30 June 2007

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.

28 June 2007

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!

27 June 2007

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.

22 June 2007

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.

20 June 2007

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.

19 June 2007

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.

15 June 2007

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".


14 June 2007

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 : -

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

12 June 2007

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.



9 June 2007

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.



7 June 2007

More Rumours .......




Once again we are being linked with countless players in this silly season they call the transfer window. Today it is reported (again) we are being linked with Mario Melchiot who is a free agent after his time at Rennes. The 31 year old is looking for a possible move back to the premiership and being a keen lover of the PIE, Wigan could be the ideal place.





Also being linked today,looking rather Bond-esque in our image is Sami Hypia, the current merseyside centre back maybe looking for a move away from Liverpool and to further his career at a more exclusive football club like the Latics. He could do much worse I suppose.







And finally, the most prestigious transfer rumour we are being linked with at this time is Two Teeth Tommy. He has a wide and varied career history of which includes, sherbert Gargling, Gurning trainer, and currently holds the World Record for holding the largest amount of Wigan's very own Uncle Joe's Mint Balls in his mouth at any one time.




6 June 2007

Lindsay finds gainful Latics employment

Wigan Warriors chairman and figure of fun/hate Maurice Lindsay has been elected to the FA council as one of five Premier League representatives.

Following the adoption of the Burns recommendations by The FA, the Premier League has a further three FA Council places.

The FA Council, which comprises 92 elected representatives from the constituent parts of the game, meets around six times a year to consider major policy issues and direction, as well as to approve proposals put forward by committee.

The fact Lindsay is now putting forward opinions on behalf of Wigan Athletic will surely rankle with the hardcore support who remember his demeaning of the club when they were in the lower divisions.

5 June 2007

Latics Unveil New Kit

The handsome Emerson Boyce
strikes a pose in his funky stripes


4 June 2007

Bramble and Sibierski hop aboard.





New Wigan Athletic manager Chris Hutchings has made Titus Bramble his first signing for the club . Obviously realising the potential in the 25 year old recently released by Newcastle,Hutchings stole in and snatched Bramble from under the noses of other Premiership admirers.


Titus has signed a three year deal with the club and Hutchings cannot wait to bring him into the healm and get him stuck into pre-season training with his new team mates.


"This is an excellent signing and he'll add experience to the back four," Hutchings said of the 25-year-old, who started his career at Ipswich. He's got a point to prove, I want to make him better and hopefully with the players we bring in he will become a better player,".



After making Titus his first signing, Chris Hutchings then made his secound signing of the day, with Antoine Sibierski putting pen to paper on a free transfer also from Newcastle United, just after the first signing of the day. Sibeierski was at the JJB today to meet new manager Hutchings before jetting off on holiday. Immediately after signing he said "I am delighted to have my future sorted. The manager impressed me hugely and this is a very ambitious club. I cannot wait to get started.

3 June 2007

The rumour mill rumbles on


Newcastle United and Everton are battling for Latics left-back Leighton Baines.

The Manchester Evening News says Latics bosses report no official bids at this stage but offers are imminent.


Latics are apparently leading the race for Levante hotshot Mustapha Riga.

The Mirror says Manchester City, Middlesbrough, West Ham and Portsmouth have been alerted to Riga's availability by his representatives who are determined to bring him to the Premiership.


Chris Hutchings is reportedly setting his sights on Sheffield Wednesday winger Chris Brunt.

Owls manager Brian Laws is anxious to hold on to his star asset, but there was great interest in Brunt during the previous transfer window and Hutchings is ready to test his resolve with a bid rumoured to be around the £2.000.000 mark



Newcastle’s Titus Bramble is also reportedly a Latics target.

Bramble did not feature in Sam Allardyce's plans for Newcastle so was released last month - and Hutchings is ready to pounce for the 25-year-old defender