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".