This thread is for specialist news on Wigan Athletic of interest to the Fantasy Football fan.

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Links:
Official Site
NewsNow Wigan Athletic

Quick summary of news so far:

Players in

Latics confirm Al-Habsi loan
Wigan Athletic have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi on a season-long loan from Premier League rivals Bolton Wanderers.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 23,00.html

Latics complete Alcaraz deal
Wigan have completed the signing of Paraguay defender Antolin Alcaraz after he was granted a work permit.
The 27-year-old centre-back, whose contract with Belgian side Club Brugge expired at the end of last season, has joined the Latics on a three-year deal.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 85,00.html

McArthur seals Latics move
James McArthur has completed his move to Wigan from Hamilton.
The 22-year-old is understood to have inked a four-year deal at Wigan and will join former Accies team-mate James McCarthy at the Lancashire club.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 64,00.html

Wigan seal Boselli deal
Wigan Athletic have completed the signing of striker Mauro Boselli from Estudiantes.
Skysports.combroke the news of Wigan's interest in Boselli back in May, and the Latics have now concluded the move.
The 25-year-old has agreed a four-year deal after Wigan agreed a deal in excess of £6million.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 93,00.html


Players out

Black Cats bag Bramble
Sunderland have completed the signing of Titus Bramble from Premier League rivals Wigan.
Bramble has signed a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light after passing a medical.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 35,00.html

Scharner eyeing Wigan exit
Free agent confirms he has played last home game for Wigan.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 42,00.html

Amaya departs
ROBERTO Martinez has sanctioned the departure of a second centre-back in less than a week, with Antonio Amaya following Titus Bramble out of the door.
The 27-year-old has rejoined Rayo Vallecano on a season-long loan, just 12 months after moving to Wigan from the Spanish side along with Mohamed Diame.
http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-a ... s_1_926077

Melchiot has left the club.
Also Koumas,De Ridder and Kapo will probably leave the club in the future.

Scotland's Gary Caldwell targets return for Spain
Scotland defender Gary Caldwell hopes to be fit in time for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Spain in October.
The 28-year-old Wigan player will miss the start of the new season after undergoing surgery on both hips.
Caldwell has no specific comeback target but is confident of being back in action before the world champions visit Hampden Park on 12 October.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8843205.stm

Latics tie up Stam deal
Wigan Athletic have signed defender Ronnie Stam from FC Twente.
The right-back has joined Roberto Martinez's Latics on a three-year deal.
It is reported Wigan have spent around £3million to secure the 26-year-old's services.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 97,00.html

First Team Squad
Goalkeepers
1 Chris Kirkland
12 Michael Pollitt
Ali Al Habsi
Defenders
2 Steve Gohouri
4 Antonio Amaya
5 Gary Caldwell
17 Emmerson Boyce
31 Maynor Figueroa
Antolin Alcaraz
Ronnie Stam
Midfielders
5 Won-Hee Cho
6 Hendry Thomas
8 Ben Watson
10 Jason Koumas
11 Victor Moses
14 Charles N'Zogbia
15 Jordi Gomez
18 Daniel De Ridder
23 Olivier Kapo
24 James McCarthy
27 Mohamed Diame
38 Jonathon Routledge
39 Jordan Mustoe
40 Joe Holt
James McArthur
Strikers
9 Jason Scotland
20 Hugo Rodallega
43 Callum McManaman
Mauro Boselli

Bluebirds bring in Koumas
Cardiff City have signed Wigan Athletic midfielder Jason Koumas on a season-long loan deal.
....
The 30-year-old has dropped out of the picture at Wigan and he has been told he does not figure in Roberto Martinez's long-term plans.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 32,00.html

Kapo makes Wigan exit
Midfielder Olivier Kapo has departed Wigan by mutual consent, the club has confirmed.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 66,00.html

Rodallega set to continue wing role
Roberto Martinez has revealed that the arrival of Mauro Boselli has given him increased options up front. The Argentine strikers arrival is also likely to mean more wing time for Hugo Rodallega.

http://www.wiganer.net/news/tmnw/rodall ... ndex.shtml

The new squad list in full:-

1. Chris Kirkland
2. Steve Gohouri
3. Antonlin Alcaraz
4. James McCarthy
5. Gary Caldwell
6. Hendry Thomas
8. Ben Watson
9. Mauro Boselli
10. Charles N'Zogbia
11. Victor Moses
12. Mike Pollitt
14. Jordi Gomez
16. James McArthur
17. Emmerson Boyce
18. Jason Scotland
20. Hugo Rodallega
21. Mohamed Diame
23. Ronnie Stam
26. Ali Al Habsi
28. Daniel de Ridder
31. Maynor Figueroa

Charles N'Zogbia holds Wigan crisis talks after training ground bust-up with Roberto Martinez
Charles N'Zogbia held crisis talks with Wigan chairman Dave Whelan last night in an attempt to resolve his future.
The winger was dropped by boss Roberto Martinez after a bust-up in training and he missed the 4-0 defeat by Blackpool.
Wigan insiders insist he has not handed in a transfer request and talk of N'Zogbia, 24, being fined or going on strike are inaccurate.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... z0wr8KJK1D

LATICS SIGN ANOTHER CALDWELL
Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of Scotland international defender Steven Caldwell.
The 29 year-old, who is a free agent since finishing his contract at Burnley in the summer, has been training with the squad over the past few weeks, and has impressed manager Roberto Martinez.

http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/NewsD ... 57,00.html



SCOTLAND MAKES TRACTS
Wigan Athletic Have confirmed that Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland has joined Championship side Ipswich Town, for an undisclosed fee.

http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/NewsD ... 48,00.html

N'Zogbia - Birmingham offer accepted

http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10429~2136716,00.html

N'Zogbia move falls through
Sky Sports Sources understand Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia's proposed move to Birmingham has collapsed after the player failed to agree personal terms.

The Latics accepted an offer from the Blues for N'Zogbia on Friday after the Frenchman was strongly linked with a move away from the DW Stadium.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 44,00.html



Well, there's time yet. Probably an offer from another club.

Latics land Cleverley
Wigan have signed Manchester United youngster Tom Cleverley on loan.
Highly-rated midfielder Cleverley has agreed a season-long deal at the DW Stadium after United boss Sir Alex Ferguson sanctioned a loan move for the England Under 21 international.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 28,00.html



Latics land Di Santo
Wigan Athletic have completed the signing of Franco Di Santo from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Di Santo, who spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers, moves to the DW Stadium for an undisclosed fee and has penned a three-year contract.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 84,00.html

Chris Kirkland boosts Wigan Athletic ahead of Sunderland AFC clash
Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed keeper Chris Kirkland will be in his squad to face Sunderland on Saturday.
The 29-year-old missed the Latics' surprise 1-0 win at Tottenham a fortnight ago with a hip problem.
But he played in the two preceding games in which the team conceded 10 goals.
"Chris is 100%, he has trained really well and he is going to come straight into the squad," Martinez said.
"I am probably now in the best position since I arrived here in terms of goalkeeping options, and to have Ali performing in the manner he has and then having Chris fit, that is a very strong position to be in.
"Sometimes Chris has played through the pain barrier and he has done it for the football club.
"That will always be in my mind, so whether Chris is in a good or bad moment of form, he will always be an important player for Wigan Athletic."

http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/wi ... clash.html

Martinez: I've dropped Kirkland for his own good
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has told Chris Kirkland to take a rest – after playing through the pain barrier for years.
Martinez has had a heart-to-heart with the former England keeper since leaving him out and only plans to use him when he is physically right.
He insisted he left out Kirkland – who has been hindered by a back injury and other problems – because of his fitness, not because of 10 goals he leaked in their first two games.
Martinez said: “I told Chris he has earned respect in football and in life.
“But it is important we help him to be a bit more selfish and be 100 per cent before he plays.”


http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Wi ... 82651.html

Minor blow for Cleverley
Wigan Athletic's on-loan midfielder Tom Cleverley is expected to miss the next two weeks of action due to a knee injury.
The talented 21-year-old sustained the knock in training much to manager Roberto Martinez's anguish.
The Spaniard was delighted with Cleverley's efforts off the bench in their recent match with Sunderland and was looking forward to seeing more of him in action.
However, the knock is only minor and Martinez is hopeful of having the young midfielder back and available sooner than expected.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 81,00.html

Wigan - No Caldwell risk
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed Gary Caldwell will not be risked at Newcastle on Saturday.
The central defender has not featured for the Latics since a hip operation in the summer but played 76 minutes for Scotland in last Friday's 1-0 defeat in Czech Republic, where he was switched to a defensive midfield role.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 69,00.html

McCarthy set for two months out
Wigan Athletic have confirmed that James McCarthy could be out until the New Year.
The Latics midfielder suffered an ankle injury in a challenge by Bolton's Fabrice Muamba in Saturday's 1-1 draw at the DW Stadium.
The Republic of Ireland international, who had been an ever-present in the Premier League for Wigan this season, reeled in agony before being stretchered off.
The injury was assessed on Monday and despite not being as bad as first feared, the 19-year-old is set to be sidelined for up to 10 weeks due to ligament damage.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 34,00.html

Martinez admits keeper dilemma
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez admits he is finding it difficult to pick his first-choice goalkeeper.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 37,00.html

Early Team News - Manchester Utd v Wigan Athletic
The Latics are set to be without long term casualty James McCarthy who will be sidelined until February, Gary Caldwell is also set to be missing until after Christmas with a thigh muscle tear that he picked up last Saturday, Emmerson Boyce hasn`t recovered from his hamstring pull and also misses out.
Loanee Tom Cleverley is ineligible for the fixture due to the fact that his parent club is Manchester United and the young midfielder will be sorely missed by the Latics.
Paraguay international defender Antolin Alcaraz returned from Hong Kong on Thursday and will be assessed today on his fitness levels.

http://www.wigan.vitalfootball.co.uk/ar ... z15jev9jwV

Shoulder blow for Mo
VICTOR MOSES is expected to be sidelined until the New Year after suffering a suspected dislocated shoulder as Latics suffered more capital punishment last night.
.......
“Unfortunately we are looking at anything between four to six weeks, and that’s a real shame because he looked very sharp while he was on the field.

http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-a ... _1_2809528

Latics seal Lopez deal
Wigan Athletic have confirmed the signing of former Spanish Under-21 international Adrian Lopez.
The 23-year-old departed former club Deportivo La Coruna last summer and he initially trained with Wigan in August.
The Latics offered him terms, but the deal has been held up as they needed Fifa to approve the deal.
International clearance has now been received and Wigan will not pay any compensation for the former Spanish youth star, as it was deemed he was a free agent.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 76,00.html



Boss uncertain on Cleverley
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez admits he does not know where Tom Cleverley's future lies.
The in-form Manchester United midfielder is on a season-long loan at the DW Stadium but speculation has intensified that Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson will recall the youngster in next month's transfer window.
While Martinez wants to keep hold of the 21-year-old - who scored in the 2-1 win over Wolves on Boxing Day - he admits anything is possible in football.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 55,00.html

Cleverley wants Wigan stay
Tom Cleverley has admitted he would be more than happy to remain on loan at Wigan rather than return to Manchester United.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 22,00.html

Martinez waits on injured duo
Roberto Martinez says Chris Kirkland's prognosis is positive, but expects Tom Cleverley to be out for a month.
.......
While the Spaniard is optimistic over Kirkland, he was disappointed to learn Cleverley could be out for a month after pulling his hamstring in the opening minutes at the Reebok Stadium.
"To lose Tom, who has been a really inspirational player, and you are limited," he added.
"We think he'll be out for three to four weeks, but he's only 21 and is very fit, so he should be back quicker than most other players."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 59,00.html

Martinez set to give youngsters the opportunity
Speaking ahead of the trip to Hull City in the FA Cup, Roberto Martinez has revealed that this is the chance for the upcoming young talent in the squad to stake a claim.
With his squad pushed to the limit by numerous injuries, Martinez is set to give chances to yonugsters, Roman Golabert, James McArthur, Jordan Mustoe, Callum McManaman and Lee Nicholls.

http://www.wiganer.net/news/tmnw/martin ... ndex.shtml

Boselli going out on loan

Less than 6 months after this story broke



it now looks like Mauro Boselli will complete the rest of this season on loan at Genoa. Boselli announced on this twitter page "6 months at Genoa, very happy!".

The 25-year-old is likely to finalise his move in the coming days.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11682_6657579,00.html

Cleverley stays with Latics
Skysports.com understands Manchester United have agreed to let Tom Cleverley stay on loan at Wigan until the end of the season.
Cleverley's initial loan deal at the DW Stadium expired earlier this month after he joined Wigan last August.
....
The England Under 21 international, who is currently recovering from injury, has impressed at Wigan, scoring three goals in 13 Premier League appearances for the Latics.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 55,00.html