Misogynistic Spud-head or Managerial Genius?

"If we're not careful, we'll be playing in high heels and skirts and playing netball."

- Steve Bruce

With Steve Bruce's acrimonious departure from Birmingham City now complete, and Latics chairman Dave Whelan explaining it all away as "two women having a fall-out" (Brenda Spencer and Karren Brady), it is now all down to the potato headed Bruce to drag Latics from the mire in which they find themselves.

Bruce, unpopular with many Latics fans after showing the door to Roberto Martinez and nine other players before deciding we were merely a stepping stone for his ambitions and ditching us for Crystal Palace, will return £250,000 in image rights to Birmingham City and Bernard Cribbins.

Reportedly on a handsome £40,000 a week at his new club, this shouldn't dent his bank balance too badly, but he will need to conjure a sharp turn in Latics fortunes in order to sway the doubters amongst the clubs' supporters.


And these doubters have a point. Explaining away his exit from the club the first time as being down to his wife wanting to live in London, it begs the question: Why is he back in Wigan? And since when has a man whose view of women is straight from the Mike Newell stable of misogyny, ever taken a female's feelings into account on his single-minded drive to Premier League management?

He will watch Saturday's match at Arsenal from the stands, and from there will be able to witness the monumental task ahead of him in order to repay Whelan's faith, and convince those who think he is not up to scratch.

Online Pro-Evolution Soccer League

We have been contacted to plug a spanking new online Pro-Evolution Soccer League, which we have been told is being run for players who want to have fun.

Thankfully for us at PARALATIC (who will be entering a team) rubbish players are encouraged to join as it’s all about enjoyment.

The organizers are local men of high standing, but stress that the league is open to supporters of any team, from Latics to Leicester to Liverpool to Leigh RMI.

Please visit their website at this link: www.pro-evo-league.co.nr

The £50,000 Pair of Boots

Dave Whelan today questioned why the well-off Pascal Chimbonda needed an £18,000 loan from his agent Willie McKay when he moved from Latics to Tottenham in 2006.

Chimbonda, 28, was questioned by City of London police last week on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and bailed until October.

The police are anxious to establish that any loans paid to players are not for the purpose of avoiding tax because loans are not taxable.

Yet Chimbonda talked Whelan into loaning him £50,000 for a pair of boots (and a car – Ed) when he initially signed from Bastia in 2005.

"Chimbonda told me he was skint and wanted a loan” said Whelan, "we are a football club, not a bank and I said I didn't loan players money.

"But he wanted to buy a car and didn't have a decent pair of boots, [so] we organised a bank loan of £50,000 for him, with a warranty that the money would come out of his wages if he didn't pay it back.

"He paid the bank, as far as I know, and we just guaranteed it."

Chimbonda went on to sign a new, improved contract at Latics before his £4.5m switch to White Hart Lane.

"I can't believe Chimbonda would have needed another loan," said Whelan.

His totally above-board agent, Mr. Willie “Totally-Above-Board” McKay said: "I have done this before for many of my players if they are short. If it was underhand why would I give him a cheque from my bank account?"

Wigan Athletic v Fulham Preview

Fulham travel to the JJB tomorrow (Saturday) looking for their first away win this season, whilst Latics have not yet lost at home.

Kevin Kilbane is banned for this game only after his dismissal at Newcastle.

Recent signing Salomon Olembe is not yet fully match-fit. Antonio Valencia (knee) and Denny Landzaat (fractured eye socket) are also out.

Defender Aaron Hughes is set to make his debut for Fulham after an ankle injury.

Striker David Healy should start for the visitors and new signings Danny Murphy, Seol Ki-Hyeon and Shefki Kuqi are expected to be on the bench.

Recent talk has all been about Emile Heskey’s excellent performances for England, but other teams should beware that Latics don’t utilize him as England do, with Hutchings trusting to Heskey’s other skills, rather than simply using him as a holding player.

Indeed, in this vein, Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez said of the England Striker: "I have always liked Emile, I think he has been given a hard time but it is nice to see an English team whack the ball up to a centre-forward to head down for the little striker to score”.

Latics (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Granqvist, Bramble, Boyce, Brown, Scharner, Koumas, Sibierski, Heskey, Skoko, Bent, Aghahowa, Bouaouzan, Cotterill, Hall, Olembe, Pollitt.

Fulham (from): Niemi, Warner, Keller, Volz, Baird, Stefanovic, Bocanegra, Hughes, Davis, Smertin, Murphy, Seol, Davies, Healy, Dempsey, Konchesky, Kamara, John, Kuqi.

Referee: Rob Styles (Waterlooville, Hampshire)

History

Fulham started its existence in 1879 as Fulham St Andrew's Church Sunday School, founded by worshippers at the C of E church on Star Road, West Kensington, which still stands today with a plaque commemorating the team's foundation. They won the West London Amateur Cup in 1887 and, having shortened the name to its present form in 1888, they then won the West London League in 1893 at the first attempt. One of the club's first ever kits was half red, half white shirts with white shorts worn in the 1886-7 season.[3] Fulham started playing at their current ground Craven Cottage in 1896, their first game against now defunct rivals Minerva F.C.

Latics' Rachid Bouaouzan in Action

Here's a video of our new signing Rachid Bouaouzan in action for Sparta Rotterdam.

Bouaouzan gained notoriety in Holland when he broke the right leg of striker Niels Kokmeijer in a first division game in December 2004 (seen in this video).

Kokmeijer, then with Go Ahead Eagles, suffered multiple fractures and was forced to retire from the game. Bouaouzan was suspended for the rest of the season by Sparta, a sentence greater than the 10-game penalty handed down by KNVB, Dutch football's governing body.

However, in an unprecedented move, Bouaouzan was taken to court by the Dutch government and Kokmeijer on a charge of battery. In August 2005, he was found guilty and received a suspended six-month jail sentence and ordered to serve 200 hours of community service.

Thanks to Handsome Jimmy Bullard for finding this, and well done Chris Hutchings for signing a tackling midfielder. Bravo!

Transfer Day Round-up

Latics have signed Marcus Bent on a season's loan from Charlton Athletic.

We are the 10th club of Bent's career, which includes spells at Blackburn Rovers, Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Everton and Charlton.

After a £2.5million move from Everton in January last year, he scored just five goals in 52 appearances.

Hutchings, though, feels Bent's experience will prove invaluable and is delighted with his ninth signing of the summer.

"It's a great deal. We've got him on loan, which is a convenient arrangement for us" said Hutchings. "Marcus has played the majority of his career in the top flight, he's been there and done it, and knows how to look after himself at this level.

"He is a clever player who can fulfil a number of roles and whose game is far more than just about scoring. He's lively and brings others into play. He's a street-wise sort of player, who never gives any less than 100 per cent and is one of those lads you want on your side.

"I've always said that I'll only bring in players who I think will add a new dimension to the squad and I think Marcus fits the bill."

The arrival of Bent has allowed Latics to sell Caleb Folan to Hull City for a Tigers club record of £1m, with the 23-year-old signing a three-year contract. Folan spent a month on loan with the Tigers in 2001, but without making a first-team start. Folan joined Latics in January for £500,000 from Chesterfield, scoring twice in 16 appearances.

Dutch winger Rachid Bouaouzan has joined Latics from Sparta Rotterdam for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old has signed a three-year contract at the JJB.

Chris Hutchings said: "I know he has been chased by several clubs, so I am delighted he has chosen to join us.

"He has bags of potential and exactly what it takes to be a success in this country. We were very keen to get him on board."

Bouaouzan, who is of Moroccan descent, was apparently persuaded to join Latics after speaking with Mario Melchiot and Denny Landzaat.

19 year-old striker Jonathan Smith has been released by Latics to be snapped up by Aberdeen on a one-year deal.

Henri Camara has joined West Ham United on a year long loan with a view to a permanent move. "If I don't get another chance, I'd like to thank all the Wigan Athletic supporters and the staff at the club who have made this a special two years for me. Let's see what the future holds in store!" said Camara

If Music Be The Food Of Love.......

Here is a nice ditty about the Super Latics that's been knocking around for a couple of months, for those of you that haven't heard it.

Latics v Sunderland Preview

"We've played more good football in the last 45 minutes than for most of last season" said the wise man sat behind me on Wednesday. He had a point, and it's up to Latics to reinforce that point by continuing where they left off in the defeat of Middlesbrough.

Sunderland are tomorrows opponents, managed by the lovable Roy Keane. Roy was a little overweight when he was younger; below is a video of him at the funfair with his auntie Janice. Make sure you turn up the sound so you can hear his sexy Irish brogue.

Tickets are available on the day for home fans.

Michael Brown is available for Latics after serving his suspension but Emmerson Boyce is still out injured.

Sunderland winger Carlos Edwards is out for a month with a hamstring injury, joining Grant Leadbitter (hamstring) on the sidelines.

Stern John is pressing for a start, while Kieron Richardson and Dwight Yorke could also return

Latics (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Granqvist, Kilbane, Valencia, Scharner, Landzaat, Koumas, Heskey, Folan, Sibierski, Hall, Skoko, Aghahowa, Camara, Brown, Pollitt.

Sunderland (from): Gordon, Halford, Wallace, Nosworthy, McShane, Richardson, Etuhu, Whitehead, Edwards, Stokes, Chopra, Ward, Anderson, Collins, Miller, Kay, Yorke, John, Murphy, O'Donovan.

Referee: Mike Riley (Leeds)

Brown turns Blue.....

Michael Brown this morning completed his long awaited move to the JJB. Michael has signed a 3 year deal for a reported £3.1 million.

The transfer of Brown from Fulham has taken an age - or so it seems, with both player and club finally agreeing terms late last night, paving the way for Brown to complete a medical and sign on the dotted line this morning.

Hutchings was delighted to finally net his man, speaking to the Official Website he said: "We have worked really hard behind the scenes to make this one happen because i believe he will make a big difference to the side and i am really happy Michael has agreed to join us.

Brown is Manager Chris Hutchings seventh signing making it a blockbuster of a summer on the buying front for the Latics. One is really starting to wonder if we will hit double figures on the transfer front as we are still constantly being linked with players. We here at Paralatic say "BRING IT ON"!!

Maurice is Poorly

Maurice Lindsay is on the tablets after watching his chimps get stuffed by a pub team.

"I am 66 and, as many people know, my health has suffered in the last couple of years," he said.

"My doctor has constantly stressed to me that I should take more care of my health. Therefore, it probably needs someone else to take the club forward for the next 10 years."

With this in mind he has decided to step down from the egg's board at the end of the season, although no word has been forthcoming about him jumping off the Latics gravytrain after he smugly belittled us in the past.

After confidently predicting Wigan Warriors would take 35-40,000 fans to the new Wembley for the challenge cup final, he was conspicuous by his absence when the BBC were interviewing the gallant losers on Sunday afternoon.

Get well soon Maurice!!

R.I.P. Alf Craig

It is with sadness that we bring you the news that former Latics player/manager Alf Craig has passed away.

He signed for Latics in 1964 and made 126 league appearances. He also scored "The Goal That Never Was" against Tranmere Rovers in a first round FA cup encounter in 1966. In the dying seconds with Latics trailing 1-0, Alf released a thunderbolt which flew into the Rovers net, only for the referee to disallow it, blowing for full time as the ball flew towards the goal.

Alf also held a player-manager position from November 1966 to March 1967. He didn't enjoy this post however and resigned after agreeing with the board to be assistant manager to the next boss (Harry Leyland).

Credit to Latics official site for providing this in-depth tribute to a Latics legend.


Thank goodness for the fan sites like Ye Olde Tree And Crown.

Rest in peace Alf.

Baines snubs persistent Keane

Leighton Baines has today snubbed the efforts of Sunderland's Roy Keane bid to bring him to the JJB after a reported £6 million bid had been tabled by the black cats.

Baines had been given permission by Latics to speak to Sunderland but after talks, the deal was not done and he has decided to stay at the JJB(for the time being). Everton are still reported to be tacking the U-21 star but are only willing to offer a sum in the region of £4 miilion.

Elsewhere it looks like the Michael (gnasher)Brown transfer may finally be resolved in the next 2 - 3 days with the player reportedly agreeing personal terms with the club for his move up north. Living accomodation was apparently important for Brown so the top floor flat at Douglas house in Scholes was ideal. Hope you settle in well Michael.

Race for Brown almost won..

Wigan Athletic are one step closer to signing Michael Brown from Fulham. This particular transfer target seems to have been rumbling along for some time now. But it is now reported that Michael has had a medical at the JJB and is keen to agree personal terms with the Latics.


It is reported that Wigan have made a £2.5 million bid for the 30 yr old midfielder who is becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of games for the London club.

Elsewhere on the rumour mill Chris Hutchings is said to be keen on bringing Lomana Lua Lua to the JJB after the bizarre switch in elegance of Marlon turncoat Harewood signing for Villa. Lua Lua seems to be dropping down the pecking order at current club Portsmouth and therfore a move North may well suit him.

Also, Mr Keane just dosen't know when to give up, apparently Leighton Baines was yesterday reportedly on his way up to Sunderland to hold transfer talks with the powers that be at the Stadium of Light. No fee for the young left-back has been agreed between the two clubs but a fee in the region of £5.5 million is believed to be wanted by Wigan. We here at Paralatic have just one thing to say to Mr Keane -HANDS OFF - I thought you didn't like scousers anyway!!!!!!!!!

Latics All-Stars Require Hot Talent

Latics All-Stars require hot nubile young men to join their half-time dance troupe.

Interested hot sexy young men should ring Latics and ask for Maurice for a personal audition.

Harewood move/Baines speculation

Marlon Harewood has forsaken Wigan Athletic for the delights of Villa Park. He signs for Aston Villa from West Ham United for an undisclosed fee (rumoured to be around £3.5 million).

"If he can recapture the form he showed in the two seasons before last, he will definitely be a big asset" said Villa manager Martin O'Neill.

Meanwhile, Roy Keane's tenacity as a player is resurfacing in his tenure as manager of Sunderland as he, once again, is on the tail of Latics star Leighton Baines.

He has already had three bids for Latic's 22 year-old full-back rejected, but like a dog with a bone, he just won't let go.

"Just because a club says a player is not for sale - if that was the case, nobody would ever move club" said Keane.

"I am sure Everton told Manchester United Wayne Rooney was not for sale, but they got him, so we will see."

Jewell at Leeds/Johansson Leaves

Reports in Yorkshire claim a wealthy business consortium, want Paul Jewell as manager should they take charge of Leeds United.

It's understood they see Jewell as the ideal man to come in and revive Leeds' fortunes. It's a challenge Jewell may fancy - he is based in neighbouring Ilkley and has vowed to be back once he is refreshed after taking a break.

Andreas Johansson has been released from his Latics contract with one year still remaining on it and he is expected to move to Danish team Aalborg.

PARALATIC gazumped by Vital Football

They nicked our headline. Swines.

You can read their marvellous article here.

Marlon Harewood has not joined the Latics squad in Holland, and reports suggest that he is in talks with Aston Villa after they matched West Ham's asking price, regarding his footballing future.

Harewood's agent Mick McGuire said "We are currently in talks with Aston Villa after they agreed a fee with West Ham, If the talks go well he will then undergo a medical as normal.

"As we know Wigan have made a bid for Marlon and talked to him also.

"Now it is down to Marlon to make a decision on where he goes."

Harewood set to become a Latic..

Marlon Harewood looks all set to be Wigan manager Chris Hutchings seventh signing of the summer. Reports are that Marlon had his extensive medical at the JJB yesterday and now looks to put pen to paper and join the Wigan outfit in a reported £4 million deal.

Hutchings was looking to strengthen his attack after the sale of Lee McCulloch to rangers this week. As soon as the deal is done Mr Harewood will join his new team mates at their summer training camp in Holland.

Miss Wigan Athletic 2007: Winner Revealed.

Stephanie Angleterre

Stephanie says: "I am really happy to win, I want to help make the world a better place by helping blind orphans and saving the whales. I think everyone in the world should just get along and be nice to each other. George Bush and Osama bin Laden should come round to my house for a nice cup of tea and stop fighting".

Stephanie likes Bunny Rabbits, Clouds, Flowers, Bacardi Breezers, Anal Sex and Opium.

Camara Touted Around

Football agent Mamadou Cherif is creating waves on the football pond by offering the services of some of his wares, namely our very own Henri Camara.

He has told a Senagalese website that Blackburn Rovers and Fulham are interested in the international striker in an attempt to engineer a profitable move away from the JJB.

"There is one club who have made an offer which is Fulham, but Wigan haven't responded and it doesn't please us much either," said Cherif.

"I am working on two trails: Portsmouth and Blackburn."

Have Latics gazumped Birmingham?

After passing a medical at Birmingham City yesterday, it appears that Marlon Harewood may now be on his way to Wigan Athletic after Latics boss Chris Hutchings tabled a £3.7 million bid for the West Ham striker.

Alan Curbishley has recently splashed out £7.5 million for Craig Bellamy meaning that Harewood is surplus to requirements at Upton Park.

Everton in for Baines?

Everton are believed to be about to make an offer for the £6 million rated Leighton Baines.

After the latest offer from Sunderland for Baines was rebuffed, Latics boss Chris Hutchings was insistent the full-back would not be leaving.

"I have told Roy Keane that Leighton is not for sale, he is part of this club," said Hutchings.

"Everyone does have a price, but I am happy to keep him as I am building a team".

Latics Sell McCulloch and Hope to Sign Marlon

Lee McCulloch has completed his transfer to Glasgow Rangers and has signed a four year deal after holding talks yesterday..

The agreed fee is undisclosed, but is widely touted around the internet to be between £2-2.5 million.
"I'm delighted to be coming to such a massive club, a club with ambition and a club with tradition," said McCulloch,

"It really is brilliant and one of the best days of my life. I'm here to play for the badge. I had hoped I would get the move in January but Wigan wouldn't budge. But that's all in the past now because the most important thing is that I have signed here now,"

"Walter Smith and Ally McCoist were great with me during their period with Scotland and the fact they wanted to bring me here is fantastic."

Meanwhile, Latics boss Chris Hutchings hopes chairman Dave Whelan's comments about the Carlos Tevez affair will not affect his plans to acquire the services of Hammers forward Marlon Harewood.

"What happened is in the past, you can't look back" said Hutchings.

"We've shown an interest in Marlon and that is ongoing".

Kool Kool Koumas Signs for Latics..

Wigan Athletic finally got their man today. Securing the signing of 27yr old Welsh International Jason Koumas for a fee reported to be around £5.3 million.

Koumas is now new manager Chris Hutchings sixth signing of the summer and all seems to be going well on the intake front at the JJB. The former West Brom ace completed his move from The Baggies to Wigan today after what appears to be a rather drawn out saga between the two clubs after West Brom appeared to be trying to make the most of cashing in on the Koumas deal.

After Wigan's lofty bid was accepted, Koumas jumped at the chance to sign and is looking to repay Chris Hutchings' faith in him. "I'm delighted it's all done now and I can look forward to playing in the Premiership," he told Sky Sports News. "It's where I've wanted to be for a while so I can prove what I can do. It's all about playing in the Premiership.
"I'm at an age now where I need to be playing there. Wigan have given me the chance to come here and do well.
"Wigan is a great move for me. They've paid a lot of money for me, so I can't wait to get started and repay the faith the manager has shown.

Harewood and Brown may have the Blues....

The title may sound more like a new sponsor for the JJB billboards but it is reported that Chris Hutchings is very close to signing Marlon Harewood from West Ham United and Michael Gnasher Brown from Fulham.

The Guardian and Daily Mail have reported that Mr Brown was meeting with the powers that be at the JJB to tie up the deal and make his move North from the London Club. Brown has been a target of the Latics for some time now, who was reported to be tracking him while he was at Tottenham but missed out after he chose Fulham(of all clubs). Silly boy!!.

The Wigan manager has also stepped up his chase for another striker, with a £3.2million offer for Marlon Harewood being rumoured. Like Brown, he has been long admired by the Latics, and the Guardian are claiming Wigan are winning the race to sign the West Ham

strikeg, who has also been linked with Birmingham, Aston Villa and Manchester City to name a few.

Will he stay or will he go now.....

Sunderland have today upped their efforts to land our lovable left back Leighton Baines. It seems that Bainsey is hot property and Sunderland have today raised the stakes in landing the U21 star with a reported £5,000 000 bid.

With two previous bids tabled by Mr Keane knocked back by Wigan, the coffers could well be quaffed for Mr Hutchings if the Latics decide the new bid is too much too resist.

Leighton is a big favourite at Wigan and holds the record for most first team appearances in the Premiership. He will be sadly be missed if the Chairman and club decide to sell.

Skoko stays....

Josip Skoko today ended any speculation of leaving the JJB after putting pen to paper and signing a new 1 year deal at the club.

The 31yr old's future was in doubt when he was reported to be stalling on signing the new deal offered by new manager Chris Hutchings. Although the deal is subject to a work permit that has been applied for but this is not thought to be a problem.

No further news/speculation is currently being banded about across the VPN's of the world wide web although no doubt further links to players will appear in the next 24 hours.

The race for Jase heats up...

The race to sign West Brom midfielder Jason Koumas hots up for Chris Hutchings and Wigan Athletic. It is reported that the Latics are set to increase their offer to get their man sooner rather than later.

West Brom missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season, making it ever more likely that Koumas would leave.

Latics boss Chris Hutchings is still confident of signing Koumas and says the situation is on-going.
"We made a substantial bid for Jason Koumas which was rejected - but our efforts are still alive," Hutchings told the Wigan Evening Post.

Latest Tenuous Links

Svetoslav Todorov (after he rejected Portsmouth's new contract offer because he was not happy with the terms of the one-year extension with a further year depending on appearances).

Andy Todd (after being released by Blackburn Rovers with a year still left to run on his contract).

McCulloch Fee Agreed

Glasgow Rangers and Wigan Athletic have agreed on a £2.5 million fee for Lee McCulloch according to the Manchester Evening News.

Latics' boss Chris Hutchings apparently doesn't want McCulloch to leave, but Big Lee has set his sights on a move to the club he supported as a boy.

Arjan de Zeeuw has signed for Coventry City after being released by Latics at the end of last season.

Rumours Rounded-up

Leighton Baines is going nowhere.

"Baines has told me he is happy to stay and I am certainly not looking to sell him" said Latics manager Chris Hutchings.

Nathan Ellington will not be coming back.

"I am not sure about bringing players back for a second spell. We will not be pursuing this" said Hutchings.

West Brom have apparently accepted a bid for Jason Koumas. What the bid actually is, or if there's any truth at all in this is anyone's guess.

Boudewijn Zenden is being targeted as a replacement for Lee McCulloch, who is on his way to Glasgow Rangers for £2.5 million.

Henri Camara could be moving to Blackburn Rovers in a straight swap for the gorgeous Robbie Savage. MWAH!

You have to be FRANK about it...

Chris Hutchings has finally got his man. Frank Barlow has joined the team and become No2 to the Hutchmeister. Frank was said to be flattered and excited when offered the prestigious role.

Speaking earlier today he also said "I cannot wait to meet all the players in pre-season training",which apparently starts tomorrow. Hutchings told Wigan's website: "I'm very excited about working with him, he was always my first choice and will bring fresh ideas.
"I need someone I can trust implicitly when it comes to football knowledge, you can't get more experience than he's got, he knows players inside-out."

Frank has a wealth of knowledge about the game and has been tried and tested at many clubs and could prove to be the vital ingredient in the latics coaching staff for that winning mentality. And if you believe that you should go ahead and book your first session with your local psychiatrist.

Nash Potatoes

Well, Latics official site went with "Nash Landing" and "Nash Wednesday", so I thought I'd come up with a similarly shit headline. Who does the official site?

Jesus.

That was an exclamation, not an answer to the question. The question was rhetorical.

GOD: "Atheism is the only true religion"
MAN: "I don't believe you"

What was the reason I started this story? I can't remember.

Oh yeah, we've signed the perma-tanned Carlo Nash on a two year deal.

Rumours and Whispers

Sunderland are the latest club linked to Leighton Baines, along with Newcastle, Everton and Aston Villa.

Everton forward James Beattie has apparently tried David Moyes patience a little too far, (with not, who can say, perhaps he farts too much in the team bath) and Latics are rumoured to be considering a £2 million swoop.

Locomotiv Moscow's Scottish international striker Garry O'Connor, a target of Birmingham City and West Ham, is reportedly worth a Latics bid of £2.5 million.

Feyenoord have expressed an interest in Denny Landzaat as new coach Bert van Marwijk looks to take his team to a higher level.

Wigan Athletic - Female Oppressors

Man is not the enemy here, but the fellow victim. The real enemy is women's denigration of themselves.

Betty Friedan (1921-2006)

After so many women have fought so hard to rectify the cultural, political and economic practises and inequalities that discriminate against women, it is saddening to see so many naive girls entering the "Miss Wigan Athletic" competition in the Wigan Observer.

In the bastion of manhood that is the JJB, some may find it surprising to find club secretary Brenda Spencer on the competition's judging panel. Ardent Wigan Athletic supporters however, will not.

What may be dismissed by some as "a bit of fun", will also go some way to eroding the intellectual work done by Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan and Naomi Wolf (amongst others), that argued against female stereotyping, sexual objectification and gender oppression.

No doubt some of the girls entering the competition will at some point during their lives, complain about sexual inequality. Will they think back and remember this time in their lives as a time when they actively contributed to their own exploitation in a patriarchal system which devalues women and the substantial work that they do?

Not all the blame can be laid at the door of the contestants however. The powers that be at Wigan Athletic hold this competition every year, and for that, they should hang their heads in shame.

Granqvist signs on for Latics

Andreas Granqvist became Chris Hutchings fourth summer signing today after agreeing an undisclosed fee and personal terms with the club.

Andreas, although only making one first team appearance has impressed the management and staff both in the reserves and in training. Chris Hutchings gave comment today, he said: "There was a lot of interest in Andreas, which is why I wanted to get this done quickly. "Andreas has got bags of potential and I think he has the ability to make a real impact in the Premiership.
"He's good technically, he's strong and powerful and has pace, now it's up to us to make sure we harness that potential and turn him into a Premier League regular." Hutchings has also hinted at wanting at another 3 - 4 players at least. Bring it on Chris.

Whelan wants more players

Latics chairman Dave Whelan has said he wants three more players before the start of the season in order to consolidate Latics as a Premier League team.

"We've started early and we've signed what I feel are three very, very good players and we've got another three signings to go," said big Dave in his inimitable style.

"We've got to have a squad. The ambition is to stabilise in this division and then move into Europe.

"It's players who Chris and John Ballbag Benson have come up with and so far they have come up with some quality players.

"I'm encouraging them and saying let's go out and let's get Wigan Athletic recognised as being a force in the Premier League.

"You know what the football market is like, there's so many rumours going round it.

"We are looking and we are in the market big style."

Big style? FFS.

Super Mario (predictable headlines inc.)

It seems the old boys network is working in Latics' favour as new signing Mario Melchiot revealed he signed after talking to a couple of old mates.

"I know Emile Heskey very well from my time at Birmingham and Denny Landzaat from my days at Ajax and through the national team, and they both told me what a great club this was to be at," said Melchiot.

"I had a lot of choices on the table and it is difficult to make up your mind when so many people want you.

"But you know, sometimes it boils down to just how much effort someone puts in to get you, and when I saw how hard Wigan pushed, I was very impressed with that".

Wigan kick off the season away to Everton....

It's that time of the year again. Eagerly anticipated in every football fan's calendar - Fixture release day. Once again we have been drawn away in our first game of the new camapaign. I just hope that the nailbiting dosen't last until our final game of the season which sees the latics host Manchester United.

Chris Hutchings commented after seeing the fixtures "I am pleased with the forthcoming fixture list list for the new season and cannot wait to get started with the players".

"But having said that, we have avoided the really big boys early on, so we are confident we can make a good start."

"Everton will be a tough game, as every game will be , but it is a ground where we have done well the past two seasons and will go full of confidence. Following that, we have two home games in quick succession and we'll be looking for points there, too, against Middlesbrough and Sunderland. Then we've got West Ham, somewhere we have won three seasons in a row."

"I know we'll be well prepared, and go into those games with the right frame of mind. When you see the fixtures, it gives you the taste for matches again, reminds you why you're here, and now I can't wait to get going and start pre-season."

For a full listing of all the forthcoming season fixtures please follow the link below : -

http://www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10429,00.html

**Please be aware that all fixtures are subject to change due to televised games and cup run's etc.**

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Get the new fixtures - direct to your mobile!

One of the most eagerly awaited events in the domestic football calendar takes place on Thursday - the release of next season's fixture lists.

And as usual we'll be bringing all Latics fans the big news as soon as it's available on Thursday 14th June. But for those of you that won't be near a computer that day, you can have the biggest fixtures delivered straight to your mobile phone.

Here's what you can expect to receive:

- Our first four fixtures of the season
- The dates we're playing Bolton Wanderers
- And who we've got on the last day of the season

So to have the main fixture dates delivered directly to your phone via SMS, simply text CLUB WIGAN to 88442 and you'll be among the first to know where we're starting next season.

Once you have registered, Wigan Athletic reserve the right to text you repeatedly with any old shite, and charge you 25p for the privelege. Each time.

Better re-mortgage the house, now.

Rumour and News Roundup

Well it looks like we are managing to hold on to Leighton Baines(for now). It has today been announced that Newcastle United have given up in the chase to sign the U-21 Wigan star. This is due to the fact that Chris Hutchings has put a price tag on the defender of around 5 million pounds. Leighton travelled to Holland with the England U-21 squad and played the 90 minutes last night in the 0 - draw against the fiesty czech's.

Further to our earlier reports of the Latics chasing defender Mario Melchiot...... It was reported that the Wigan boss Chris Hutchings has cooled off his interest in the Rennes star after it was thought he was demanding a 3 year deal to seal the move to the JJB. However, the former Birmingham and Chelsea stalwart spent last season with Rennes but is keen to quit France for a return to the Premiership. He has returned from Holland's tour of South Korea and Thailand and was set to hold talks with Hutchings today(Tuesday).

And Finally.........

After the massive response we had from our last transfer rumour bulletin regarding the loveable Two Teeth Tommy, we can confirm that due to the amount of fan mail Tommy received (of which he thanks you all from the bottom of his cavities), Tommy has also put forward his brother(pictured below) for a vacancy at the JJB. It is rumoured that he will be going for the position of chief Pie taster. Tommy's brother (fat faced freddie) is considered to be an expert in the field of greed. It is thought his favourite dish is Hairy Pie, a delecacy among the East stand massive at the JJB. We wish Freddie all the best in his pursuit of the vacancy and keep piling on the pounds pork chop.

Whelan Sells JJB Stake

Latics chairman Dave Whelan has sold his stake in the JJB Sports company he founded for £190million.

"Retiring from the board and selling my stake in the business I founded has not been an easy decision," said Whelan.

"But it has been made easier by my confidence in the management team. I wish the company every success."

He has sold the Whelan family stake of 29% to a joint venture formed by Icelandic financial group Exista and Chris Ronnie.

Hutchings continues player search.

Fulham have reportedly turned down an undisclosed bid from Wigan Athletic for midfielder and captain Michael Brown.

It is thought Latics boss Chris Hutchings may have offered up to £1.5 Million as he strives to improve his squad for the coming season.

Brown, who joined the Cottagers from Tottenham in January 2006, was an integral part of the Fulham side last season as he made 34 Premiership appearances.

Roy Carroll is also believed to be on the Latics wish list as a back-up/competitor for the sometimes fragile Chris Kirkland.

"We are looking to bring another keeper in," Hutchings said in The Sun. "We need competition all over the park."

Henri Camara is still being linked with Portsmouth and Pompey boss Harry Redknapp admits he is a fan of the Senegalese striker.

"I like Henri Camara but where can you find a striker who is going to guarantee you goals?" said Redknapp.

"If you don't score goals you don't win. That's why they are so valuable.

"We've looked at players in France, but they are not prolific. We're all looking for strikers. The hard bit's finding them."

Hutchings is preparing a £1.5 million bid for Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy according to the Daily Mail. (So it must be true).

Murphy has been linked with a move to Latics for the past two seasons, indeed he was offered by Spurs as part of the Chimbonda deal last August.