McManaman had a header tipped over by Cardiff keeper Marshall and generally tormented the defensive midfielder Mats Daehli. Fortune led the line effectively and posed a much greater threat than in previous performances.

Cardiff created opportunities of their own in an open first period with Aaron Gunnarsson having a shot saved by Scott Carson’s legs and Tom Adeyemi testing the Wigan keeper from range.

The hapless Daehli was replaced by Cardiff’s new £1m signing Anthony Pilkington at half time and McManaman continued to be a major threat in the opening stages of the second period.

Rob Kiernan had a powerful header well saved by David Marshall and just when it was looking like Wigan might take the lead Maynard struck. The former Bristol City striker swept the ball into net from close range following Kenwyne Jones’ header from a corner.

Rösler replaced Fortune and McManaman with Oriel Riera and Martyn Waghorn on 61 minutes in an attempt to get Latics back into the game.

Waghorn looked likely to draw Wigan level on 69 minutes when unmarked in the area but his effort went narrowly wide of the goal.

At the other end Kiernan produced an excellent last-ditch tackle to deny Maynard on the edge of the area.

James Tavernier replaced Andrew Taylor on 76 minutes and the former Rotherham man produced a series of crosses into the Cardiff area in an attempt to get the visitors back into the game.

Wigan’s inability to produce the final pass and finish was their downfall and the Bluebirds held out for a confidence boosting victory.

Despite the disappointing start to the season, now is not the time to panic. The performance and statistics support the view that Wigan were the better team, and with an improved display in front of goal, a rise up the Championship table is not far away.

Posted in Cardiff City, Championship, Nicky Maynard, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Wigan are out of luck at the Valley – Charlton Athletic 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on August 17, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Callum McManaman

Callum McManaman’s strike was not enough to save Latics

A late deflected goal by substitute Franck Moussa condemned Latics to an early season defeat by the Addicks.

The home team had taken the lead after only eight minutes with a long-range strike from Jordan Cousins.

Callum McManaman produced an excellent finish to draw Latics level before the interval.

It was Wigan’s first goal at the Valley in the fourth meeting between the clubs in London, but it was not enough as Moussa stunned Wigan in the 93rd minute. His shot from the edge of the area deflected off Rob Kiernan and looped agonizingly over keeper Scott Carson to give Charlton all three points.

The late winner led to an ugly row between Charlton boss Bob Peeters and Uwe Rösler in the technical area after the Belgian had celebrated the goal right in front of Rösler.

Latics had an early setback when in only the eighth minute Cousins collected Johann Gudmundsson’s pass and unleashed a terrific shot from outside the area and into the top corner of the Wigan net.

But it was not long before Latics were level as in the 22nd minute McManaman cut inside the full back and steered his low shot past Charlton keeper Stephen Henderson.

Loanee Emyr Huws fired over the crossbar from distance and Rhoys Wiggins had a shot well saved by Carson.

Neither side took control on the second half and the match was likely to end in stalemate until Moussa’s late deflected effort broke Wigan hearts.

It has been a disappointing start to the season for Latics with a home draw versus Reading, a Capital One Cup exit to League 2 Burton Albion and now defeat to Charlton. The club now face a difficult trip to Cardiff on Tuesday night but Rösler will be determined to get a positive response from his players.

Posted in Boob Peeters, Callum McManaman, Championship, Charlton Athletic, Franck Moussa, Jordan Cousins, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

McArthur late show rescues a point for Latics – Wigan Athletic 2 Reading 2

Posted on August 10, 2014 by ianhaspinall

 

James McArthur Wigan Athletic

James McArthur late header

James McArthur’s 93rd minute equaliser salvaged a point for Wigan in their opening game of the 2014/15 season against Reading.

Callum McManaman had given the Latics a 27th minute lead but the Royals took control in the second half with goals by Shaun Cummings and Sean Morrison.

Uwe Rosler’s men refused to give in and the tireless McArthur was on hand to score from close range to deny the Royals.

Wigan had started the game nervously and Scott Carson had to be on top form to deny Ryan Edwards and then Latics striker Oriel Riera headed against his own post.

But Wigan took the lead on 27 minutes when Martyn Waghorn played in McManaman who chipped the ball over the advancing Reading keeper Adam Federici.

McManaman continued to pose a threat to the Royals but despite his good work Wigan were unable to increase their lead before half time.

Reading were the better team in the second period and it was no surprise when they equalised in the 70th minute following a good move on the edge of the area resulted in Cummings low drive beating Carson.

Poor defending allowed the Royals to take the lead on 76 minutes. From a free kick on the right, four Reading attackers were marked by only three Wigan defenders. The unmarked Pearce was therefore allowed the space to head back across goal and the advancing Morrison headed comfortably past Carson.

Reading looked to be in control and good value for the three points but Rosler’s men have a never say die attitude. From a long ball and flick on by McManaman, James McArthur was able to head home the equaliser much to the relief of the home fans.

With thanks to Kierenne Baldwin.

Posted in Callum McManaman, Championship, James McArthur, Reading, Sean Morrison, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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