Wigan Athletic - 12th Man 14/10/11

This week's Wigan Evening Post 12th Man submissions from Vital Latics:

A Plea To Roberto

Sitting in the bottom three at any point in the season isn't a comfortable experience; Roberto may say 'it's the performance that counts', but I don't buy that. Come 5pm on Saturday a climb up the Premier League table is an absolute necessity. Currently on the worst run in Martinez's reign we entertain Bolton at the DW Stadium this weekend, another club that are in the middle of a shocking sequence of results, anything less than a win against our near neighbours and the alarm bells will be slowly warming up.

Of course we are only seven league games into the campaign and whatever the result against Owen Coyle's sorry side wont determine our season, but to continue on our losing streak is almost unthinkable, once you get in to that rut it is very difficult to break free, whilst I don't see the game as a season defining fixture it does carry a weight on it. A win and suddenly we could be as high as 9th, confidence would be boosted at just the right time and a derby win is always satisfying. A loss would make it six on the bounce and can't even be considered.

The international break has hopefully come at the right time to get Hugo Rodallega back to fitness; our very own Colombian hitman has been badly missed for his quality in the attacking third, something that we were sadly lacking last time out at Aston Villa. A bright start against Bolton is needed and surely we can't let up the opportunity to put some space between ourselves and the bottom club. My plea to Roberto is forget the performance, let's get the result please.

Barry Worthington


Let's Deliver On Saturday

Did you travel to Blackpool or Stoke? Did you perhaps witness the comeback against West Ham. Maybe you remember getting promoted? Remember how it felt? Anyone who saw any of those happen, and other occasions besides, will appreciate just how spine tingling an atmosphere the Latics supporters can create. They will also know how this can lift the players in such a positive manner. Over the last couple of weeks I have seen a few supporters rightfully trying to mobilise huge support for targeted away games. Well why not start with the home crowd, they are there for 19 games a season.

My simple request is therefore to appeal that the home fans create the same atmosphere for the visitors on Saturday and for every home game for the rest of the season. This game against Bolton is going to shape the season for both of the sides. We need the team to deliver, so we're on the right side of the result. All effort, all quality and no silly mistakes. In that context I ask that the supporters deliver as much backing as possible. If you're struggling at work, the boss won't help you by jeering, they help you by telling you to shape up, and perform how they know you can. If we're struggling at half time, the team will already know they haven't done enough, rather than let them know vocally, save your voices to roar at them for the second half. Shouting at them to get their fingers out of their backsides and shape up lets them know you want more, shows you care, and most importantly that you're still behind them.

If you don't like what you're watching, either shout at them to shape up or keep quiet. If you do like what you`re seeing cheer them from the rafters, and you might just see more of it. This page is called the 12th man, and this week my contribution is a simple one - To request that we make our presence felt as a 12th man on Saturday.

Paul Thorp

















Latics and Proud



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