Video Highlights: Latics 1 - 2 Everton

Cause for Concern, Reasons to Hope

Some people are saying it’s becoming unsafe to be a supporter of Wigan Athletic, especially at derby games, due to visiting supporters being in the home end. When Everton went 2-0 up today, some supporters became rather pugilistic, and the lady in front of me left, obviously deeming it too dangerous for her and her son to remain inside the ground.

The club itself actively encourages this through it’s associations with Get Me In (see official announcement here) and makes the Latics faithful question the club’s loyalty to it’s supporters when it comes to making a few extra quid through the turnstile. Surely the club must employ someone who cares about the club in the administrative team, not just bumbling moron hangers-on such as Brenda Spencer or Matt McCann. Someone who knows the feelings of the fans.

The players themselves however showed nothing but total commitment to the shirt, and were massively unlucky not to come away with all three points in front of an energized Latics crowd. Playing with such vigour every week will surely see them climb out of danger, and may even see them progress in the FA Cup.

Quote of the day: After the game, a man in Everton colours with the broadest Wigan accent you can imagine was heard to say:

“Liverpool aren’t Liverpool’s real team, their fans are all Cockney’s.”

Erm, ok, ever heard of irony?

Latics secure double signing

Latics have secured the long-term services of Erik Edman and Luis Antonio Valencia.

Edman, signed from French club Stade Rennes and capped 53 times for Sweden, is unlikely to get his international clearance through in time to make his debut against Everton this weekend.

"It's not often such experienced left backs become available and I'm not surprised so many other clubs were interested in him” said Bruce.

Latics have not disclosed the transfer fee.

Valencia, who was on loan from Spanish club Villareal, has put pen to paper on a permanent three and a half year contract for an undisclosed fee (believed to be in the region of £3.5million).

"I am really happy this has been sorted,” said Valencia.

"I have always wanted to play in England, and now that Wigan have given me the chance, I am happy to repay them by staying here."

Latics Rumour Round-Up: Jan 16th 2008

Latics are close to wrapping up a deal to sign Honduras international Maynor Figueroa on a short-term contract.

The defender has been on trial with Latics in recent weeks and has impressed Steve Bruce sufficiently to be offered a deal.

"We have got Maynor until the end of the season," said Bruce

"It's difficult for a player from Honduras to make an impact in a short trial, but he has done very well and has been desperate to earn a contract."

This will give Latics the luxury of having two left-backs if the signing of Erik Edman is completed.

23 year-old Hibernian left-back David Murphy is apparently a Latics target, with Bolton and Birmingham also competing for his services. It is highly unlikely this report has any substance with the imminent arrivals mentioned above.

Another defender we are linked with is Aston Villa’s Gary Cahill, who has also been has been linked with Bolton, Fulham, Derby and Sunderland.

Porto defender Marek Cech is apparently being watched by Latics and Newcastle United.
Cech himself told Maisfutebol: “I want to be with Porto until the end of the season because we are 11 points clear, we are well placed to be champions and I want to be in the team at the top of the table”.

"We have had an offer from Fulham and we have turned it down," Steve Bruce apparently told the Daily Star about Paul Scharner. It must be true then, if it’s in the Star.

Edman meets Bruce in Rigaletto's

Steve Bruce met with Erik Edman this afternoon in Rigaletto’s, the restaurant adjoining The JJB. The Swedish international was discussing a move from French club Rennes, and is expected to sign a two-and-a-half year contract, with the transfer fee thought to be around the £500,000 mark.

This is Latics' second attempt to sign him – we tried in the summer only to find Rennes reluctant sellers, but with the 29-year-old out of contract in the summer, they have decided to cash in now.

Edman has 36 caps for Sweden and has Premier League experience having played for Tottenham Hotspurs in the 2003/04 campaign.