Leighton Baines - Mixed Emotions

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Former Wigan Athletic player Leighton Baines, now at Everton of course, has been speaking about the Latics ahead of this afternoons clash between the two sides at the DW Stadium.

Baines came through the ranks at the Latics, youth, reserve and broke into the first team as a regular in 2002 when, at just 18 years old, he was part of the record breaking Wigan Athletic side that swept all before them winning the 2nd Division title with 100 points.

He was also part of the team that won promotion from the Championship to the Premier League and he was almost ever present for the next two seasons, playing in a Carling Cup final and helping to maintain Latics Premier League status at Sheffield United in a dramatic last day victory at the end of the 2006/07 season. It was at the end of that season that he made the £6 million switch to Everton.

Obviously having been through so much during his time with the Latics the club means quite a bit to Bainesy, and although he speaks about the need for maximum points for Everton, it is said with what appears to be mixed emotions.

Speaking to Everton`s official website Baines said: 'We are trying to take maximum points, we're disappointed we aren't closer to the teams above us. But fingers crossed for them (in their games after us) and hopefully they can avoid the drop. They have some good players and a great manager as well.

'It is nice to go back. Obviously I had some very good years there and there are some very good people at the Club.

'On the pitch things have definitely changed, but I still know quite a few of the staff and it is nice to see them.'

'They are dangerous with their attacking players so we will have to be careful on Saturday. He is a bit of a legend there and he's a good young manager.'

Great player, good to hear he still cares.



















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