How would you describe last season for the Latics?
Top of the league. Enough said.
What are your hopes for the 2018-19 season?
Mid table.
What about the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
Only time will tell. "Shut that window."
Biggest hero last season?
Paul Cook. Top manager.
Biggest disappointment?
Losing 2 League games when eyes were on Man City. Worked out well in the end.
Which Latics player should we be looking out for?
Will Grigg and Sam Morsy
Other than the Latics what team would you put £100 on for promotion?
Stoke City
What team would you lump £100 on for relegation?
QPR (hopefully take Bolton with them).
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
Wigan
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why?
Preston - Will never forget Jason Roberts first for Wigan
What fans impressed you most last season?
Rotherham - those wigs!
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
Squad competition.
Predicted league finish?
11
Gareth Hilton
Tuesday, 31 July 2018
Meet The Ref - Latics v Sheffield Wednesday
West Sussex referee Tim Robinson will be in charge of the game, this will be only the 3rd time the former PE teachers has reffed the Latics and it will be his first visit to the DW Stadium.
35 year old Tim was appointed to the EFL referees list for the start of the 2012/13 season, taking charge of his first game between Southend United and Accrington Stanley.
He was the 4th Official at Wembley for the League 2 Play-Off Final between AFC Wimbledon and Plymouth Argyle in May 2016 and – as part of the PGMO development programme – Tim represented the PGMOL at the Dallas Cup 2012 and at the Nike Cup in China in 2012.
He is now part of the Select Group 2 full time refs and spends the majority of his time in the Championship.
Robinson’s two previous Latics games both ended in defeat, 1-0 at the Madjeski against Reading in April 2017 and our 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth last season
A Latics connection: 2016/17 season, whilst refereeing the Charlton v Fleetwood game on the 4th February at the Valley he issued a straight red card to Nathan Byrne who was of course on loan down at the Addicks from us.
Tim Robinson Card Watch 2017/18
Games 47, yellows 150, reds 11
Wigan Athletic v Sheffield Wednesday
Referee - TIM ROBINSON
Assistants - Mark Jones and Matthew McGrath
Fourth Official - Matthew Donohue
PWU Podcaster Predictions – Simon
How would you describe last season for the Latics?
One of the best. We lead from start to finish, dominated teams, dug in when needed and broke records along the way. The feel good factor returned to the club and the interaction between the club and the fans was second to none. A real sign that the club is going in the right direction and that fans are a massive part of it.
An excellent cup run too was brilliant with the highlight of course being the win against mega bucks Manchester City. Don’t you remember, we beat Man City, we beat Man City with a Watson goalllll!
What are your hopes for the 2018-19 season?
My main hope is to be in the league come May. After last season we thoroughly deserve our place in the second tier and for this season it is all about consolidating. We need to retain our assets and build towards the future. Money is sparse at the moment with the takeover looming so until the deal is done and money comes in, survival is first and foremost.
What about the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
We’ve dipped our toe and made some good signings. You have to feel a few more are in the wings but again it comes down to the money side of things. The loan market could see us through to January and hopefully a couple of frees will see us right. For now.
Biggest hero last season?
There’s a lot to mention.
Nathan Byrne tirelessly defending and attacking, a real shining star last season.
Max Power started the season with an uncertain future but silenced the boo boys and became a pivotal player in our return to the Championship.
Will Grigg contributed with goal after goal. The right place at the right time and a real fan favourite.
Biggest disappointment?
Not hitting 100 points!
Which Latics player should we be looking out for?
Sam Morsy - a terrier like midfielder who can pick a pass and score a worldie. Captain fantastic.
Other than the Latics what team would you put £100 on for promotion?
Stoke City
What team would you lump £100 on for relegation?
Bolton Wanderers
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
Preston have been on the rise and I feel are only a decent striker away from knocking on the Premier League door
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why?
The local games are a must, huge numbers and fans in great voice. PNE, Bolton and Blackburn will be rocking.
Further afield the likes of the Sheffield clubs for the day out.
What fans impressed you most last season?
West Ham - we walked to the ground with a number of them and they were very complimentary of the team and how we set up. They sensed a cupset prior to kick off.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
Championship place come August 2019.
Predicted league finish?
10th
Simon Gregory
One of the best. We lead from start to finish, dominated teams, dug in when needed and broke records along the way. The feel good factor returned to the club and the interaction between the club and the fans was second to none. A real sign that the club is going in the right direction and that fans are a massive part of it.
An excellent cup run too was brilliant with the highlight of course being the win against mega bucks Manchester City. Don’t you remember, we beat Man City, we beat Man City with a Watson goalllll!
What are your hopes for the 2018-19 season?
My main hope is to be in the league come May. After last season we thoroughly deserve our place in the second tier and for this season it is all about consolidating. We need to retain our assets and build towards the future. Money is sparse at the moment with the takeover looming so until the deal is done and money comes in, survival is first and foremost.
What about the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
We’ve dipped our toe and made some good signings. You have to feel a few more are in the wings but again it comes down to the money side of things. The loan market could see us through to January and hopefully a couple of frees will see us right. For now.
Biggest hero last season?
There’s a lot to mention.
Nathan Byrne tirelessly defending and attacking, a real shining star last season.
Max Power started the season with an uncertain future but silenced the boo boys and became a pivotal player in our return to the Championship.
Will Grigg contributed with goal after goal. The right place at the right time and a real fan favourite.
Biggest disappointment?
Not hitting 100 points!
Which Latics player should we be looking out for?
Sam Morsy - a terrier like midfielder who can pick a pass and score a worldie. Captain fantastic.
Other than the Latics what team would you put £100 on for promotion?
Stoke City
What team would you lump £100 on for relegation?
Bolton Wanderers
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
Preston have been on the rise and I feel are only a decent striker away from knocking on the Premier League door
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why?
The local games are a must, huge numbers and fans in great voice. PNE, Bolton and Blackburn will be rocking.
Further afield the likes of the Sheffield clubs for the day out.
What fans impressed you most last season?
West Ham - we walked to the ground with a number of them and they were very complimentary of the team and how we set up. They sensed a cupset prior to kick off.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
Championship place come August 2019.
Predicted league finish?
10th
Simon Gregory
Monday, 30 July 2018
PWU Podcaster Predictions – Adam P
How would you describe last season for the Latics?
A very easy answer. Fantastic season with too many highlights to mention.
We were always comfortable in league games with fantastic away performances. What impressed me most was the team’s connection with fans throughout the campaign. Players were accessible after matches and Paul Cook was refreshingly honest throughout. One example of this is his prioritising of competitions.
He of course values the league the most but made no secret of his desire to give the FA Cup a good shot and we all know what happened as a result of that. City will be everybody’s highlight but I loved the dominating performances against Bournemouth and West Ham where we got to see some of our fringe players stand up and be counted.
What are your hopes for the 2018-19 season?
I hope we can keep the nucleus of a squad with excellent team spirit and lots of momentum. I hope we have a real go and do not sit back hoping we get lucky. I’m hoping that we add astute signings and don’t go mad when financial restraints are lifted under the new regime. I hope that this is not a repeat of our previous attempts at this level of the pyramid.
I hope that Paul Cook is there at the end of the season. If he is it will be a good one.
What about the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
Think Barry has that covered.
Biggest hero last season?
Playing hero had to be Dan Burn for me. Absolutely outstanding throughout and has the ability to lift the team in rare times of need. Also my dancing hero!
Biggest disappointment?
Not getting to 100 points as the exceptional squad deserved to be held in the same acclaim as the 2003 team.
Which Latics player should we be looking out for?
Will Grigg - not really hit his league one highs at this level but a good pre-season and confidence stemming from goals v PL teams should give him the firepower and achieve his burning desire to be in the heat of the top scorers battle.
Other than the Latics what team would you put £100 on for promotion?
Stoke - in my view they certainly have the best squad and if any team finishes above them they will be promoted.
What team would you lump £100 on for relegation?
QPR at decent odds may struggle after the FFP decision went against them with the ensuing transfer embargo bound to hit them hard.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why?
Reading or Ipswich away. The only 2 I haven’t been to in this division.
What fans impressed you most last season?
Doncaster - very complimentary and congratulated us after we won
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
Play off win at Wembley- am I asking for a bit too much?
Predicted league finish?
10th
Adam Pendlebury
A very easy answer. Fantastic season with too many highlights to mention.
We were always comfortable in league games with fantastic away performances. What impressed me most was the team’s connection with fans throughout the campaign. Players were accessible after matches and Paul Cook was refreshingly honest throughout. One example of this is his prioritising of competitions.
He of course values the league the most but made no secret of his desire to give the FA Cup a good shot and we all know what happened as a result of that. City will be everybody’s highlight but I loved the dominating performances against Bournemouth and West Ham where we got to see some of our fringe players stand up and be counted.
What are your hopes for the 2018-19 season?
I hope we can keep the nucleus of a squad with excellent team spirit and lots of momentum. I hope we have a real go and do not sit back hoping we get lucky. I’m hoping that we add astute signings and don’t go mad when financial restraints are lifted under the new regime. I hope that this is not a repeat of our previous attempts at this level of the pyramid.
I hope that Paul Cook is there at the end of the season. If he is it will be a good one.
What about the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
Think Barry has that covered.
Biggest hero last season?
Playing hero had to be Dan Burn for me. Absolutely outstanding throughout and has the ability to lift the team in rare times of need. Also my dancing hero!
Biggest disappointment?
Not getting to 100 points as the exceptional squad deserved to be held in the same acclaim as the 2003 team.
Which Latics player should we be looking out for?
Will Grigg - not really hit his league one highs at this level but a good pre-season and confidence stemming from goals v PL teams should give him the firepower and achieve his burning desire to be in the heat of the top scorers battle.
Other than the Latics what team would you put £100 on for promotion?
Stoke - in my view they certainly have the best squad and if any team finishes above them they will be promoted.
What team would you lump £100 on for relegation?
QPR at decent odds may struggle after the FFP decision went against them with the ensuing transfer embargo bound to hit them hard.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why?
Reading or Ipswich away. The only 2 I haven’t been to in this division.
What fans impressed you most last season?
Doncaster - very complimentary and congratulated us after we won
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
Play off win at Wembley- am I asking for a bit too much?
Predicted league finish?
10th
Adam Pendlebury
PWU Podcaster Predictions - Paul
How would you describe last season for the Latics?
A reconnection with the supporters, a trophy winning season, and a nice local rivalry which looked touch and go, but which we came out on top of! Last season was exactly what you want from a football club.
What are your hopes for the 2018-19 season?
My hopes are the same as they always are, to walk off feeling I was glad I was there on a regular basis, and not think why the hell did I put myself through that ....again, like we've had in recent championship seasons!
What about the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
The timing of the takeover, and it still seemingly being up in the air will no doubt have a big bearing on all things"transfer", one way or the other.
I've learned over the years not to get overly excited by signings, and not to feel disappointed by the "lesser" signings. Emmerson Boyce arrived it the same window as 5 players that all cost double or more what he did, and became a club legend. Mauro Boselli arrived for big money in the same window as 400K James McArthur, so you can't judge players until you see what they actually deliver.
Biggest hero last season?
The manager. It has to be.
Gary Caldwell pulled a team together from scratch and they took several games before it emerged. Paul Cook did it right from the off. Caldwell didn't manage to do it second season. I'm hoping Paul Cook can do it again.
Biggest disappointment?
What was disappointing last season...? Only really the uncertainty surrounding the takeover. The rest was all you could ask for.
Which Latics player should we be looking out for?
Nick Powell, last time around, he was too good for the championship. He still is. Lets hope he stays fit.
Other than the Latics what team would you put £100 on for promotion?
None of them... I don't gamble, I'd put it behind the bar for Barry's birthday.
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
Sheffield Wednesday, but that might be because I work in the same office as one of their chief propaganda officers.
What team would you lump £100 on for relegation?
Sheffield Wednesday...see previous answer. As Mr Keegan said...I'd love it.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why?
Bolton away, for two reasons, the obvious one, and it's also the closest ground to my house.
What fans impressed you most last season?
Ours. Next question.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
More of the same team spirit that we saw last season. with that the rest will take care of itself.
Predicted league finish?
It's that time of the season when it's almost your duty to be overly optimistic. 2nd, let's not be too greedy.
Paul Thorp
A reconnection with the supporters, a trophy winning season, and a nice local rivalry which looked touch and go, but which we came out on top of! Last season was exactly what you want from a football club.
What are your hopes for the 2018-19 season?
My hopes are the same as they always are, to walk off feeling I was glad I was there on a regular basis, and not think why the hell did I put myself through that ....again, like we've had in recent championship seasons!
What about the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
The timing of the takeover, and it still seemingly being up in the air will no doubt have a big bearing on all things"transfer", one way or the other.
I've learned over the years not to get overly excited by signings, and not to feel disappointed by the "lesser" signings. Emmerson Boyce arrived it the same window as 5 players that all cost double or more what he did, and became a club legend. Mauro Boselli arrived for big money in the same window as 400K James McArthur, so you can't judge players until you see what they actually deliver.
Biggest hero last season?
The manager. It has to be.
Gary Caldwell pulled a team together from scratch and they took several games before it emerged. Paul Cook did it right from the off. Caldwell didn't manage to do it second season. I'm hoping Paul Cook can do it again.
Biggest disappointment?
What was disappointing last season...? Only really the uncertainty surrounding the takeover. The rest was all you could ask for.
Which Latics player should we be looking out for?
Nick Powell, last time around, he was too good for the championship. He still is. Lets hope he stays fit.
Other than the Latics what team would you put £100 on for promotion?
None of them... I don't gamble, I'd put it behind the bar for Barry's birthday.
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
Sheffield Wednesday, but that might be because I work in the same office as one of their chief propaganda officers.
What team would you lump £100 on for relegation?
Sheffield Wednesday...see previous answer. As Mr Keegan said...I'd love it.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why?
Bolton away, for two reasons, the obvious one, and it's also the closest ground to my house.
What fans impressed you most last season?
Ours. Next question.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
More of the same team spirit that we saw last season. with that the rest will take care of itself.
Predicted league finish?
It's that time of the season when it's almost your duty to be overly optimistic. 2nd, let's not be too greedy.
Paul Thorp
PWU Podcaster Predictions - Barry
How would you describe last season for the Latics?
A brilliant campaign which saw us dominate the league for most of the season, never in any danger of not hitting one of the two promotion spots, highest scores, best defence, most clean sheets, great attacking football and an FA Cup run which saw us defeat three Premier League clubs – including Man City – en route to the ¼ finals.
A season to cherish, crowned Champions, up there in my top five best ever seasons.
What are your hopes for the 2018-19 season?
A big step up in class going into the Championship, we do have a decent squad though and I hope we can be competitive in the games this season.
We are close to finalising the takeover by new investors, the Whelans are passing on the club to some seriously wealthy people, just a pity it couldn’t all have been sorted about five weeks ago to give us some financial clout during the transfer window.
What about the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
As mentioned previously the sale of the club is currently being finalised and this has hit us a little, though we have brought in an exciting 19 year old from Peterborough, Leonardo Da Silva Lopes, importantly we haven’t lost any of our big performers from last season, Dan Burn, Will Grigg, Nick Powell etc, I think January will be interesting in the market for us, hopefully the squad is good enough to keep its head above water until then.
Biggest hero last season?
The manager Paul Cook without a doubt, he was like a breath of fresh air. Got the lads playing attacking football whilst stay defensively strong, great to watch and he instilled a fantastic team ethic and galvanised the club, top manager.
Biggest disappointment?
Hard to have any disappointments following a season like we had, I was hoping that someone would break through from the youth set-up but unfortunately that didn't happen.
Which Latics player should we be looking out for?
Dan Burn is a giant (literally) in defence, solid and can play a bit too, very much loved by the fans, 'Dan Burn is Superman'
Other than the Latics what team would you put £100 on for promotion?
Stoke City
What team would you lump £100 on for relegation?
Rotherham United
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
I have a feeling that PNE just might push into the playoffs this season, good manager in Alex Neil, I can see them being a surprise package.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why
One for the diary, 2 Feb QPR at home, why? It’s my birthday, not just any birthday either but a real milestone one, I may have a little drink that day and it could get a bit messy!
What fans impressed you most last season?
AFC Wimbledon, a game late in April, we were top, they were in the bottom 4 and odds on to go down, we know they don’t get the biggest home gates but they brought a good few to the DW, never stopped singing throughout the game, gave their team real support and had a bit of banter with the home crowd too, yeah Wimbledon for me, great support, very impressed.
Game ended 1-1 and they avoided relegation, just shows what getting behind your team can do.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
A season of – consolidation some call it – mediocrity. No traumas, dramas or end of season heartbreaks, just plodding along mid-table and getting our house in order for what will hopefully be a bright future.
Predicted league finish?
14th
Barry Worthington
A brilliant campaign which saw us dominate the league for most of the season, never in any danger of not hitting one of the two promotion spots, highest scores, best defence, most clean sheets, great attacking football and an FA Cup run which saw us defeat three Premier League clubs – including Man City – en route to the ¼ finals.
A season to cherish, crowned Champions, up there in my top five best ever seasons.
What are your hopes for the 2018-19 season?
A big step up in class going into the Championship, we do have a decent squad though and I hope we can be competitive in the games this season.
We are close to finalising the takeover by new investors, the Whelans are passing on the club to some seriously wealthy people, just a pity it couldn’t all have been sorted about five weeks ago to give us some financial clout during the transfer window.
What about the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
As mentioned previously the sale of the club is currently being finalised and this has hit us a little, though we have brought in an exciting 19 year old from Peterborough, Leonardo Da Silva Lopes, importantly we haven’t lost any of our big performers from last season, Dan Burn, Will Grigg, Nick Powell etc, I think January will be interesting in the market for us, hopefully the squad is good enough to keep its head above water until then.
Biggest hero last season?
The manager Paul Cook without a doubt, he was like a breath of fresh air. Got the lads playing attacking football whilst stay defensively strong, great to watch and he instilled a fantastic team ethic and galvanised the club, top manager.
Biggest disappointment?
Hard to have any disappointments following a season like we had, I was hoping that someone would break through from the youth set-up but unfortunately that didn't happen.
Which Latics player should we be looking out for?
Dan Burn is a giant (literally) in defence, solid and can play a bit too, very much loved by the fans, 'Dan Burn is Superman'
Stoke City
What team would you lump £100 on for relegation?
Rotherham United
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
I have a feeling that PNE just might push into the playoffs this season, good manager in Alex Neil, I can see them being a surprise package.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why
One for the diary, 2 Feb QPR at home, why? It’s my birthday, not just any birthday either but a real milestone one, I may have a little drink that day and it could get a bit messy!
What fans impressed you most last season?
AFC Wimbledon, a game late in April, we were top, they were in the bottom 4 and odds on to go down, we know they don’t get the biggest home gates but they brought a good few to the DW, never stopped singing throughout the game, gave their team real support and had a bit of banter with the home crowd too, yeah Wimbledon for me, great support, very impressed.
Game ended 1-1 and they avoided relegation, just shows what getting behind your team can do.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
A season of – consolidation some call it – mediocrity. No traumas, dramas or end of season heartbreaks, just plodding along mid-table and getting our house in order for what will hopefully be a bright future.
Predicted league finish?
14th
Barry Worthington
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