Let's Take A Break - What A Start To The New Season

Wow, what an incredible start to the new season, six games in and we have witnessed some truly exhilarating games, what players, what a team, what a manager, what a club!

OK we aren’t storming the Championship with maximum points, we aren’t breaking goal scoring records and we aren’t undefeated, but what we are doing is providing top class drama and entertainment through exciting football, 100% effort and having a real go.

This first international break, although still a little early, gives us the opportunity to reflect back on the first six games of a season that, to be honest, didn’t have me filled with anticipation before the start, more to do with the last time we were here than anything else.

From the first game against Sheffield Wednesday to Saturday’s win over Rotherham I have been completely hooked.

All the games, bar our thumping of Stoke – that does sound good – have been on a knife edge right through to the final whistle. Open football, lots of chances created, at times back to the wall defending and the odd dodgy refereeing decision all get the fans up out of their seats, we have certainly been entertained down at the DW so far.

The stats make great reading also, our six Championship games have seen us have 92 attempts at goal, with 31 on target, an average of 15 attempts with 5 on target per game, did we have 15 attempts in total in our last Championship campaign?

No wonder I am getting excited.

The new guys that have come into the squad have all settled quickly, James and Robinson have looked very good, considering their age and experience, Evans plays like he never left in the first place and in Kipre it would appear that we have picked up a real gem.

 

A man mountain, comfortable on the ball, strong, dominant and at only 21, a real prospect. His performances have improved by the game and against Rotherham he was quite simply outstanding.

Am I getting carried away?

No, I am old enough to know that football does have a knack of kicking you in the teeth, we have already suffered injuries to key players that could have disrupted things and players do lose form over a season, also I don’t expect us to be challenging at the top, we will certainly lose games this season with our open style, but what really is exciting me – and I do believe that will continue – is the drama and unpredictability of each game that we play, proper entertainment and well worth the price of a season ticket.

So if you are wondering what to do with yourselves over the coming few months, and you haven’t already done so, get yourself a season ticket for the Latics, you can pay monthly, you won’t be disappointed.