Write-up by David Walker

Wigan Athletic

Odds: 1500/1

Last Five Seasons2005/06 – ten (Premiership), 2004/05 – two (Championship, Promoted), 2003/04 – seven (Championship), 2002/03 – 1 (League One particular, Promoted), 2001/02 – ten (League One).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Fourth Round vs Manchester Metropolis (a) – misplaced 1-.Carling Cup Ultimate vs Manchester United (n) – lost 4-.

Leading Objective Scorer 2005/06: Jason Roberts (striker) – 14 ambitions.

Gamers InEmile Heskey (Birmingham Town – £5,500,000), Denny Landzaat (AZ Alkmaar – £2,500,000), Emmerson Boyce (Crystal Palace – £1,000,000), Fitz Hall (Crystal Palace – Free), Chris Kirland (Liverpool – Mortgage).

Players OutJason Roberts (Blackburn Rovers – £3,000,000), Jimmy Bullard (Fulham – £2,500,000), Alan Mahon (Burnley – £200,000), David Thompson (Portsmouth – Free), Kevin Lee (Southport – Totally free), Matt Jackson (Released), Stephane Henchoz (Released).

Wigan Athletic, like West Ham United, appreciated an outstanding very first period in the Premiership, finishing tenth and reaching the Carling Cup final. The Latics now confront a hard 2nd period which will be even a lot more tough with the losses of equally Jimmy Bullard and very last season’s top rated objective scorer Jason Roberts, both of whom moved on to various clubs in the summer time.

Manager Paul Jewell broke the club’s transfer record to deliver striker Emile Heskey to the JJB Stadium from relegated Birmingham City in a £5.five million offer. Heskey will change the departed Roberts despite the fact that Jewell also attempted to indicator Andy Johnson from Crystal Palace.

Nevertheless, two new recruits were signed from Palace in Fitz Hall and Emmerson Boyce. Hall joined for an undisclosed price, reportedly £3 million and signed a four year contract even though Boyce joined for an first fee of £1 million which could rise by an additional £200,000 relying on appearances. The flexible Boyce can play in central defence and at appropriate back which fuels speculation that Pascal Chimbonda is set to depart the club.

Dutch global midfielder Denny Landzaat signed for a payment considered to be £2.5 million from AZ Alkmaar, with Wigan viewing off levels of competition from Espanyol to secure the 21 capped Alkmaar captain’s signature.

Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland signed on a six month loan deal with a watch to a permanent transfer. Kirkland, who cost £6 million five many years in the past from Coventry Town, invested previous time on loan at West Bromwich Albion but was unable to oust Tomasz Kuszczak as the club’s initial choice goalkeeper.

VerdictInfluential players such as Jason Roberts, Jimmy Bullard and Stephane Henchoz have left the club and the Latics could uncover on their own concerned in a relegation battle up coming period instead than difficult for a place in Europe. They are excellent worth for the drop at 10/3.

About the Writer

David Walker runs Coral free of charge wager and UK poker internet sites. A free of charge e mail course: “Seven Days to Far better Betting” is accessible at the two of these websites.