Latics Speyk to Fulham

In the run up to the big game this weekend between Wigan Athletic and Fulham I managed to beat the bad weather and snow closed roads by flying down the virtual highway and meeting up with Fulham fan Andrew Joyce, better known on the Vital network as Putney

Well worbo and Putney had a little chat about the Latics, Fulham and tomorrows game, lets see how it panned out:


How is Harold Steptoe (sorry, Roy Hodgson) doing, is he one to keep?

Gentleman Jim to you sir!

Roy is doing fine. He took over at a difficult time. Lawrie Sanchez had burdened us with a load of Championship class players and that was where we were heading.

Roy, in the space of five months turned things aound, kept us up and, apart from our away form, we`re going from strength to strength. Roy will be here for a while yet, you`ll see.

So how has your season gone so far, is it meeting your expectations?

Like I said, apart form the away form everything is okay. We`re very hard to beat at home, we`re still in the FA cup and we`ve an outside chance of a UEFA Cup place, whether it be through a league placing or the fair play league.

After flirting with relegation last season, I can`t ask for more than that can I?

Happy with your dealings in the transfer window? Any one exciting brought in?

I thought we could have done slightly better, especially after losing Bullard. We`ve only taken on two loan signings so perhaps Roy is being cautious and saving his cash for the summer.

Out of the two, I can`t wait to see Giles Barnes in action. In his teenage years he was sensational at Derby, let`s hope that the injuries haven`t taken the edge off his game.

Why did Jimmy go and what was with all the animosity?

It`s all a little sad. Jimmy wanted a new contract, the club suggested he wait and in the meantime the bitterness festered until it became obvious that he was being shipped out.

Nevertheless, I`d like to wish him well he`s a decent enough guy and he gave us some great moments.


Which of your players has been the outstanding contributor this season?

Without doubt Brede Hangeland, our tall Norwegian centre back.

I`m surprised that noneof the big four came in for him during the transfer window, not that I`m complaining mind you!

Are you surprised at the Latics being where they are and what is your opinion of us as a club?

I am a little surprised but it`ll be interesting to see how you cope without Palacios, Taylor and Heskey after their sales in the transfer window.

Not sure Mido is an adequate repalcement.

As for your club, it`s a great story of how you can rise through the ranks from non-league to Premier League if you go about matters the right way. Although I`m not sure anyone else will repeat that feat.

Who in the Latics team do you fear on Saturday?

It`s got to be Amr Zaki. He took everyone by surprise when he was first unveiled and he can do some serious damge, on his day, to any defence.

What is your prediction for the game?

With us not having won away from hom ein the Premier League all season the odds must be stacked against us. But, that run has got to end somewhere so how about tomorrow?

2-1 to the boys in white!

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