Let's Hang On

Wigan’s FA Cup semi final date and time confirmed

Posted on March 15, 2013 by ianhaspinall

FA Cup semi final date confirmed

Wigan Athletic’s historic FA Cup semi final date with Millwall has now been confirmed by the Football Association as Saturday 13 April with a 5.15pm kick off.

Most Latics fans will prefer the Saturday game as it will give them plenty of time to travel down on the day. The only problem may arise if the match goes to extra time which would mean a late finish and some possible transport difficulties.

The club have been allocated 31,863 seats in the East End of Wembley Stadium, with adult tickets available from £30.00, £40.00, £50.00 and £60.00, with a £10.00 reduction in each area for concessions.

When tickets go on sale, Wigan Athletic Season Ticket Holders will each be eligible to purchase three tickets per season ticket.

Full details including on sale dates will be confirmed next week on the Wigan Athletic website.

Posted in FA Cup, Millwall, Wigan Athletic | Tagged FA Cup, Millwall, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Wigan are in dreamland – Everton 0 Wigan Athletic 3 – FA Cup Quarter Final

Posted on March 10, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Wembley beckons for the Latics

Wigan are in dreamland after they produced a stunning 3-0 victory over Everton to reach their first ever FA Cup semi final. An incredible three goals in the space of three first half minutes swung the game inexorably in Wigan’s favour. Maynor Figueroa headed home from a Jordi Gomez corner before Callum McManaman and Gomez completed the rout to send Wigan’s 2,500 travelling fans into delirium.

Wigan may not have the superstars of some other clubs but their players showed great character and determination to reach Wembley when they outplayed higher placed opposition on their own patch.

Right from the kick off it was Wigan who took the game to Everton. As early as the 10th minute Shaun Maloney curled a sweet effort onto the right hand post with Everton keeper Jan Mucha frozen to the spot and soon afterwards Arouna Kone headed over from six yards out after good work by Maloney.

Everton had a couple of half chances through Sylvain Distin and Nikica Jelavic but the tide was in Wigan’s favour and they deservedly took the lead on 30 minutes when Figueroa headed home at the back post after a deep corner by Gomez.

Within a minute Wigan went two ahead when a poor pass by Phil Neville let in Callum McManaman and the former Everton schoolboy player finished with great aplomb.

Latics were in complete control and they put the tie beyond Everton a minute later when Gomez sublimely side footed the ball past Mucha after being well set up by Kone.

For a moment there was a feeling of disbelief amongst the Wigan fans, could they really be winning 3-0 at Everton after 33 minutes and heading to Wembley? But reality soon dawned that they would indeed be heading to a historic first ever FA Cup semi final.

At half time the shell-shocked Everton manager David Moyes sent on an extra striker Victor Anichebe in a desperate attempt to get back into the game but it was a forlorn effort as Wigan maintained their grip on proceedings. Shaun Maloney was a constant threat twisting and turning Everton’s defenders inside out. In stark contrast Wigan’s defenders and on loan reserve keeper Joel Robles were imperious.

Just before full-time Everton did have a Kevin Mirallas goal disallowed for offside and substitute Ross Barkley fired wide from a good position, but by then Wigan’s progress to the semi final had already been confirmed.

Some commentators may point to Everton having an off day but a much more accurate analysis would be to give Wigan full credit for what was a superb team performance.

Latics had been the better side throughout the 94 minutes and thoroughly deserved to progress to what will be a very special occasion.

It is a fantastic achievement for a small town club with relatively limited resources to get to an FA Cup semi final. Roberto Martinez, his players and coaching staff deserve all the plaudits after such a brilliant display.

Wigan now face an intriguing game against Dave Whelan’s former club Blackburn Rovers or Millwall. The semi final against either of these Championship sides must give Latics a great chance of reaching the FA Cup final.

Posted in Callum McManaman, Everton, FA Cup, Jordi Gomez, Maynor Figueroa, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Callum McManaman, Everton, FA Cup, Jordi Gomez, Maynor Figueroa, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

Wigan’s defensive frailties exposed by rampant Reds – Wigan Athletic 0 Liverpool 4

Posted on March 3, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Luis Suarez – unlikable but effective

A rare headed goal by Stewart Downing and a Luis Suarez hat-trick gave Liverpool a comfortable 4-0 victory and kept Wigan on the edge of the drop zone. It was a combination of clinical finishing combined with Latics poor defending that gave the Merseysiders the valuable three points.

In only the 2nd minute good work by Brazilian Phillipe Coutinho created the opportunity for Downing and the former Middlesbrough player headed only his second ever goal for Liverpool.

It was a shocking set back for Wigan but things got worse in the 18th minute when Coutinho combined with Suarez and the prolific Uruguayan slotted the ball past Ali Al Habsi.

Going forward Wigan had looked dangerous but defensively they were in disarray. The discontent was exemplified by Emmerson Boyce and James McArthur squaring up to each other after Suarez had been played in on goal following a sloppy back pass by Gary Caldwell.

The game was effectively over as a contest on 34 minutes when Suarez free-kick was deflected off Shaun Maloney’s head onto the post and beyond Al Habsi in the Wigan goal.

Wigan’s luck was clearly out and the shell-shocked players went into the break knowing that it would require a minor miracle for them to get anything from the game.

Early in the second half Liverpool compounded their dominance by adding a fourth. Glen Johnson was allowed space down the right hand side and the England full back played in Suarez, who scored through the legs of Al Habsi.

Wigan did not give up however, and it is to their credit that they continued to play progressive football and created some chances.

Pepe Reina was in fine form throughout and the keeper produced good saves to keep out a Maloney header and to deny Arouna Kone. Add these to the superb saves from Boyce and Franco Di Santo in the first half and the score could have been much closer.

Overall Wigan had 26 shots compared to Liverpool’s 15 but the main difference was the quality of Luis Suarez’s finishing. The controversial South American striker has now scored five goals in the two games between the two sides and Wigan will be relieved that they do not have to face him again this season.

The result gives Roberto Martinez plenty of food for thought for the ongoing fight against relegation and the forthcoming FA cup quarter-final at Everton. Wigan’s normally reliable midfielders James McCarthy and James McArthur had an off day and the defence looked vulnerable throughout.

Wigan’s home form this season has been disappointing and defensive mistakes all too common. If they are to stay up they must start to win at home and eradicate the sloppy defending that has blighted their game.

Martinez may well tweak his defensive line up at Goodison with Golobart and Alcaraz in contention, and if the change is successful it could well become the template for the remaining league fixtures.

Posted in Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Stewart Downing, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Stewart Downing, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Time for Wigan Athletic fans to back the team to make FA Cup history

Posted on February 28, 2013 by ianhaspinall

The FA Cup

Wigan Athletic are one game away from a historic FA Cup semi final at Wembley when they face Everton on Saturday 9th March and all Wiganers are being encouraged to support their team at Goodison Park.

Latics have been allocated the Lower Bullens Stand and Paddock areas of the ground and tickets are available to Season Ticket Holders from £27 for Adults with discounts for Under 16 yrs and Over 65 yrs and Non Season Ticket Holders for £32 for Adults with discounts for Under 16 yrs and Over 65 yrs.

The game is being televised live, but the team needs a strong presence and vocal support if they are to get to Wembley. The more fans that make the trip to Goodison will give the players a boost for what will be, for some, the biggest game of their careers.

Everton occupy a top six slot in the Premier League and are a very difficult team to beat at home but it is a far from impossible task as Latics have beaten the top teams away from home before.

Wigan have one of the top young managers in the country with Roberto Martinez and the team are now starting to show the quality that we know they are capable of. But if they are to pull off a famous victory they will need the support of as many supporters as possible.

Everton will be pleased if Wigan don’t have loud and passionate fans, they will prefer the away following to be as quiet as possible. The fans need to show up in significant numbers and sing the team to a first ever FA Cup semi final.

Roberto Martinez said today:

The FA Cup is a historic opportunity and we know that the fans are going to give us an incredible backing when we go to Everton.

Let’s prove that his faith in us has been justified, get your tickets now for what could be a momentous day in the history of Wigan Athletic Football Club.

Book your tickets online or telephone 0871 66 33 552, or in person at the DW Stadium.

Posted in Everton, FA Cup, Roberto Martinez, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Everton, FA Cup, Roberto Martinez, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Fantastic Latics stun the Royals – Reading 0 Wigan Athletic 3

Posted on February 24, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Arouna Kone grabs a brace at Reading

An outstanding team performance gave Wigan a comfortable 3-0 victory against relegation rivals Reading at the Madejski Stadium. Two goals by Arouna Kone and another by Maynor Figueroa rounded off a fantastic day for the Latics fans.

Roberto Martinez welcomed Emmerson Boyce to the starting line-up in place of Ronnie Stam and Antolin Alcaraz made the bench for the first time since his injury way back in September. Reading manager Brian McDermott decided to play Sean Morrision instead of Alex Pearce in defence.

With Reading already two points ahead of Wigan in the table, both managers would have been well aware that a Royals win would give them a five point lead over the Latics.

Both teams started tentatively with Reading playing five across midfield and Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak ploughing a lone furrow up front. Wigan had a more flexible attacking formation with Kone and Franco Di Santo well supported by Shaun Maloney.

Any Royals fans hoping for home onslaught were to be disappointed as Latics showed their intentions early in the game. Franco Di Santo could have given them the lead as early as the 5th minute when he drove towards the Reading goal before unleashing a powerful low drive which Adam Federici did well to turn around the post for a corner.

Jimmy Kebe did pose an initial threat on the right hand side and he flashed a shot into the Wigan side netting and Paul Scharner provided a timely interception to deny Pogrebnyak before Wigan managed to take a firm grip on proceedings.

Just before half time Wigan took control by scoring two goals in the space of just two minutes. On 44 minutes Gary Caldwell met a Jean Beausejour corner and knocked the ball towards Figueroa and the Honduran’s header was chested into the Reading net by Kone. TV replays showed there was a suspicion of hand ball by Caldwell but a minute later Wigan were two ahead.

Di Santo fed Beausejour in his own half and the Chilean wing back played a sublime cross field pass to Kone and who took the ball forward into the box before chipping the ball over Federici and into the net.

Early in the second half Wigan carved open the Reading defence to cement the three points. Figueroa played a neat one two with Di Santo on the edge of the Reading box before the Honduran defender nutmegged the advancing Reading keeper.

Soon afterwards a petulant Pavel Pogrebnyak was rightly red carded when he stamped on Figueroa on the half way line. The referee took his time to give the card but it appeared that he was checking with the fourth official before determining the severity of the Russian’s punishment.

The game was effectively over as a contest and Wigan proceeded to dominate possession and pass the home team into submission. Reading could not manage to summon a shot on target throughout the 90 minutes much to the chagrin of the home supporters.

Franco Di Santo nearly added a fourth goal but he couldn’t quite reach a fine whipped cross by Emmerson Boyce. Figueroa and substitute Jordi Gomez also brought full stretch saves from Federici as Wigan went in search of more goals.

It was perhaps surprising that Wigan were unable to add to their tally given their supremacy. However, prior to the game most fans would not have expected such a thoroughly dominant display.

This result and the failure of their rivals takes Wigan out of the bottom three and above QPR, Reading and Aston Villa. The result was critical but the quality of this performance can only give the players increased confidence that they can put together another winning run to secure their top flight status.

Posted in Arouna Kone, Maynor Figueroa, Reading, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Arouna Kone, Maynor Figueroa, Reading, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

McManaman magic eases Wigan into the FA Cup quarter finals – Huddersfield Town 1 Wigan Athletic 4

Posted on February 18, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Full time score at the John Smith’s Stadium

An outstanding first half display by Callum McManaman eased Wigan into the quarter finals of the FA Cup for only the second time in their history with an emphatic 4-1 victory at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday. The 21-year-old former Everton trainee scored the first goal and was instrumental in Arouna Kone’s second as the Latics took a firm grip of proceedings in the opening 45 minutes. Two further goals by James McArthur and Kone sealed a thoroughly professional performance by the away team.

Roberto Martinez continued with his strategy to rest his key players in the cup competitions and made seven changes from the recent Premier League fixture against Chelsea. Huddersfield had new manager Mark Robins making his debut in the dugout and looking to make an instant impact by creating a cup upset.

The Huddersfield Giants versus Wigan Warriors Rugby League game had taken place at the Stadium only 24 hours earlier and it must have concerned the Wigan manager that the uneven surface might have a detrimental effect on Latics normal passing game.

However, the concerns were unfounded as Wigan were able to move the ball around with some ease despite the bobbly surface. With Paul Scharner, Roman Golobart and Maynor Figueroa standing firm in defence and James McArthur, Fraser Fyvie and Roger Espinoza industrious in midfield Wigan had a platform to build the victory.

Wigan always looked sharp and as early as the fifth minute Jordi Gomez headed just over from a good position after excellent work by McManaman. The Liverpool born striker was a constant threat down the left hand side and it was no surprise when he gave Wigan the lead in the 30th minute.

James McArthur played an incisive pass inside the Huddersfield full back and McManaman turned his marker inside out before curling his shot past the Huddersfield keeper Alex Smithies.

Latics doubled their lead on 40 minutes when McManaman got to the by line before pulling the ball back to Gomez whose shot was blocked by Smithies but the ball fell to Arouna Kone who tapped the ball over the line from close range. Their was a suspicion of offside about the goal but it was no more than Wigan deserved after they had dominated the half.

The game was effectively over on 55 minutes when Wigan scored their third following an exquisite passing movement between McManaman, Gomez and McArthur. The Scottish international struck an unstoppable effort from 18 yards past the helpless Huddersfield keeper.

Wigan were comfortably in control, but on 61 minutes the Terriers pulled a goal back. Callum Woods produced a deep penetrative cross and substitute Lee Novak rose high above Figueroa to head powerfully past Joel Robles in the Wigan goal.

The home team did have a spell of possession but rarely threatened another goal. Wigan were excellent in possession and their constant movement caused numerous problems for the Huddersfield back line.

However, it was some sloppy Huddersfield defending which gifted Wigan a fourth goal and sealed their progress into the quarter finals to face either Everton or Oldham Athletic. Smithies played the ball out to Anthony Gerrard on the edge of his own box but the defender seemed to switch off momentarily and allowed Kone to dispossess him before the Ivorian fired an unstoppable shot high into the Huddersfield net.

This cup victory and the manner in which it was achieved will have given the team a huge confidence boost and it could be just the catalyst they need to reinvigorate their fight against relegation. The excellent progress of fringe players such as McManaman, Golobart and Fyvie in the cup can only be beneficial and create greater competition for starting places in the upcoming Premier League fixtures.

Posted in Arouna Kone, Callum McManaman, Huddersfield Town, James McArthur, Lee Novak, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Arouna Kone, Callum McManaman, Huddersfield Town, James McArthur, Lee Novak, Wigan Athletic | 5 Comments

Not always the beautiful game – football and fashion

Posted on February 15, 2013 by ianhaspinall

80’s style Chris Waddle

A new exhibition at the National Football Museum in Manchester surveys the cultural changes taking place in football fashion since the 1960’s. ‘Strike A Pose: 50 Years of Football and Fashion’ runs until 27th August, visit www.nationalfootballmuseum.com for full details of opening times.

The 1960’s started the revolution in style, youth culture and football as Kevin Moore, National Football Museum Director identifies,

“Ever since the footballers wage cap was lifted in 1961, fashion has gripped the football world. From the lavish style of the super-rich footballer to the average fan braving the cold winter afternoon on the terraces, fashion has had its say.”

George Best and Mike Summerbee

The acknowledged style icon of football and fashion George Best is celebrated, while at the other end of the spectrum are Liverpool FC’s infamous white suits and Chris Waddle’s mullet and check sports jacket combo.

Liverpool's lovely white suits for the 1996 FA Cup Final

Liverpool FC’s white suits for the 1996 FA Cup Final

The first Manchester United superstar and fifth Beatle George Best has his own dedicated section showcasing his stylish sixties clobber sold at his Manchester store, but it is the footballers many fashion faux pas which attract the eye.

The serious sartorial own goals include David Seaman’s multi coloured England goalkeepers jersey and the many outfits of the eccentric Mario Balotelli.

A special collage of footballers hairstyles centres on the Ralph Coates comb over and dishonourable mentions must go to Jason Lee’s Pineapple dreadlocks and Kevin Keegan’s Curly perm.

In contrast the black and white photography of Terry O’Neill captures some of the beautiful game’s legends. Highlights include a portrait of a young, thoughtful Paul Gascoigne and a dapper Peter Osgood.

Terrace style and culture movements are clearly identified with displays of mods, skinheads and casuals.

Terrace fashion for some

The close relationship between football and fashion is well evidenced in the different cultural tribes that have frequented the matches up to the modern-day.

Strike A Pose’s other items include a Victoria Beckham inspired dress, and outfits loaned from Sol Campbell, Gianluca Vialli and Joleon Lescott.

This is a thoroughly recommended exhibition if you want to see the Good, the Bad and the Ugly in football fashion.

Posted in Chris Waddle, Football and Fashion, George Best, Liverpool white suits, Mario Balotelli, National Football Museum, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Chris Waddle, Football and Fashion, George Best, Liverpool White Suits, Mario Balotelli, National Football Museum | 1 Comment

Benitez relieved as the pressure increases on Wigan – Chelsea 4 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on February 10, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Prior to the game all the talk was whether Rafa Benitez would continue his tenure as Chelsea’s interim manager if they failed to beat Wigan. However, by the 95th minute the Spaniard was relieved that his top players had performed well enough to overcome a stubborn Wigan side who themselves were desperate for the points. The Latics remain in the bottom three and have only won once in the previous 13 league games. The pressure is mounting and the customary late season revival hasn’t materialised.

Wigan had Captain Gary Caldwell in defence despite having missed the mid-week Scotland international through injury and Arouna Kone returning from African Nations Cup duty only had a place on the bench. Chelsea had Petr Cech back in goal and Juan Mata and Demba Ba on their bench.

Wigan started brightly with Franco Di Santo forcing Cech to save with his feet and then Shaun Maloney curling an effort which the Chelsea keeper saved at almost full stretch.

The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge was perhaps understandably subdued and the customary chants for Roberto Di Matteo didn’t lighten the mood until a superb counter attacking goal lifted the home fans stupor.

David Luiz broke quickly and fed a pass through to Fernando Torres. The striker produced a sublime angled ball inside Maynor Figueroa and into the path of Ramires and the Brazilian finished with aplomb.

The home team were now in the ascendancy and Ali Al Habsi had to be at his best to keep out a powerful header by Torres and Frank Lampard fired just wide of the Omani keeper’s right hand post.

Wigan’s midfield were once again having an off day with Roger Espinoza struggling to get into the game and both James McCarthy and James McArthur looking subdued. Only Shaun Maloney looked likely to make an impact and it was the hard-working Scot who nearly created the equaliser just before half time. His floated cross to the far post was heading towards James McCarthy but an astute interception by Cesar Azpilicueta cleared the danger.

The second half began with Wigan having slightly the better of the play with Paul Scharner having a header saved by Cech and then Di Santo breaking into the Chelsea box pulling the ball back from the by line but unable to find a Wigan attacker to finish off the move.

On 56 minutes the home team doubled their lead after some slack defending by Jean Beausejour, the Chilean wing back allowed Azpilicueta far too much space inside the box and the Spanish full back cut inside before feeding Eden Hazard who side footed past Al Habsi.

Despite the set back Latics responded positively and two minutes later it was that man again, Shaun Maloney who got the goal. Paul Scharner made a great tackle in his own half to dispossess Hazard and the Austrian fed McArthur who played a good through ball to Maloney and with Cech well out of his goal the Scot scored from an acute angle.

With the score at 2-1 neither team looked comfortably in control and Wigan were denied a possible penalty when from close range Ronnie Stam’s shot hit Ashley Cole on the arm. Referee Mike Dean waved away Wigan’s appeals but it was certainly a debatable decision and one which could have been gone either way.

Chelsea introduced Juan Mata for the Brazilian Oscar and the Spanish midfielder had a part to play in Chelsea’s third goal. After Wigan pressure the home team broke quickly and Hazard got to the Wigan by line before pulling the ball back for Mata to step over and allow Frank Lampard to score his 198th goal for the club, four off Bobby Tambling’s all time record.

On 90 minutes things got worse for Wigan when a speculative effort by Azpilicueta was only parried and the ball fell invitingly to Marko Marin who slotted home his first ever goal for the home team.

The scoreline was harsh on Wigan but it could have been harsher on 94 minutes if Al Habsi hadn’t produced a brilliant double save to deny first Ramirez and then Torres.

Wigan’s next league fixture is at fellow strugglers Reading and it is now looking critical that they get a positive result from the game. A defeat is almost unthinkable if they are to have any realistic hopes of surviving in the top flight.

Looking forward to the fixture both Emmerson Boyce and long absentee Antolin Alcaraz should be available for selection and as Wigan fans know when the chips are down, the team usually produce something very special.

Posted in Chelsea, Eden Hazard, Frank Lampard, Marko Marin, Ramires, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Chelsea, Eden Hazard, Frank Lampard, Marko Marin, Ramires, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Maloney salvages a point for the Latics against the impressive Saints

Posted on February 2, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Shaun Maloney grabs a late equaliser

A 90th minute goal by Shaun Maloney rescued a point for Wigan after they had been outplayed in the second half by a rampant Southampton. The home side had taken the lead from a powerful Gary Caldwell header but the Saints had dominated the second period and gone ahead through goals by Rickie Lambert and Morgan Schneiderlin.

The Saints had been well worth their lead and could have been at least a couple more goals ahead before Maloney’s late equaliser.

Wigan had new loan signing and fans favourite Paul Scharner making his second Latics debut as he slotted into a back three with Gary Caldwell and Maynor Figueroa.

The Saints made one change from their recent narrow defeat to Manchester United with Luke Shaw coming in for Danny Fox at left back. Following the game at Old Trafford, United’s manager Alex Ferguson claimed the Saints had been the best side he’d seen at the ground this season.

Southampton set up very positively, playing a high line and playing three forwards mirroring Wigan’s back three. The away team were determined to keep Wigan penned back and prevent them from imposing their usual passing game.

The Latics created the game’s first chance with Saints keeper Artur Boruc pulling off a spectacular full-stretch save to deny Franco Di Santo, who toe poked Jean Beausejour’s angled cross towards goal.

The Saints should have scored soon afterwards when the unchallenged Gaston Ramirez volleyed high over the bar from ten yards out.

Rather uncharacteristically Wigan took the lead from a set piece when Gary Caldwell met a Beausejour corner and headed powerfully into the Saints net.

Despite taking the lead Wigan looked unsettled with their opponents working hard to close down and pressurising them all over the park.

Schneiderlin nearly equalised when his block from James McCarthy’s clearance on the edge of the Wigan box rebounded towards goal but Ali Al Habsi produced a superb save to tip the ball over the bar.

The home team went into the break a little lucky to be ahead given the high level of performance from the away team. Wigan’s midfielders James McCarthy, James McArthur and Roger Espinoza were all having an off day but their opponents should be given credit for their tenacity and determination to win the ball.

The second half continued with the Saints on top, but with good defending by Wigan’s back three of Scharner, Caldwell and Figueroa held firm until the 64th minute.

The equaliser came however when Jack Cork crossed to Jay Rodriguez who out-jumped the defence to head on to Lambert, who beat Ali Al-Habsi to the ball at the back post.

Southampton continued to dominate and went close to going ahead when Adam Lallana’s volley crashed back off the post and Lambert volleyed wide from a Luke Shaw cross.

Wigan hung on desperately until the 85th minute, but some superb counterattacking by the Saints gave them the lead when Rodriguez broke down the left, beat a lunging challenge from substitute Callum McManaman and crossed for Schneiderlin to finish comfortably.

Despite the set back Wigan refused to give up and it was the returning hero Paul Scharner who had a big part in the equaliser. The colourful Austrian got his head to a corner and Shaun Maloney forced the ball over the line from close range.

It was probably more than Wigan deserved but in the long run it could be a crucial point in their fight for survival.

Many people will be critical of Wigan’s performance as the home team, but the Saints should be given due credit for their outstanding display.

Southampton had produced one of the best performances I have seen at the DW Stadium this season. New manager Mauricio Pochettino has made an instant impact at the club and he has already got them playing some great football which will surely pull them away from the relegation zone.

Posted in Gary Caldwell, Morgan Schneiderlin, Rickie Lambert, Shaun Maloney, Southampton, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Paul Scharner – footballer, spaceman, sailor, skydiver – the saviour?

Posted on February 1, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Paul Scharner in the Fur Coat

Former Latics player Paul Scharner returned to the club on loan until the end of the season and what a positive impact he has made even before kicking a ball.

The popular Austrian international could play a critical role in Wigan’s efforts to retain their Premier League status.

The eccentric Austrian has already been a big hit on social media and was spotted shopping in Wigan ASDA in his fur coat and Wigan hat.

Scharner shopping

Speaking to the Official Wigan website, the colourful character spoke of his delight at making what Roberto Martinez described as a ‘romantic return’:

“It feels as though I’ve come home,” said Scharner, “because my first spell here lasted four-and-a-half years with many happy memories, so I’m delighted to get this opportunity to return.

“When I discovered that the manager wanted to bring me back, there was no question about it, it was an easy decision.

“I haven’t been playing much in Germany with Hamburg and for me there is no better place in England to come to than Wigan”.

To celebrate Paul’s return I have created a Pinterest board which shows some of the highlights from his Wigan career and his own personal adventures.

Paul says thanx to the fans

The 6ft 3in defender has a great relationship with the Wigan fans and if he can re-create some of his more memorable performances in a Wigan shirt he could be just the boost the club needs to get them out of relegation trouble.

Posted in Paul Scharner, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Paul Scharner, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment