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Magnificent McClean gives Latics the edge in five-goal thriller – Oxford United 2 Wigan Athletic 3

ianhaspinall — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 08:00:00 GMT

James McClean

James McClean’s incisive run and clinical finish in the 86th minute enabled Wigan Athletic to take the three points against Oxford United in a topsy-turvy game at the Kassam Stadium.

Latics were deservedly ahead after only eight minutes when Will Keane headed home from close range after Jack Whatmough headed across goal.

Max Power doubled Latics’ lead with a fine strike from 20-yards but the hosts immediately pulled a goal back through Ryan Williams.

Oxford drew level in the 57th minute when Matty Taylor converted a cross from Anthony Forde at the back post.

Gavin Massey missed a great opportunity to restore Latics lead before McClean’s magnificent winner sealed the three points.

Latics remain in second place in the League One table two points behind leaders Rotherham but with a game in hand. Oxford are in sixth place.

Kick off at the Kassam Stadium

Leam Richardson made two changes to the starting line up from the draw against Ipswich Town with Joe Bennett and Massey replacing Tom Pearce and Gwion Edwards.

In a frenetic opening period there were plenty of chances at both ends.

Oxford had a couple of opportunities to open the scoring, first Mark Sykes saw an effort deflected wide by Curtis Tilt before Gavin Whyte fired wide.

Latics had a great opportunity when Lang headed a Power corner over from very close range but they went ahead when Power’s corner to the back post was headed back across goal by Whatmough and Keane headed home at close range.

The visitors then had a couple of chances to consolidate their advantage, first Lang’s strike was deflected behind for a corner and then he headed Power’s cross just over as Latics continued to threaten.

The hosts missed a glorious opportunity to draw level as Taylor fired against the crossbar from close range after Whyte had cut the ball back.

It was thrilling end to end stuff and Power doubled Latics’s lead with a fine strike from 20-yards which flew into the bottom corner of the net.

The hosts reduced the deficit almost immediately as Williams fired past Ben Amos from the left side of the box.

2-1 to Latics at half time but Oxford pressed for the equaliser at the beginning of the second half.

They were level in the 57th minute when Taylor finished at the back post following a cross from the right from Anthony Forde after Bennett had slipped in the build up.

Latics should’ve been back in front when Keane found Massey in the centre of the penalty area, but the winger produced an air shot and failed to trouble Simon Eastwood in the Oxford goal.

Lang then had another chance at the back post but Eastwood blocked his effort at close range.

Both teams pushed for the winner, but it was a moment of great quality from McClean which sent the three points back to Wigan.

With four minutes of the 90 remaining the Republic of Ireland winger drove forwards down the left and jinked inside the full back before drilling the ball into the far corner of the net.

It was a sublime piece of skill to decide a thrilling game and send the travelling fans into raptures.

Latics excellent run of form continues and they are now unbeaten in 12 matches in all competitions.

Richardson has instilled a never say die attitude in the squad which has meant they have accumulated a significant number of points in the final stages of games. This along with their sheer ability, team spirit and squad depth should stand them in good stead for the promotion run in.

Latics’ manager was full of praise for his players after the game.

Richardson said:

“Credit has to go to the players because they kept going.

“We knew before the game the challenges we would face within Oxford; they have a really good depth and quality of player, they have been together a while now and have the same manager and same group of players.

“I thought they probably shaded it in the middle parts of the pitch and were a little bit better, but both teams were outstanding out of possession and I thought within both boxes we looked a threat all afternoon.

“Credit goes to the players; I thought the fitness levels, the organisation that they carried today [were good], if you don’t play well, make sure your morale, your organisation gets you through them games and gets you a result.

“These lads will run for each other and that’s important in any team; if you have your teammate who wants to run for you then you’ll normally get the right side of the result and the lads are doing that at the minute.”

And Richardson highlighted the importance of Latics having quality players within their ranks.

“If you’re building as a football club, then it’s down to your players and the quality of player that you carry,” Richardson added. “If you have good players who make good decisions, i.e. James McClean this afternoon, then you normally get on the right end of the result.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Latics left frustrated by Ipswich draw – Wigan Athletic 1 Ipswich Town 1

ianhaspinall — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 08:00:00 GMT

Callum Lang scored his seventh goal in eight games

Wigan Athletic were the dominant outfit against Ipswich Town and went ahead on 22 minutes through Callum Lang’s close range finish.

The visitors were lucky not to have Conor Chaplin red carded for a stamp on Tom Pearce on the half hour mark.

Will Keane appeared to have doubled Latics’ advantage on 70 minutes but the goal was controversially ruled offside by the officials.

Ipswich then stunned the hosts when substitute James Norwood equalised following a free-kick in the 77th minute.

But the hosts could’ve won the game in the 84th minute but Keane headed wide from a great position following a Max Power free-kick.

Latics were left wondering how they did not collect all three points but they remain second in the table, two points behind Rotherham with a game in hand. Ipswich drop to 12th spot.

Leam Richardson made three changes to the starting eleven that defeated Shrewsbury Town in midweek with Tom Pearce, Gwion Edwards and Max Power returning to the starting line-up in place of Joe Bennett, Jordan Cousins and Gavin Massey. Former Latics players Christian Walton, Lee Evans and Samy Morsy all started for the visitors.

It would be interesting to see how Latics would fare against a team who had three ex-players in the line-up and had recently sacked their former boss Paul Cook.

Latics had an early opening when James McClean put an excellent cross into the box but Janoi Donacien was able to head away with Edwards in a good position.

On 20 minutes Pearce galloped forward down the left and raced into box before unleashing a rising drive which Walton did well to tip over at the near post.

Latics were ahead two minutes later when McClean’s corner was glanced on by Edwards, and although Walton got a hand to it, Lang was able to convert at the back post.

There was a flashpoint on the half hour mark as Chaplin tripped Pearce and in the resulting melee he appeared to stamp on Pearce. The Ipswich forward was very lucky to remain on the pitch.

Ben Amos made a good save from a downward header by Macauley Bonne from Lee Evans’ free-kick delivery.

Early in the second half Latics came close to doubling their lead after Power curled a free-kick just over the top of the crossbar before Keane fired wide of the target.

Keane then appeared to have doubled Latics’ advantage on 70 minutes but the goal was controversially ruled offside by the officials.

Ipswich then stunned the hosts when substitute James Norwood equalised following a free-kick in the 77th minute.

Latics failed to deal with the cross and the ball ricocheted off Tom Naylor and Norwood was allowed to convert from close range.

The hosts were unlucky not to go back in front when Power’s excellent free-kick from the left was headed narrowly wide by Keane with the goal at his mercy.

Richardson brought on Stephen Humphrys in added time, but Latics just couldn’t restore their advantage and they were left frustrated that they had allowed the three points to slip from their grasp.

Speaking to the media after the game Richardson was critical of the match officials,

“On big chances created, I thought it fell to us,” Richardson explained.

“The officials have got a load of decisions to make around the pitch and we’ve got to respect that. It’s a tough job – I certainly wouldn’t do it – but today they possibly missed big moments.

“Will Keane’s goal is onside and on the far side when the lad stomped on Tom (Pearce), he should leave the field.

“It’s an easy decision but if you take that away, I thought in the first half we controlled large parts and we were quite fluent although not so much in the second half. I still felt we were a threat on the counter-attack and you’ve got to respect every team and their players.

“If we’re not going to win today, we certainly don’t lose and I never thought we were in danger of losing the game.”

Latics are unbeaten in eleven games in all competitions and have now scored in a record breaking 27 successive league games.

They are still in the Papa John’s Trophy and in the FA Cup and are very well positioned in the League One table.

It’s a remarkable contrast to the dark days of last season’s administration and a relegation battle. The club is now being well managed by Phoenix 2021, the team is in fine form and the prospects for the rest of the season look very bright.

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Amigo and Social Media Reaction to a low-quality draw with Ipswich

JJ (Tony) — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 19:01:06 GMT

December 11, 2021: Wigan Athletic 1 Ipswich Town 1

It was a frustrating afternoon with another woeful refereeing performance in a game largely devoid of good football. With Latics a goal up Will Keane was adjudged offside when he put the ball in the back of the net. It was the tightest of decisions signalled by the linesman. If the goal had been allowed Wigan would surely have gathered the three points. As Paul Cook would say: it is a game of fine margins.

Leam Richardson continued to play Callum Lang at centre forward, leaving specialist central striker Stephen Humphrys on the bench. He brought in Tom Pearce for Joe Bennett, Gwion Edwards for Gavin Massey, Max Power for Jordan Cousins. There was no place for Thelo Aasgaard, arguably the MOM in midweek.

We had seen the “playing it long” (aka hoofball in this case) tactic in midweek and Latics got away with it against Shrewsbury through a spectacular late goal from Thelo Aasgaard. It reared its ugly head throughout this game.

After a mediocre first half Ipswich used their bench in the second period to provide more options. Latics continued to play the same long ball game and Ipswich got their reward in the 78^th minute when substitute Norwood picked up a loose ball following a well flighted free kick from Lee Evans. Many of us were hoping that Richardson would utilise the flair of Thelo Aasgaard and maybe even change the shape, but his riposte was to make a like-for-like change, bringing on Gavin Massey for Gwion Edwards after 80 minutes. The out of favour Humphrys was brought on after 90 minutes for Tom Pearce.

Let’s take a look at how fans reacted to the match through the message boards and social media. Our thanks go to the Vital Wigan – Latics Speyk Forum and Twitter for providing the media for the posts below to happen. Thanks go to all whose contributions are identified below:

Jeff’s right commented:

An additional stat. 3 shots on target in 90 minutes.
We have the players so why not go with three at the back and the two strikers at least for home games. Edwards ahead of Humphys. Just can not weigh this up when it’s glaringly obvious that this formation/style of football besides being awful on the eye is just not working at home. Is Cook still pulling some strings as we play the stuff he played.

Victor Moses stated:

With the game waiting for some luck/mistake or a piece of quality to win the game. Really not performing anywhere near their peak. Its so rigid slow and lacking in ambition, it’s what you’d expect from a team low on confidence.

NorthernSoul opined:

Our players can’t play 4 at the back at home. Too rigid and we create nothing and it’s been like that all season. We have scraped a lot of 1 goal wins through individual play.

Away from home when teams attack it works as you have more space to exploit.

At home, teams just sit in and we do little aside from set pieces. We are set up to try and draw at home and may as well start every game with 10 men. Away from home we are the tank out team in the division.

Change to 3 at the back at home and the fortunes will change straight away.

FrancosLoveChild wrote:

I agree but sadly it does not change the needless hoofball that is so ineffective, we rely a lot on individuals brilliance like you said and let’s be honest, we have played poorly home and away for a few weeks now, late goals have papered over the cracks of late.

Bodies are really needed in January, need some creative central players, Keane is absolutely anonymous most of times, and I think he would help stop the hoofball if he played right up too with Thelo behind. But Leam is choosing hoofball, hopefully until he identifies players we need to be more dominant in games.

Stats courtesy of WhoScored.com

Phoenix 2021 declare their intent with long contracts for Lang and Aasgaard

JJ (Tony) — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 08:50:37 GMT

Chairman Talal Al-Hammad and Chief Executive Mal Brannigan have set such a positive tone since their arrival at Wigan Athletic. Their shrewd running of the club has been underpinned by a skilful and sensitive approach to human resources and PR. The have not only brought the club back on to an even keel, but they have given supporters so much hope for the future. Their recruitment has been particularly impressive, bringing in the experienced and savvy James Beattie and Rob Kelly to support Leam Richardson and showing real shrewdness in the transfer market.

From the get-go the representatives of Phoenix 2021 stated their intention to continue to develop the Latics Academy. Over the past seven days they have secured the long-term services of academy products Callum Lang and Thelo Aasgaard through new contracts. The length of the contracts is stunning. The 22 -year-old Lang’s new contract goes to summer 2025, that of the 19-year-old Aasgaard to summer 2026.

Both players joined Wigan Athletic as 14 -year-olds. However, their career trajectories differ.

After being a key player in the Latics youth team Lang was sent on a season-long loan to Morecambe in League 2 while still only 18. He went on to make 30 appearances, scoring 10 goals. The following season saw him continue to do well in League 2 with 13 goals in 42 appearances for Oldham Athletic. The next loan was at League 1 Shrewsbury where a metatarsal injury limited him to 16 appearances, scoring two goals. Last season saw him score 3 goals in 17 appearances for Motherwell before being recalled by Latics in January. He proved to be a key player in the fight against relegation, his 7 goals in 17 appearances being crucial.

Lang’s form this season has been sensational. Despite usually playing in a wide position he is the leading goalscorer with 10 goals and 4 assists.

Aasgaard’s passage through the Academy to the first team squad was by no means easy. In his own words:

“I had a tough journey with the Under 18s because I was growing so much, I was missing games through injuries and the staff really helped me all the way, from sports science to the physios and analysts.

Gregor Rioch has really looked after me from the development phase to stepping into first team football and Leam Richardson had his trust in me last year to perform on the pitch and hopefully, I can continue to do that.

With the issues we had last year, it was a tough time for the Club but for me, it was a chance to prove that I am up for the challenge. It was up to me to take advantage of the opportunity and luckily I did.”

Aasgaard too played an important part in helping Latics avoid relegation last season. Although his natural position is as a number 10, he showed his versatility by appearing in various midfield roles. He made 13 starts in League 1, with 20 substitute appearances, scoring 3 goals.

The confirmation of the prolonged contracts for Lang and Aasgaard has brought a sigh of relief among Latics fans. Following the raiding last season of Alfie Devine, Joe Gelhardt and Jensen Weir by Premier League clubs and Kyle Joseph by Championship team Swansea, for fees way below market value, the club has made a statement. It will resist efforts by elite clubs to poach its young talent. Should Lang or Aasgaard eventually leave, the club will receive compensation around market value.

Lang is a key player in Leam Richardson’s promotion-seeking side. His name is among the first on the team sheet.

Aasgaard has only had one league start this season, with four appearances off the bench. His appearances have been somewhat curtailed by injuries, plus he has had to compete with a bunch of capable and experienced pros to even gain a place on the bench. What Aasgaard needs to develop further is regular game time and given the current situation at Wigan he is not going to get it. Richardson faces the choice of sending the player out on loan in January or retaining him as a fringe member of the senior squad. There is no doubt that should the player stay injury-free and get regular games under his belt, he will be a force to reckon with. He has always had that sublime skill, but now has the physique to resist the rough and tumble of the third tier.

Decisions will also need to be made about Adam Long and Luke Robinson, who made major strides last season in stepping up to the senior squad. With a large senior team squad packed with experience they have fallen way down the pecking order. Long is only 21, Robinson is 19.

Phoenix 2021 have made a major statement about investing in their young talent though the long contracts offered to Lang and Aasgaard. Elite clubs take note!

Amigo and Social Media Reaction to a last-gasp win against Shrewsbury

JJ (Tony) — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 16:01:43 GMT

December 8, 2021: Wigan Athletic 2 Shrewsbury 1

Why are these midweek home games so difficult? Latics were playing a team in the lower reaches of the table, with no away victories in League 1 this season.

But after getting off to a flying start with an opportunist goal on two minutes from Tendayi Darikwa they struggled and the visitors were playing the better football, their equaliser in the 39^th minute being no great surprise. Wigan improved in the second half but had to wait until the 93^rd minute for Thelo Aasgaard’s long range winner.

Leam Richardson had left Stephen Humphrys on the bench with Callum Lang playing at centre forward. The manager once again gave a vote of confidence to Gavin Massey, playing him on the right wing in preference to Gwion Edwards and Jordan Jones. Joe Bennett came in for his League 1 debut.

Latics have now gone 10 games without defeat and are level on points with Rotherham at the top of the table, but with a game in hand. Capable of really incisive finishing and dogged defending this Wigan team is not always pretty to watch, being more pragmatic in their approach than aesthetically pleasing.

In the absence of Charlie Wyke and with Humphrys being out of favour we saw Lang being used in a role that does not suit him. Too often he was left to chase wayward long balls from the centre backs that were easily gobbled up by the Shrews defence. It was a like a throwback to the darker days of the Championship when central strikers like Josh Windass had such awful service from the defence.

There was always a strong element of long ball in the Cook/Richardson era. It was at its best when the balls were well targeted with a big target man there to hold off the defenders, as it had been this season with Wyke playing that role. We saw it close to its worst last night with defenders taking the easy option of “playing it long” rather than work the ball through midfield. Lang is not Wyke: he needs the ball at his feet, not hooved above his head.

No matter what the style of football is on display it is results that football managers are judged on. Richardson’s team is resilient, and they wear the opposition down so that as the second half progresses there is always a chance of a late goal. Shrewsbury looked tired in the closing minutes, with stoppages that might have given weary legs some respite. Latics have a solid goalkeeper, tenacious defenders and capable midfielders who protect the defence. In Callum Lang and Will Keane, they have players who can both score and create goals, with James McClean looking a class above League 1 level on the left.

After the match Leam Richardson commented: “It was a great finish to the game and a great start to the game. I didn’t think we were great in the first half; we weren’t able to force Shrewsbury into a negative shape because we kept turning the ball over. I thought we came out for the second half and controlled large parts of it and with good habits you will get them moments where your flair players need to produce and thankfully tonight young Thelo Aasgaard has produced. We want to be expressive and expansive and score those types of goals but then we don’t want to be disrespectful with the ball and with ourselves and have a first half like tonight, because we have set good standards and it certainly won’t happen again.”

Jocklatic commented:

Great start to the game, crisp, sharp & quick passing got us a well worked lead within 2 mins of the start, just a shame we didn’t keep it up but I’ll take an injury time winner all day…..we weren’t at our best but managed to secure the 3 points which they say is the sign of a good team. Was impressed by Joe Bennett but less than impressed with JM’s & his misplaced passes, hopefully just a bad day at the office…..there were a few Latics players guilty of misplaced passes but perhaps that’s down to the terrible conditions & it was nice to get the ‘winless midweek at home’ monkey off our back.

FrancosLoveChild added:

Not gonna lie, we are one of the worst sides in this league passing the ball, Shrewsbury look like Barcelona compared to us, it’s quite incredible how Leam gets results out of this squad. No disrespect to them but there are 4/5 better squads in this league, just hope we can keep up those results till the end.

Zakky stated:

Sometimes it looks like the pitch is to big for us.
Joe Bennett has been outstanding so far.

C_Latic opined:

Good point this. I respect that Tilt is very good in the air, but it feels like he’s a got a big mistake in him at some point and it also feels like he’s far too easy to wind up which will lead to him getting sent off one day.

As a matter of fact, I hate the chopping and changing of our centre backs in general. It’s never healthy doing that in my opinion as it makes it impossible for the full-backs and keeper to build a solid understanding and rapport with them, especially at set pieces. It’s no coincidence that we’ve stopped keeping clean sheets since Leam started tinkering with the CBs every game.

The crowd was poor, but expected. It’s a UCL night before Christmas payday and has been absolutely p..ing down non stop for two days straight. That rain will have knocked hundreds off the gate tonight I bet.

Oscarbon wrote:

Agree. I thought Massey worked hard and showed some nice touches. He was our most attacking player tonight. I think McLean can be forgiven one bad game after the blood, sweat and tears he has put into the rest of the season so far.

I am getting a bit concerned about Will Keane’s prolonged drop in form. He was class up to the last 5 games but seems too easily marked out of the game recently. Aasgaard had another cracker although there were times when he looked like he was in the back four he had to come so deep for the ball.

Can someone explain why our back four, when presented with 20yards of open field in front of them still feel the need to pass either sideways or back to Amos. Bl..dy infuriating.

OnLoanFromEnfield added:

Short Pass sideways, short pass backwards, repeat and hoof (straight to the opposition) … simple !
Just like watching Dunkley playing in the Championship albeit the current crop keep the ball in the stadium.

Shrewsbury were effective at filling the spaces and did have 11 players behind the ball for long periods of time. Tricky to break down and the players that you would expect to assist there not stepping up.

Naylor’s passing was poor in the first half too.

Stats courtesy of WhoScored.com

Aasgaard’s ace shatters Shrewsbury’s resolve – Wigan Athletic 2 Shrewsbury Town 1

ianhaspinall — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 10:32:31 GMT

Thelo Aasgaard

Thelo Aasgaard’s superb stoppage time winner enabled Wigan Athletic to move back to the top of the League One table.

Tendayi Darikwa had given Latics an early lead but Shrewsbury drew level on 39 minutes when Daniel Udoh’s shot was finished by Ryan Bowman.

Latics couldn’t break the deadlock and the visitors always looked dangerous on the break, but with 92 minutes on the clock Aasgaard’s ace shattered Shrewsbury’s resolve.

Leam Richardson made six changes to the team which defeated Colchester United in the FA Cup with Ben Amos, Tendayi Darikwa, Curtis Tilt, Tom Naylor and James McClean all returning to the side, while Joe Bennett made his league debut for Latics.

Latics were quickly out of the blocks and Darikwa gave his side the lead after just two minutes. Gavin Massey found McClean, whose cross into the box fell to the Zimbabwean international and he finished for his second goal of the season.

Shrewsbury responded and had the chance to draw level when a corner was headed towards goal by Joshua Daniels but McClean was on the goal line to head the ball to safety.

Latics then broke forward and when Jordan Cousins played through McClean on the left side, he fired a shot straight at Shrews goalkeeper Marko Marosi.

McClean had another opportunity when Callum Lang crossed from the right and the Republic of Ireland international forced a good save from Marosi.

The visitors were working hard and Latics were struggling to get their usual flowing game going and in the 39^th minute they were level.

Tom Bloxham found Daniel Udoh who shot across goal with Bowman at the back post to nudge the ball over the line. Bowman appeared to be in an offside position but the goal was allowed to stand by referee David Rock.

Richardson would have had words with his players at half time for the somewhat lethargic display and they came out much brighter in the second half.

In the 53^rd minute McClean’s corner was headed towards goal by Jack Whatmough but the Shrews were able to get the ball clear.

Lang forced an excellent save from Marosi, before at the other end Bloxham fired high and wide for the visitors.

Latics continued to press for the breakthrough but Shrewsbury were well organised and resolute. The visitors also posed a threat on the counter attack and the hosts had to be careful not to get caught out.

Latics continued to be kept at arms length as both Lang and McClean tried shots from distance.

But with 92 minutes on the clock Aasgaard struck from distance and found the bottom right corner with a superb swerving drive from 25-yards.

It was hard on the visitors who had matched Latics for long periods but Latics had once again showed great character and quality to secure another important three points in their quest for promotion.

Latics are now unbeaten in ten games in all competitions and they move level on points with Rotherham at the top of League One with a game in hand on the South Yorkshire club.

In his post match comments Richardson praised Aasgaard’s quality:

“It was a great finish to the game and a great start to the game. I didn’t think we were great in the first half; we weren’t able to force Shrewsbury into a negative shape because we kept turning the ball over.

“I thought we came out for the second half and controlled large parts of it and with good habits you will get them moments where your flair players need to produce and thankfully tonight young Thelo Aasgaard has produced.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Review: More Than a Game – Saving Football from Itself by Mark Gregory

ianhaspinall — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 07:00:00 GMT

Formerly Ernst & Young’s Chief Economist and Stoke City supporter Mark Gregory has produced a timely and in-depth analysis of why the English game requires radical reform and how it can be changed for the better.

He was recently called as an expert to give evidence on economics and regulation to the Fan-led Review of Football Governance.

Gregory traces the growth of the Premier League and identifies that, despite its commercial successes it has had a disruptive and damaging impact on the overall English game.

A small group of elite clubs have an unhealthy dominance of the Premier League and domestic trophies; it is estimated that more than two thirds of the country’s 92 professional clubs are loss-making; payments to agents each year regularly total more than the combined income of all 44 clubs in League 1 and 2; supporters have been squeezed to the limit; grassroots facilities are in a dreadful state; and failed World Cup bids have severely weakened England’s standing in the global game.

Gregory sees now as a watershed moment, post Covid 19 and after the failed Project Big Picture and European Super League and at a time of the fan-led review of football’s governance.

He emphasizes that we are now at a critical point, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-balance the game. The choices we make in future could have similar or greater consequences than those made in the last four decades. He explains:

“Despite world leading revenue generation, the Premier League has been loss-making throughout most of its existence and the rest of the English football pyramid is extremely challenged financially. We should not be surprised. A hands-off approach to regulation in an environment where some owners faced by talent with significant market power are willing to spend whatever it takes, only ends in one way.”

Gregory has produced a very strong case for change and has put together an excellent list of reforms which would restore some sanity into the English game.

He believes that an integrated strategy is required, and any reform proposals must aim to generate the maximum revenues possible consistent with the competitive balance we desire, while reducing expenditure, especially wages and transfer fees.

He wants a more balanced, open, and sustainable pyramid that offers a realistic possibility of more clubs of promotion, and then a fighting chance of surviving at a higher level.

At the centre of the proposed reforms is an independent regulator, a new governance structure and a redistribution of revenues throughout the pyramid.

Cynics will say that the big problem with these proposals is that positive change is unlikely to happen because the elite clubs and their owners will not act in the best interests of the game overall.

I hope they are wrong and for the sake of the English game that Gregory’s considered reforms can be implemented.

More Than a Game – Saving Football from Itself by Mark Gregory, published by Yellow Jersey, Price £16.99.

This review first appeared in the December/January 2021/22 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Tics progress to the FA Cup third round – Colchester United 1 Wigan Athletic 2

ianhaspinall — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 19:18:11 GMT

Callum Lang celebrating his second goal with Charle Wyke’s shirt

Wigan Athletic progressed into the FA Cup Third Round with hard-fought 2-1 victory at Colchester United.

Callum Lang opened the scoring after good work by Gavin Massey in the 24th minute but the hosts drew level on the stroke of half time when Freddie Sears fired home via the post.

Will Keane wasted a good opportunity to restore the visitors lead before Lang produced a deserved winner in the 75th minute.

Leam Richardson made six changes from the side which defeated Accrington Stanley on penalties in the Papa John’s Trophy with Jack Whatmough, Tom Pearce, Max Power, Callum Lang, Will Keane and Jordan Cousins all coming back into the starting eleven.

Latics started confidently and moved the ball to good effect but it was the League Two outfit who had the first two chances.

First, Noah Chilvers blazed over from the edge of the area and then Sears should’ve done better but his effort flew over the crossbar from 12-yards out.

But Latics were the first to make the breakthrough in the 24th minute with a flowing counter attack.

Power found Gavin Massey down the right with a pinpoint pass, and the wingback delivered a superb cross to the back post and Lang finished well from close-range.

The U’s responded well and Cameron Coxe was through on goal but Kell Watts made a superb last-ditch tackle to deny an equaliser.

At the other end, Latics had a huge chance when Lang sent Keane through on goal but the former Manchester United youth striker couldn’t beat keeper Jake Turner who saved well with his leg.

It was end-to-end now and Latics keeper Jamie Jones made an outstanding save to deny Sylvester Jasper and tip the ball over the crossbar.

But frustratingly for Latics and Jones the hosts drew level two minutes later when Sears fired into the corner from the edge of the area.

Early in the second half Colchester went close when Chilvers volley went just over the angle of post and crossbar.

Latics responded and Massey fired an effort just over the crossbar.

Massey and Lang then combined well down the right and Lang’s back-heel found Massey but he drove his effort narrowly wide.

Latics pushed for what proved to be the decisive goal in the 75th minute.

Substitute Tom Naylor played an excellent through ball to Lang, who showed great composure and finished with some aplomb into the bottom corner.

The hosts continued to battle to get back on level terms and they wasted a great opportunity in the 89th minute when Sears set up substitute Chay Cooper but he blazed his effort high over the crossbar from a great position.

As in the previous FA Cup game at Solihull Latics didn’t manage the final minutes very well. Colchester goalkeeper Turner headed over from good positions from two corners in the dying moments but Latics held on to progress to the third round.

Great credit must go to the 179 hardy travelling Latics supporters who made the long journey to Essex for a 12.30 kick off on a Sunday.

Richardson commented afterwards:

“No matter what tie it is – you saw the results yesterday going different ways – and the main thing is that we found a way to win and we’re in the hat,” he said.

“It’s 12:30pm on a Sunday in December and it was never going to be easy. Fair credit to the players who found a way to win and get to the next round.

“They (Colchester) have some good players and good coaching staff. You’ve got to be respectful and meet those challenges, and I thought we did in large parts.”

Colchester goalkeeper Jake Turner punches away a Latics corner.

Latics’ away day success dedicated to Charlie Wyke – Plymouth Argyle 1 Wigan Athletic 2

ianhaspinall — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 18:27:37 GMT

Latics players dedicated the victory to Charlie Wyke – photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic moved up to second place in the League One table with a 2-1 victory at Plymouth Argyle.

Callum Lang’s 90th minute strike ensured Latics secured an important three points at fourth placed Plymouth.

The visitors had taken the lead in the 36th minute after Thelo Aasgaard had set up Will Keane but the hosts drew level from a Danny Mayor strike in the 43rd minute.

The game ebbed and flowed with chances at both ends before Lang’s cool finish from Keane’s through ball sent the visiting supporters into raptures.

The Latics players dedicated the victory to striker Charlie Wyke who had collapsed in training this week.

Leam Richardson made four changes to the team which had drawn at Cambridge on Tuesday night with Tendayi Darikwa, Jason Kerr, Tom Naylor, and Thelo Aasgaard replacing Gavin Massey, Tom Pearce, Tom Bayliss and Gwion Edwards.

Latics made a positive start at Home Park in very windy conditions, with Aasgaard blazing wide after 11 minutes.

James McClean forced a save from Michael Cooper on 22 minutes before the hosts forced a succession of corners between the 22nd and 25th minutes.

The teams alternated control as Latics pressure then resulted in a series of corners at the other end.

Latics went in front on 35 minutes when Aasgaard chased a ball near the touchline before cutting it back to Keane who brought the ball under control and then turned it home from close range.

Latics’ players immediately went to the dugout to celebrate the goal with Charle Wyke’s number nine shirt held aloft.

The hosts responded to Keane’s goal with a spell of pressure and Max Power made a superb block to deny Connor Grant an equaliser.

But on 43 minutes Argyle were level when McClean lost possession and Mayor’s strike from inside the box beat keeper Ben Amos.

All level at the interval with both teams looking dangerous going forward.

Latics were quick out of the blocks at the start of the second half and McClean’s cross nearly found Lang in the box, before Naylor’s strike went wide of the target from outside the box.

Argyle responded and forced a series of corners at the other end but Latics were resolute in defence with Jason Kerr in particular having an outstanding game.

It looked as though Latics had restored their lead around the hour mark with Keane and McClean both having opportunities but Cooper somehow clawed the ball off the line to save Argyle.

When the hosts pressed forward they were unable to really test Amos and their shots either flew high or wide of the target.

Darikwa tried his luck from outside the box on 61 minutes and his strike was only narrowly wide of Cooper’s left hand post.

At the other end Panutche Camara had a shot deflected wide by a Latics defender as the game continued to ebb and flow.

Stephen Humphrys replaced Aasgaard on 67 minutes and he was soon in the thick of the action forcing an excellent save from Cooper after good work by McClean and Max Power.

In the 88th minute Latics went close with Lang at the back post but he couldn’t quite convert and was flagged offside.

But two minutes later Lang produced a composed finish into the bottom corner from Keane’s through ball to send the 700 travelling Latics supporters into raptures.

Afterwards Manager Leam Richardson commented on an emotional week for the club.

“That’s the toughest week I’ve ever had in football, and as a football club I’m so proud of the way we’ve come through it.

“To win it that late, in the 90th minute, to keep going the way we did, showed the character we have in the group.

“Obviously Charlie is constantly in our thoughts, constantly in our conversations, and he’s in the best place he could possibly be now.

“Fingers crossed, he’s been improving every day, and hopefully he’ll be back fit and healthy before too long.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Latics’ late show rescues a point – Cambridge United 2 Wigan Athletic 2

ianhaspinall — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:07:58 GMT

Wigan Athletic came back from two goals down to secure a point at the Abbey Stadium.

Despite dominating the first half Latics went behind when Joe Ironside was allowed to turn in the box and volley home on 44 minutes.

The hosts increased their lead on 53 minutes when Adam May fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

With six minutes of normal time remaining Latics rallied and Will Keane fired home on 84 minutes and Callum Lang finished from close range on 86 minutes.

Latics drop to fourth place in the table but are only two points off the top. Cambridge are in 15th place.

Leam Richardson made five changes from the side which defeated Solihull in the FA cup with Keane, Ben Amos, Jack Whatmough, Curtis Tilt and James McClean returning. Tendayi Darikwa was suspended and Charlie Wyke missed out due to illness.

Latics pressed forward from the kick off and went close when McClean’s excellent delivery to the back post was nearly converted by Whatmough.

The visitors forced a series of corners and threatened from crosses and from one cross Tom Pearce found Keane who finished well but his effort was disallowed for offside.

Latics continued to dominate proceedings but couldn’t make the breakthrough.

Just after the half hour the visitors were denied by a super save from Cambridge keeper Dimi Mitov. From Pearce’s cross the ball was diverted by Lang and seemed destined for the bottom corner but Mitov got down superbly to his left to deny him.

At the other end the hosts first strike on goal by George Williams was well saved by Amos low down to his left.

But with their second attempt on goal they went ahead on 44 minutes when Ironside was allowed time to bring the ball down inside the box and finish from eight yards out.

Latics started the second-half strongly but suffered a sucker punch when Ironside set up May on the edge of the box and the midfielder fired into the corner of the net.

Latics now had a mountain to climb and they struggled to regain their early cohesion.

They were dominating possession but couldn’t penetrate the Cambridge defence until with six minutes remaining they finally made the vital breakthrough.

Keane turned on the edge of the area and fired decisively into the corner of the Cambridge net.

The visitors were in the ascendancy and quickly drew level when Power’s cross from the right found Lang at close range who finished past Mitov.

Latics pushed for the winner and were unlucky when another Lang effort from close range was disallowed for offside.

Overall it had been an erratic display by Latics but they had shown great character and commitment to retrieve a point from a losing position.

Manager Richardson was critical of Latics’ lapses but praised the character of his team.

“At half time, it was more of the same, and two goals in our box probably were their only threat, but we’ve got to respect teams when they play like that because they are good at it. You’ve got to respect that and defend resolutely and properly but fair credit to the lads, they kept going until the end and I thought we might have nicked it as well.

“You’re got to give the lads credit because they were 2-0 down on the road again and they never gave up. I thought we knocked on the door long enough to get a goal and I thought we deserved the result.’

Latics leave it late in FA Cup first-round replay – Solihull Moors 1 Wigan Athletic 2 AET

ianhaspinall — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 11:56:46 GMT

Kick off at Damson Park

Wigan Athletic progressed to the FA Cup second-round with a hard-fought extra-time victory at National League side Solihull Moors.

The hosts took a controversial lead early in the second half when referee Charles Breakspear awarded a penalty and Adam Rooney converted the spot kick.

Latics rallied and drew level on 66 minutes when Jason Kerr deflected Gwion Edwards strike into the net.

The visitors dominated in extra time and they deservedly sealed the tie when Callum Lang headed home Max Power’s free-kick.

The 2013 FA Cup winners now travel to Colchester United in the second round on Sunday 5th December.

Leam Richardson made one change from the FA Cup tie at the DW Stadium with Gavin Massey replacing Will Keane.

Latics enjoyed plenty of possession in the early stages but it was the Moors captain Kyle Storer who tried his luck on 12 minutes and volleyed over the crossbar from 25 yards.

For the visitors, Lang had a shot spilled by Moors goalkeeper Ryan Boot, but the keeper retrieved his mistake and gathered the ball at the second attempt.

Power and Tom Pearce wasted free kick opportunities as the visitors pressed but the game remained goalless at half time.

Early in the second half Solihull were awarded a controversial penalty by referee Charles Breakspear. Following a corner the ball was handled by Moors defender Lois Maynard in the area but bizarrely the referee awarded a penalty to the hosts which was converted by Rooney.

Fortunately the referee’s mistake wasn’t to prove crucial to the final result.

Latics showed good resilience and upped their game. As they pressed forward Boot tipped over Callum Lang’s dipping volley and then saved Darikwa’s shot from the resulting corner.

The visitors were level on 66 minutes when a mix up in the Moors defence allowed Edwards to shoot and Kerr to deflect his effort past Boot.

The hosts didn’t capitulate however and Darikwa made an important block to deny James Ball an opportunity to regain the lead.

At the other end, Lang’s strike was spilled by Boot but Edwards couldn’t quite convert the loose ball on the follow up.

Then in the second minute of added time, Edwards was denied by a superb save from Boot as he tried to curl the ball into the corner of the net.

Early in the first half of extra-time Darikwa’s cross found Charlie Wyke inside the box and the striker turned and fired towards goal but his effort was well-saved by Boot low down to his right.

Soon afterwards another Darikwa cross was headed back across goal by Wyke, but Edwards could only fire wide on the volley.

In the 104th minute Latics were finally ahead when Power’s excellent free kick from the left was glanced home by Lang.

The hosts were not giving up however and in the second half of extra-time Latics needed a goal-line clearance from Massey to stay in front.

With 10 minutes of extra-time remaining Edwards should have sealed the tie as he went one-on-one with the Solihull keeper, but Boot made an excellent save low down to his left deny him.

Latics lived dangerously in the dying seconds and Jamie Jones had to make a good save to deny Ball, before the midfielder fired over from a great position. When the final whistle came Latics’ players gave a huge sigh of relief.

Afterwards the Latics manager Leam Richardson gave credit to Solihull for their efforts over the two games.

“The main thing is to qualify and be in the hat for Colchester away, but I thought credit goes to Solihull,” he said.

“They challenged us over the two games and we had to find a way. Sometimes you have to do that in the FA Cup, and although I thought the first goal is possibly a mistake by the officials, thankfully it didn’t affect the outcome.

“It was great for Solihull. 3,700 plus, which for an FA Cup tie under the lights on a Tuesday, is fantastic. You can see where they want to go as a Football Club and tonight was important that we respected ourselves and the opposition.

“The most important thing is that we got through tonight and now the preparations start for Saturday because we’ve got a big week, next week.”

Latics’ players were relieved to go through to the second round

Latics left frustrated in the FA Cup first-round – Wigan Athletic 0 Solihull Moors 0

ianhaspinall — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 20:10:20 GMT

Leam Richardson will be expecting an improved performance in the replay

It was a frustrating afternoon for Wigan Athletic as they were held to a 0-0 draw by National League side Solihull Moors in the first-round of the FA Cup.

Latics created a plethora of chances but Solihull defended resolutely and goalkeeper Ryan Boot had an outstanding game.

Gwion Edwards forced two superb saves from Boot and when it appeared he had been finally beaten by Charlie Wyke the goal was disallowed for offside.

Moors went closest when Latics keeper Jamie Jones made a superb save to deny a Callum Howe header which seemed destined for the top corner.

The former FA Cup winners now face a difficult first-round replay at Solihull on Tuesday 16 November for a place in the second round.

Leam Richardson made four changes to the team which had defeated Fleetwood Town with Jamie Jones, Kell Watts, Tom Pearce and Edwards replacing Ben Amos, Jack Whatmough, Curtis Tilt and James McClean.

Latics looked lively early on and Edwards almost gave them the lead in the second minute when he unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the area which was heading for the top corner until Boot spectacularly tipped the ball over the crossbar.

The hosts were dominating possession and they created another opportunity when Will Keane set up Pearce but his left-footed strike was deflected over the crossbar.

In the 20th minute Kell Watts had to withdrawn due to injury and was replaced by Curtis Tilt.

Another chance came in the 25th minute when Tendayi Darikwa’s cross from the right was punched away by Boot with Charlie Wyke ready to pounce at the back post.

At the other end the visitors set-piece caused problems for Latics but Jones saved well to deny the opportunity.

Bayliss then tried his luck from distance but his effort was always rising and went behind for a Solihull goal-kick.

Latics then had a good chance in the 36th minute after Pearce’s cross from the left fell at the feet of Keane whose shot was deflected to Lang, but his strike was again well saved by Boot.

The hosts kept knocking at the door and Edwards struck a powerful effort towards the far corner, but Boot did well to push the ball away to safety.

Edwards continued to be Latics’ greatest threat and he laid the ball back to Wyke, but the striker’s effort was well blocked by Alex Gudger.

Tilt had to be withdrawn at half time due to injury and was replaced by Luke Robinson in a re-jigged back four.

Latics continued to press in the second half, but the visitors remained resolute with Boot in outstanding form, saving and claiming everything fired in his direction.

Pearce’s corner was headed towards goal by Jason Kerr, but Boot was once again in the right place at the right time.

When Latics did evade the Moors goalkeeper in the 50th minute from another corner, Wyke’s header agonisingly came off the post and away to safety.

At the other end, the visitors nearly took the lead in the 53rd minute when Howe headed Jamey Osborne’s cross towards the top corner but Jones did superbly to tip the ball against the crossbar and over.

Boot was once again in splendid form in the 64th minute when Bayliss unleashed a strike from outside of the area, and the Moors goalkeeper produced another excellent save to deny the hosts.

Latics continued to push for the breakthrough right to the end but they lacked the cutting edge to make the difference.

In the last minute of normal time Latics looked like they had finally broken the deadlock when substitute Stephen Humphrys drove forward and threaded a ball through to Wyke and the former Sunderland striker rounded Boot but he was frustratingly adjudged to be offside.

Latics had not been at their best and injuries to defenders Watts and Tilt had disrupted their play, but great credit should be given to the well-drilled National League side who had defended resolutely and may even have pulled off a shock result had not been for Jones’ superb save in the second half.

Manager Richardson gave credit to Solihull afterwards but he will be expecting an improved performance by Latics in the replay.

“Compliments to Solihull, I thought they came here very organised and very well drilled as expected.

“I never felt that there was a real flow to the game if I was being honest, with all the stop-starts and the two injuries early on to both of our centre halves, and patching up at the back.

“I thought we started both halves reasonably well but didn’t have that bounce of the ball. I thought if we possibly got one, we might take control of the game, but both goalkeepers made some very good saves.

“We showed the impetus to try and take the lead but you’ve got to give credit to the opposition. I thought the goalkeeper made some good saves, was in the right areas and came and collected balls into the box.

“Congratulations to Solihull, they’ve got a good result away and we’re both in the hat.

“They are doing well themselves. They’ve got a good management team, good players and I don’t think you can disrespect anybody in the competition.

“We know how much the FA Cup means to our fans, and it’s up to us certainly make a good impact and give a good account of ourselves and that’s what we will do in the replay.”

Big turnaround takes Tics to the top – Fleetwood Town 2 Wigan Athletic 3

ianhaspinall — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 23:46:10 GMT

Will Keane headed Latics level

Wigan Athletic came back from two goals down to win 3-2 at Fleetwood Town and move to the top of the League One table.

Latics went behind after seven minutes when Danny Andrew drove home a free- kick from the edge of the area.

The hosts increased their lead when Callum Morton was brought down in the area by Ben Amos and Morton stepped up to convert the penalty.

Callum Lang reduced the deficit and they drew level when Charlie Wyke’s overhead kick was headed into the net by Will Keane.

The visitors sealed a breathtaking comeback and a record breaking sixth away win in succession when Curtis Tilt headed the winner from Max Power’s corner.

Latics move to the top of the table, one point above Plymouth and Fleetwood are in 22nd place.

Leam Richardson made one change to the team that had defeated Burton Albion with Callum Lang replacing Stephen Humphrys.

Former Latics players Joe Garner started and Anthony Pilkington was on the bench for the hosts.

The hosts started brightly and Joe Garner fired just over the crossbar after five minutes.

Two minutes later and Fleetwood were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area and Andrew fired past Amos into the bottom corner.

Lang had a shout for a penalty shortly afterwards when he appeared to be pushed in the box but referee Ross Joyce was unmoved.

Wyke went close with a header on 16 minutes and Garner headed over at the other end soon afterwards.

On 28 minutes Wyke nearly drew the visitors level with a diving header from James McClean’s inviting cross but Alex Cairns saved with his leg and Keane headed over the rebound.

Tendayi Darikwa tried his luck from 25-yards on 33 minutes and his strike was heading for the top corner until Cairns acrobatically tipped over the crossbar.

Latics continued to press for the equaliser before the half-time break but the hosts were defending resolutely.

Early in the second half the hosts went 2-0 up. McClean tried a risky back pass to Amos and the keeper was late in his challenge on Morton and the referee awarded a penalty which Morton subsequently converted.

Richardson reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Kerr withdrawn and Gwion Edwards slotting into the left hand side of the team.

Edwards was quickly into the action and forced Cairns into a good save low down at his near post.

Latics pulled a goal back on 62 minutes when Lang scored from a tight angle after an excellent defence splitting pass from Tom Bayliss.

The visitors were in the ascendancy now and a Fleetwood defender headed against his own crossbar from Power’s chipped cross on 65 minutes.

Latics were level on 68 minutes from McClean’s cross when Wyke’s overhead kick was headed home from close range by Keane.

It was one way traffic now and four minutes later Tilt rose high in the centre of the box to head Latics into the lead from Power’s corner.

It had been an incredible turnaround as Latics went from 2-0 down to 3-2 up in the space of just 10 minutes.

The visitors continued to press for more goals and Keane fired just over the crossbar from the corner of the box and Cairns did well to save Power’s free-kick at the near post.

In five minutes of added time Wyke had an opportunity to increase Latics’ advantage but a last ditch tackle denied him the opportunity to get on the scoresheet.

This had been a tremendous fightback by the Latics and manager Richardson will be very pleased that his charges had demonstrated great character and commitment to claim a crucial three points.

Player ratings courtesy of WhoScored.com

A refreshing change in formation for Wigan Athletic

JJ (Tony) — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 08:28:55 GMT

In the summer of 2014 Uwe Rosler was a popular man with Latics followers. The German had taken over in early December with Wigan Athletic lying in the depths of the Championship table. Rosler went on to take them to 5^th place and the FA Cup semi-final. They were narrowly defeated by QPR in the Championship playoffs and by Arsenal at Wembley. Although a section of the fanbase had not been happy with his squad rotation policy he produced the results and repaired the damage caused during Owen Coyle’s awful tenure.

The adage “Managers are judged on results” rang true for Rosler. Latics had been one of the bookmakers’ favourites for promotion but by mid-November the German had been sacked as they had slid down the table.

Leam Richardson too is popular with Latics fans. He worked wonders in helping the club avoid relegation last season and his newly assembled squad, with 15 new signings, has made an impressive start to the season. But three midweek home defeats, with the players looking “flat” had led to questions about whether he was too set in his ways, rigidly sticking to his favoured 4-2-3-1 system, not rotating his squad sufficiently to keep players fresh, making substitutions too late in the game, as fixture were piling-up.

If there was one factor that led to Uwe Rosler’s downfall it would be in making too many new signings over the summer, when he already had a strong squad. Richardson’s case differs in that he only had five contracted players when summer recruitment started. However, he now has a big squad which is going to need careful management in ensuring that fringe players do not get disenchanted through lack of game time.

Richardson took a major step forward in the Burton Albion game on Saturday when he brought in Curtis Tilt and Stephen Humphys and gave a League 1 debut to Jason Kerr. Fan concerns about the depth of quality of the squad soon diminished as all three players made fine contributions.

But the real surprise was a switch away from 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-1-2 formation. Kerr was employed as a right centre back, a role in which he enjoyed great success in St Johnstone’s run to win both the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup last season. Jack Whatmough looked very comfortable in the centre of the back three, with the experienced Tilt to his left. Max Power played a deep midfield role with Tom Bayliss more advanced. James McClean looked so at home at left wing back, a position he occupies for the Republic of Ireland. Tendayi Darikwa looked so much better back on the right- hand side and was afforded more freedom in the wing back role. The new formation allowed Richardson to play twin strikers in Humphrys and Charlie Wyke. Humphrys is a talented player who has spent too much time on the bench with only one central striker being employed in 4-2-3-1. Will Keane has looked somewhat jaded in recent games. The return of Thelo Aasgaard from injury will provide Richardson with a back-up in that number 10/creative central midfield role.

With Latics a goal up and Burton down to ten men after 15 minutes it is hard to evaluate the success of the new formation. But credit must go to Richardson for his willingness to go against his own previous orthodoxy. It was noticeable that there was less of a gap in the centre of the field and there was so much less long ball than we have been seeing so frequently. The formation helped to facilitate a more possession-based build up.

3-4-1-2 offers differing opportunities to players than 4-2-3-1. Callum Lang was suspended and did not play. Lang nominally plays on the right flank but is not a conventional winger. He is a key player because of his willingness to run at opposition defences and he is always a candidate for scoring a goal. His ideal position is open to conjecture, but he would surely be comfortable in the front two of a 3-4-1-2 system.

Richardson has made a response to critics who have had concerns about the rigidity of his tactical outlook. He has shown himself to be a great motivator of his players and is a fine ambassador for the club, discreet in his comments, showing a dignity that is not the norm in football club managers. It was heartening to see him make this change.

Roberto Martinez made the switch to 3-4-3 in the middle of the 2009-10 season when relegation was imminent. It led to the most successful set of results in Wigan’s league history. It also paved the way to winning the FA Cup. Despite those successes there are Latics fans who do not favour a system with three at the back.

In the Cook/Richardson era Latics flitted with systems playing three at the back, but it could never really compete with the 4-2-3-1. Let’s hope that Richardson will give his new system enough time to evaluate it. Another criticism Richardson has faced has been a lack of a Plan B. Getting his players accustomed to a change in shape, either from game to game, or within a game, would be a major step forward in his development as a manager.

The likelihood is that 4-2-3-1 will continue to be the modus operandi for Richardson, but one hopes that he will keep an open mind towards changes in shape. One way of looking at things is to decide on a system and look at how well players fit into it. Another way is to look at the individual talent in the squad and devise a system that can get the best out of them in their entirety.

Amigo and Social Media Reactions to a home defeat to Lincoln

JJ (Tony) — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 13:25:13 GMT

Wigan Athletic 1 Lincoln City 2

“We’ll learn from tonight” said Leam Richardson after a third consecutive midweek home defeat.

After a high intensity performance at Wimbledon on Saturday this was quite the reverse. The Wigan players just did not have the energy and drive to deal with a stubborn and determined Lincoln side. They simply looked jaded as they did in those other Tuesday night defeats to Sheffield Wednesday and MK Dons.

The style of football we have seen since Richardson took over has been a carbon copy of that we saw in the Paul Cook era. At its best it is dynamic, high intensity attacking football. At its worst it is lethargic, with seemingly endless, sterile, inter-passing across the back four, too often terminating in a hopeful punt forward.

Paul Cook’s side won promotion by a canter, buoyed by a solid defence, a functional midfield and flair up front. David Sharpe had allowed him a wage bill of some £12m, retaining a key core of players from the Championship, with Dan Burn bossing the defence and the talents of Nick Powell and Will Grigg further forward. The wage bill for this squad is reportedly well above the norms of League 1 but will surely not approach that which Cook was afforded.

Even with the departure of Cook his legacy has remained. Latics continue to play 4-3-2-1, doggedly sticking to the system even when things are not going well. Management remains loyal to a core group of established senior pros, substitutions are made later in the game than those made by the opposition and are “like for like”, with no modification of the team’s shape.

Despite there being 46 games to play in a League 1 season and despite having a squad laden with players of quality and experience, Richardson continues to stick to the same starting line-up, unless injuries intervene. Regular squad rotation is resisted, resulting in key players looking jaded as the fixtures pile up.

Despite now having experienced assistants and coaches around him Richardson continues to doggedly follow the old, familiar blueprint. However, that is not to say it does not have its advantages: sticking to a similar starting XI and that familiar 4-2-3-1 formation leads to a certain type of cohesion and motivation among those chosen players.

Despite those midweek home defeats Latics have 28 points from 14 matches, just two points behind the top two teams. A fine start to the season with a newly assembled squad, for which the manager and his coaches deserve credit. The challenge for Richardson is to avoid burnout of his key players and to provide opportunities to all of his squad. But, like Cook, he is reluctant to tamper with a formula that he has had success with in the past. However, adjustments will need to be made and he needs to seek a balance between squad rotation and keeping a settled team together.

Zakky commented:

Why are all our passes 15-20-25yarders every team that comes play short pass and move pass and move and play through us as there goal tonight. We are far better away and very frustrating to watch at home and if we don’t remedy this home form it will cost us dear.

He later added:

That was truly dreadful, Sunderland Sheff Wed MKDons Lincoln all played the same way pass and move and we just can’t cope with it.

FrancosLoveChild opined:

Probs the worst start we played so far this season, players losing every ball and can’t even play simple passes. Tactically outplayed so far, teams are starting to learn how to play Vs long balls.

Jocklatic commented:

For the last month or so been taking the usual path to the DW for a much anticipated under floodlight game hoping to see a tantalising, energetic & rip roaring game with three points or a cup progression in the bag….sadly this hasn’t been the case & surely this isn’t going to be a monkey on our back – a win at home midweek??

Tonight was much the same as previous visits where the visitors have sussed us out very early doors, counter act us, get on top & inevitably take control with us becoming an unrecognisable team who fluff passes, panic in possession & become a team who uncharacteristically lose confidence in what they’ve been doing well in previous matches. Sadly imo LR follows the team & seems unable to react to the oppositions gameplan…doesn’t bode well going forward & I really hope this midweek hoodoo doesn’t hang around long.

Jeffsright summarised:

All down to Leam. No hoodoo, no ultra tiredness. Just down to Leam and how we play at home.
Wolves youth, Sunderland, Sheff Weds, Milton Keynes and now Lincoln. Possession football and too many passes, lack of wideman, wing backs one up top, players out of position is just not working in home games.

The_Pon concluded:

I’m not having it that Lincoln were a decent team, nor did they play well. They were absolute cr.p. But somehow, we managed to be even worse. I can take losing to MK. They were a good team, well organised, came with a plan, executed it well, and fair play to them. It happens. Losing to Lincoln is an absolute embarrassment though. We need to change how we play.

Power is not a RB. He’s also too slow (not necessarily pace, though he’s no Usain Bolt, but I mean that far too often, he takes too many touches and ends up under pressure and playing it backwards, losing all our attacking momentum). He needs some practice hitting passes and crosses first time if he’s going to continue in that position.

Darikwa isn’t a left footer, so shouldn’t be playing at LB. He has to cut inside to hit a good pass or cross from wide positions, which isn’t going to work long term because good RBs force him outside so he can’t get a ball away. He should be playing RB, because that’s his natural position and he’s top quality when he plays there.

Bayliss isn’t a holding mid. He’s a #10 or attacking mid. Playing him so deep is wasting his attacking ability, and he’s not defensively minded so he gets caught out of position in that role, which puts him under pressure and then passes go astray. Further up the pitch, he’s going to look for those killer balls and if we attack with pace, he’ll create a lot because he has the attacking instinct; he won’t have to take half a second to think what to do: further up the pitch, it comes naturally.

Looks like Tom Naylor is going to be out for a while. I reckon it’s a hamstring from how he went down and he looked to be in a lot of pain. Could mean Power will step into midfield, which I have mixed feelings about: love his attitude, professionalism and commitment, but I still don’t really rate him for ability. Keane looks knackered. We know he’s a quality player, but maybe time to give him a couple of games R&R: let Bayliss play in his natural position because he’s a perfect like-for-like deputy for Keane.

Humphrys is a good striker, but he’s not a target man. To get the best out of him, we can’t just lump long balls to him. He needs proper service. Same goes for Wyke… though Wyke is more suited to that role, I still think we’re going to get far more out of him if we stop the hit and hope stuff.

Not going to get on Leam’s case though. We’ve played well in far more games than we haven’t, but I do hope he now spends some time on the training ground practising some alternative ways to play, because keeping doing the same things when it clearly isn’t working isn’t what genuine promotion chasing teams do. They have different ways to play, can switch between them on the fly, and by doing so find what works during the course of the game.

Hopefully, losing to such a poor team will be the catalyst for some of the changes we need to happen.

ExiledViking commented:

We’ve won all our Saturday Home games this season, so I’m not concerned at all about the tactics. The problem is Tuesday Night games come too soon after Saturday, Players don’t have enough time to recover and always look leggy and lethargic. 2 midweek games running we’ve been 2nd to the ball every single time. The big test for us will be next Tuesday. If it is tiredness after Saturday, then our 5 game unbeaten away record will disappear at Fleetwood.

Hampton wrote:

Would be very surprised at any tactical changes – 4231 is ingrained into our club and the Cook / Richardson playbook.
Get ready for another no man’s land in the middle of the pitch – hopefully with a different outcome ….!

Stats courtesy of WhoScored.com

Amigo and Social Media Reaction to a stunning win at Bolton

JJ (Tony) — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 10:07:37 GMT

October 16, 2021: Bolton Wanderers 0 Wigan Athletic 4

What a scintillating performance from Wigan! They bossed this game from start to finish, outplaying the home team. Will Keane’s 6^th minute goal got Latics off to a flying start. The home team’s main threat was from inverted left winger Dapo Ofolayan, a capable player, but one who has the ability to fall to the ground after the mildest of challenges. His threat was nullified by crowding him out and the tactic seriously hindered Bolton’s attacks. Wigan’s defence was rock solid and they were full of energy in midfield and up front, with the line superbly led by Charlie Wyke.

James McClean had his best match ever for Latics, scoring two and providing the assist for the first goal. A very experienced Premier League and Championship player he is revelling in playing in the third tier. His rocket shot put Latics two up in the 50^th minute and he showed good composure to add a fourth in the 80^th minute. McClean’s best goalscoring record in league games is 7 goals for Stoke City in the Championship in 2019-20. He already has 3 goals this season and looks like he will go on to eclipse that previous record.

In a post-match interview McClean remarked on his first goal: “It was a great strike. I had a couple in the first half on my right foot which was more Row Z rather than the top corner. To get that away and see it fly into the top corner was a great feeling. It was absolutely fantastic.” He added that Latics have a side that “can pretty much do anything”, being able to play football and match opponents on a physical level when the going gets tough.

It was a memorable performance from Latics, marred only by crowd trouble. The local police superintendent commented; “I am saddened that a group of individuals took it upon themselves to ruin the game today for the rest of the fans. The game had to be paused several times due to objects being thrown on to the pitch and one of our officers was assaulted, as well as rival supporters causing disorder following the game. This is quite frankly disgusting behaviour and will not be tolerated in any shape or form. We will continue to work closely with the football clubs to carry out a full investigation into the criminal activity that occurred today and bring those involved to justice.”

JockLatic commented:

Absolutely brilliant performance, best I’ve seen in a while, from Amos all the way to Wyke who worked his socks off. MoM was JM closely followed by Naylor who mopped up everything that came his way but the rest of the team were top drawer as well. From kick off we didn’t let them settle & at 1 nil we missed a few chance which had me thinking will this come back & bite us in the ar.e – no need to worry once JM screamed the second in much to the dismay of the ‘crazy corner’ ….JM doing what he does best, winding up the opposition fans. Couldn’t go without saying that our fans today played their part with a brilliant atmosphere from start to finish & I’ve no doubt that ‘Bolton get battered everywhere they go’ will be ringing in them Bolton fans ears for some time to come. Coming away from the ground wasn’t too bad but there was certainly a fair few looking for it from both sides…luckily we didn’t see any. Onwards to MK Dons n hopefully a similar performance.

WalgarthJohn said:

The way this fixture is going it’s attracting every trouble maker from both sides. And over the last few times we have played these lot it gets worse every game. our fans. Ripping down hoardings. Was not nice to see. Wigan Athletic has always been a family club. Shameful behaviour from both sets of fans.

KingdeZeeuw summed up:

After the last international break we saw a big improvement in our style of play and we saw another big step forward today. By far our best performance of the season we retained the foundations of out working, out running and out battling the opposition but were far more composed in possession and playing more football. There were long balls but very few of were hopeful punts that came straight back at us they were more targeted into areas that hurt Bolton and helped us. Centre mid is now getting involved in the build up play all the time and it’s made the world of difference. Cousins I felt had his best game for us and was far more positive on the ball so it was a real shame he went off injured – hopefully it’s nothing serious and he’ll not miss any time.

It was a very balanced performance where we looked dangerous every time we had the ball and every time we broke up play we were rapid to counter in numbers. We’ve said all season that we have been very effective without playing great and we hadn’t really seen the finished article yet in terms of style of play. But today all of the hard work and tweaking we’ve done from game to game really started to pay off and it was superb.

Bolton have a lot of method in the way they play and that type of football earlier in the season was causing us issues but today our high press and pressing all over the pitch killed them and they had no plan B. We just forced them into error after error. When you look at the stats they had more possession and lots more passes but it was all possession in non dangerous areas and passes that didn’t really help them – compared to us who were ruthlessly efficient in and out of possession. Evatt I’m sure will do some mental gymnastics to say that their possession and passing proves they’re a better side but we looked a class above them. We’ll be playing MK Dons next who are very much in the same camp of possession based football and playing out from the back. So hopefully we can’t repeat this performance.

Hard to pick anyone out as MOTM as everyone was excellent but special mention to Wyke. He may not have got on the score sheet but he was playing against a much larger centre half in Santos most of the time and he was winning so many balls in the air. His work rate is always high and his hold and link up were great. He looked a proper target man today and it made everything we did so much more dangerous with Lang and Keane anticipating the flick ons.

I bet Evatt wishes he hadn’t talked so much as i got the impression a few of our lads had a little extra spring in their step to put one up him. Evatt has done well for Bolton but he’s firing up other teams and lumping extra pressure on his players with his comments and today should’ve humbled him. But I get the impression he isn’t the type to learn from his mistakes.

No doubt Richardson was backed in the market to bring in a squad better than most in the division but to get them so organised, so fit, so hard working and fight so hard is a massive testament to him and the coaching staff he brought in. It’s still early days so you can’t get too carried away but it feels like they are building something special.

C_Latic commented:

Simply wonderful and the best thing was that wasn’t even the best we’ve played this season. We were better against Wycombe. An absolute pasting and credit to Ian Evatt for the assist with his pre match team talk. Well in Jimmy Mc!

Bolton fan WarrenBluffit commented:

No complaints today guys you were head and shoulders better.

No apologies necessary Becky and no excuses you were head and shoulders better than us today in every area of the pitch. I just don’t know what our lot we’re on today, that’s the worst I’ve seen since the first half of last season, nervous, slow, clumsy and lacking in any kind of passion. I say that without taking anything away from Wigan, you were excellent, won every 50/50 ball, forced us into mistakes and kept your shape for the whole game.

You were clinical where it mattered and defensively in the second half you totally shut us down. You’ll know better your own players but for me Wyke was outstanding, totally dominating Santos and Johnson and nobody else has bullied Santos that way. On that performance I can’t see anyone stopping you going up and it rammed Evatt’s stupid comments right back where the sun don’t shine!! Good luck for the rest of the season and apologies for some of our moron fans who resorted to chucking things.

Stats courtesy of WhoScored.com

Wigan Athletic DO have strength in depth, despite poor EFL trophy performances

JJ (Tony) — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 14:01:24 GMT

_{Image courtesy of the EFL}

“Physically, it’s better than training. The lads got some good minutes in there because they’ve gone weeks without match sharpness.”

So said Leam Richardson following a dull 2-0 defeat at Crewe in an EFL Trophy fixture on Tuesday. Crewe were so much better than Wigan, the scoreline not reflecting the superiority of the home team. A fine display by 19-year-old debutant goalkeeper Sam Tickle had helped keep the score down. Crewe had made 8 changes to their team, Latics making 11. The home team had looked cohesive, Wigan disjointed.

The EFL Trophy is not a priority for most managers these days. Richardson used the fixture to give seven of his first team squad a run-out with players from the U23 squad.

The EFL Trophy was launched as the “Associate Members’ Cup” in the 1983-84 season, when it was won by Bournemouth. The following season Bryan Hamilton’s Wigan Athletic won it (as the Freight Rover Trophy), beating Brentford 3-1 at Wembley in front of a crowd of 39,897.

In 1999 Latics won it again (as the Auto Windscreens Shield), with 55,349 spectators watching Ray Matthias’ side beat Millwall 1-0 at Wembley.

Despite constantly poor attendances in the early rounds the competition’s final has always drawn big crowds, the record being the massive 85,021 for the Portsmouth-Sunderland encounter in 2019.

The introduction of U21 teams to the competition has not gone down well with the fans of clubs in Leagues 1 and 2. Attendances reached an all time low on Tuesday and Latics’ game at Crewe was one of eight matches that night with less than 1,000 paying spectators. Some 185 Latics fans travelled to watch a game in which their team just did not show the kind of commitment that wins games. Wigan still have a chance of qualifying from if they win their last group game at Shrewsbury, but on the evidence of the commitment shown in the games against Wolves U21 and Crewe it would be a surprise.

Richardson’s prime goal this season is to secure promotion. The League Cup and EFL Trophy have been secondary considerations and there are few fans who would argue against that. However, the performances of the second string in the EFL Trophy games and in the Sunderland game in the League Cup have been so below par that some fans are questioning the quality of the first team squad players who were involved. If those games have provided an opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim for a place in the senior team starting line-up, then it has not happened. Wigan’s best player at Crewe was Tickle and Kieran Lloyd, Scott Smith and Chris Sze looked as comfortable as any of the senior players.

However, looking at the first team squad analytically there is lots of depth. There are experienced players who have already been successful at League 1 level or above. However, they may be lacking sharpness due to lack of playing time with the manager keeping faith in a group of players who have got the club off to a fine start to the campaign. In the old days those players would have been sent to get game time in the reserve team. Such entities no longer exist in the modern era, having been replaced by development squads, with the emphasis of grooming young players.

However, first team squad players are sometimes drafted into U23 games from time to time. Both Curtis Tilt and Thelo Aasgaard played against Charlton U23s on September 13. Adam Long and Luke Robinson have played in the last four U23 games. Up this point Richardson has used the cup games, rather than U23 games, to help senior players to keep up their match fitness. The next EFL trophy game is on November 9 at Shrewsbury.

_{Courtesy of bbc.co.uk}

The indifferent performances of senior players in the recent cup games is hard to fathom. There was surely enough ability and experience in those line-ups to put up better performances against the second strings of Sunderland and Crewe and the Wolves U21s. One could not expect those Latics XI’s to gel, but despite the lack of cohesion we might have expected some more memorable individual performances.

But the bottom line is that Wigan do have considerable strength in depth. It can only be truly tested when those fringe players are given the opportunity to play in a first team which has already gelled, making it easy for replacements to slot in.

Wigan Athletic: is it time for more squad rotation?

JJ (Tony) — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:59:56 GMT

Alex Ferguson liked to use squad rotation as a means of freshening his starting line-up fresh and sending a message to his players that none of them had a guaranteed place there. For each game he would typically change one or two players, often central midfielders. From late 2008 until March 2011, he went 165 games without naming an unchanged starting XI.

On Tuesday night Sunderland manager Lee Johnson made five changes to the line-up that had beaten Bolton 1-0 the previous Saturday. They went on to beat Cheltenham 5-0. That same night Leam Richardson typically made no changes to his starting line-up for the encounter with Sheffield Wednesday. It was a line-up that had been producing a series of good results and the Latics manager saw no need to tamper with it.

Wigan Athletic have seven players who have started in all 9 league matches played this season, with two more players who have played in 8. Having such a backbone of regulars in the starting line-up has enabled the team to gel more quickly than might have been expected. Gary Caldwell’s League 1 title winning team of 2015-16 also had a large influx of new players and initially took time to gel with a record of W4 D2 L3, gaining 11 points in their first 9 games. Latics currently have a record of W6 D1 L2, amassing 19 points.

Leam Richardson has done a terrific job since taking over as manager in November 2020. Keeping Latics out of the relegation zone at the end of last season was a great achievement given the challenging conditions he faced. He also deserves credit for the start his new squad have made this season.

There has been much conjecture on the social media regarding the splitting of the Cook/Richardson partnership. The former has had a hard time at Ipswich since joining them in March, winning only 22% of games played up to this point. It contrasts with his former assistant’s stats of 35% since last September.

For so many years the names of Cook and Richardson had been synonymous: they were seemingly joined from the hip. But despite their parting the football Latics have continued to play has been pretty much like we saw in the Cook era. Moreover, Richardson has stuck with that familiar 4-2-3-1 system, being conservative with the introduction of substitutes, loyal to his senior professionals.

Among the strengths of the Latics team this season has been in winning “second balls” and in being dangerous from set pieces. They are a physically imposing team and have the height to trouble the opposition from corners and free kicks. They have proven able to grind down the opposition to the extent of becoming stronger in the latter part of the proceedings. The stats show that on first half goals alone their record is W2 D6 L1, opposed to W6 D2 L1 for the second halves.

Richardson has a squad that is the envy of most of the other clubs in the division. However, the challenge for the manager is to keep players happy who are not getting regular game time. He has a wealth of talent and experience in reserve, either on the bench or not even in the match day squad. He has a big squad with three players whose specialist position is left back, three for the left wing and five central defenders.

The manager has been reluctant, up to this point, to rotate his squad in a manner akin to that practiced by Alex Ferguson. Unless an unprecedented wave of injuries hits the squad there are likely to be players who will be starved of opportunities. Lowest in the pecking order is likely to be the young talent: homegrown players Thelo Aasgaard, Adam Long and Luke Robinson. It would be no surprise to see some of them being sent out on loan at some time during the season.

Will Richardson name an unchanged starting line-up for Saturday’s trip to Gillingham? Or will he make some small adjustments?

A Cardiff fan’s view of Joe Bennett

JJ (Tony) — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 10:29:05 GMT

_{Courtesy of Wales News Service}

Wigan Athletic last week announced the signing of 31-year-old Joe Bennett from Cardiff City. The left back has over 300 appearances in the Premier League and Championship and looks an outstanding signing for Latics in League 1.

Bennett had been offered a new contract at Cardiff prior to Mick McCarthy’s arrival in January, the player suffering a serious ACL injury in March. By early August Bennett was still training with Cardiff although no new contract had been offered, prompting McCarthy to comment:

“He is in the building and he is going to train. I am more than happy for him to train, he has been a great servant to the club. I think there was an offer made to him prior to me coming in and it didn’t get signed. That’s just the way it is. Contracts run out. Sadly for him he got injured.

If he hadn’t have been injured he would have left, played for someone else and we wouldn’t be having this discussion. I was quite sad about it because I spoke to Benno when I came in, I knew his contract was running out. I discussed with him about staying, then injury comes and it changed it all.”

On signing for Latics, Bennett commented:

“I’m delighted to get a chance to come to a massive club like this and get the opportunity to play. Hopefully I can come here, help the team and get promoted and that’s why I’ve come here – to get promoted and I’m sure a lot of the lads and staff want that as well.

For me there was a good feel about the club and we’ve had a good start. We’ve got a good squad and a good team. If I can add my experience and some of my attributes to the team as well, then it’ll bode well. I think I fit into that, and I want to help the team and help the squad if I get the opportunity to play. I’ve come here to get promoted and hopefully that’s what we can do.”

Born in Rochdale, Joseph Bennett graduated through the Middlesbrough academy, signing a professional contract as a 19-year-old in the summer of 2008. He went on to make 78 starts and 7 appearances off the bench over four seasons in the Premier League and Championship. Bennett signed for Aston Villa for £2.75m in August 2012. He made 25 appearances in the Premier League in 2012-13. He had injury problems in his second season, limiting him to 7 appearances in all competitions. In 2014-15 Bennett played for Brighton and Hove Albion on loan, making 45 appearances. Following further loan spells at Bournemouth and Sheffield Wednesday he left Aston Villa for Cardiff after amassing 30 league appearances for Villa.

Joining Cardiff City in August 2016 he went on to make 164 league appearances for the Bluebirds over 5 seasons, scoring 5 goals.

In order to learn more about Marshall’s time at Cardiff we reached out to Benjamin James of the View from the Ninian fan site (http://www.viewfromtheninian.com/).

Here’s over to Benjamin:

Joe Bennett has great teeth and is a great left back. He joined Cardiff, unheralded, in 2016 and we no longer needed to worry about the left back position. It was like he was what we had always been looking for.

Solid, good going forward, even better at defending. When we got promoted to the premier league, he was a key player in the promotion run and in the year at the top where he really didn’t look out of place.

If I’d had my choice, we would have kept him but a difference in opinion on wages and then his injury put paid to that. It feels like a changing of the guard for us. A player who had spent five years with us and was a big part of our successes during that time is moving on.

No offence to Wigan, but I’m surprised he’s dropped down to league one. Maybe he’s not sure his body is up to the rigours of the Championship after an ACL injury but I won’t doubt his ability. He’s a quality, consistent left back and you’ve got a gem.

A St Johnstone fan view of Jason Kerr

JJ (Tony) — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 16:55:21 GMT

Wigan Athletic yesterday announced the signing of St Johnstone centre half and captain Jason Kerr for a fee of around £600,000. The six-foot tall, 24-year-old was a key player in the Perth club’s historic achievements in winning both the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup last season.

Jason Kerr was born in Edinburgh and joined St Johnstone in 2014. In summer 2015 he was loaned East Fife, then in the Scottish League 2, as an 18-year-old, making 33 appearances to help the Methil club gain promotion to the Championship. He stayed there in the 2016-17 season, making 43 appearances. Kerr then spent a half season loan period at Queen of the South, making 18 appearances for the Dumfries club in the Scottish Championship, returning in January to Perth to appear 15 times for St Johnstone by the end of the season. Having established himself he went on to become club captain from summer 2019 and to make a further 100 appearances in the next 3 and a bit seasons for The Saints.

Kerr has 6 caps for the Scotland at U23 level.

In order to learn more about Kerr’s time at St Johnstone we contacted Jamie Beatson from the We Are Perth fan site (www.weareperth.co.uk).

Here’s over to Jamie:

First things first – £600k is a bargain. For that you’re getting a 24-year-old who is vastly experienced for his age, has captained a small club to unprecedented success and who has shown up extremely well against very good European teams – Galatasaray and LASK – in the past few weeks. In any just world he’d have multiple Scotland caps by now, but, alas, the SFA have their heads firmly in their ar..s.

See for example Jack Hendry – a recent Celtic flop who just sold for £8m to a Belgian side. As far as I’m concerned Kerr is every bit as good a defender as Hendry – better in many aspects. But Hendry played for Celtic so was rewarded for caps, despite his crap form. Kerr excelled for Saints and got nothing.

At the price quoted I’m amazed a current championship side hasn’t taken him. He could easily play at that level right now – and I guess the hope for you guys is that he will be next season!

You’ll want to know what type of player he is. Very much a modern centre back – comfortable with the ball but, crucially, still a good defender. Strong and good in the air, but also clever with his feet and always picking the right moment to set out of defence. His underlapping runs from RCB last season were a joy to watch and will be missed.

I’d be amazed if a good year or two with you doesn’t see him in the sights of bigger clubs higher up the food chain. He has all the attributes and his best years are well and truly in front of him. He will forever be a St Johnstone legend for leading us to an unprecedented cup double and for that we’ll always be grateful.

Enjoy him, and I hope he leads you to similar success as he had up here!

5-4-Friday… 5 nauseating phrases #3

Griff — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 06:41:26 GMT

Hey, remember me? I used to write a blog called 5-4-Frday a couple of years ago. What do you mean, you thought I was dead? Well, I’m not, sadly for you lot. Not only that, I’ve been inspired to dust … Continue reading →

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5-4-Friday… 5 unseen films

Griff — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 07:44:17 GMT

Netflix has released a film, Bandersnatch, which allows the user to choose alternative plots and endings. What a great idea! If only this had been available years ago; I’d have changed the last ever episode of The Sopranos so that … Continue reading →

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5-4-Friday… 5 Brexit things

Griff — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 22:03:32 GMT

Ooh, I don’t feel all that comfortable with this week’s 5-4-Friday! I’ll happily bore people stupid with my opinions on most topics but I usually shy away from political debate. Not so much because it can be divisive and emotive … Continue reading →

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5-4-Friday… 5 14-year old son things

Griff — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 08:02:47 GMT

I may have mentioned it in passing before now but, for those who it might have passed by, I once wrote a book, you know?. Actually, I wrote three, and they’re all available to buy via some very popular websites, … Continue reading →

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5-4-Friday… 5 2018 World Cup things

Griff — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 19:15:54 GMT

The 2018 World Cup gets underway in Russia on Thursday. As with the 2016 European Championships, Chris Griffin Says is hosting a prediction competition to raise funds for The Bring Joy Foundation, the charitable arm of Home Instead Senior Care … Continue reading →

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5-4-Friday… 5 TV Nonsenses

Griff — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 07:54:26 GMT

I watch a lot of television. That’s not strictly true, actually. My wife and son watch a lot of actual television, whereas I watch a lot of television shows on Netflix peering at my laptop or iPad. The wife watches … Continue reading →

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5-4-Friday… 5 day off things

Griff — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 13:42:50 GMT

It’s coming to the end of the holiday year at work and so, as usual toward the end of March, I have found myself trying to shoe-horn in the odd day off to avoid losing them completely. Here are a … Continue reading →

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5-4-Friday… 5 nauseating phrases #2

Griff — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 08:00:07 GMT

A while back, May 2014 to be exact, I wrote a blog bemoaning the use of nauseating phrases in the workplace, particularly in meetings. Taking people on a journey down their happy path, warming them up and informing parts of … Continue reading →

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5-4-Friday… 5 Chris Griffins

Griff — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 21:18:42 GMT

It’s always been a bit of a dilemma having work colleagues and associates as Facebook friends, for me. At best it’s style-cramping, at worst, career-threatening. I’ve managed to avoid it thus far, only starting to stalk/bore the life out of … Continue reading →

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Goals From All Areas Can Keep Wigan On Track for Promotion

Griff — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 16:00:29 GMT

Goals From All Areas Can Keep Wigan On Track for Promotion Image Source: Wigan Athletic via Twitter The surge up to the Premier League and battling amongst the English elite, reaching the League Cup final or winning the FA … Continue reading →

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