Wigan Athletic Fans New Season Hopes & Fears #6

Vital Latics brings you the Wigan Athletic fans 'Hopes and Fears' series as we build up to the seasons big kick-off against Chelsea.

Wigan Athletic supporter and Vital Latics member, Dave Hayes, aka Hayzee, gives us his thoughts on the coming season, over to you Dave:

The miraculous juggling act is almost underway for an unbelievable 8th season. Once again we will embark upon a campaign in the greatest league in the world, amongst some of the world's biggest clubs. Back in the days of Springfield Park as a non-league club, all this would have been a ludicrous dream for even the most fervent fan. To remind the wider football community, I am only going back to the seventies.

Wigan were only elected to the league in 1978. Before writing this I have just been scanning the internet for news items, and even before we have finalised our team or kicked a ball, we have already (again) been listed as relegation fodder. In a strange way this suits us as a club. We are the perennial underdog. The minnow in a pool of sharks. The small, family club battling through adversity with a smile.

We may not be fashionable or rich, but we are honest, and in an odd way, we are a cool club to support.

Hopes

My fervent hope is that we hit the ground running this season and pick up where we left off. Although a loss against Chelsea would be a setback, a run of losses at the beginning of the season would set the tone for yet again another dour struggle - something none of us want I am sure.

Once again we have said goodbye to more Latics stars who have moved on to pastures new, but new signings have arrived and the rumours say more exciting players are due soon. Our next long term goal as a club (apart from the obvious survival) is league stability and European football. Our fan base has increased again this season, and although we will probably never be one of the giants, regular mid to top table placings would be heaven.

Fears

The obvious. The reversal of all the above hopes. A bad start to the season and an even worse end. The loss of our best players in the January transfer market etc. I need to stop typing now - I am getting too depressed.

On balance I feel that Roberto Martinez has brought more to this club than just an exciting, attacking brand of football. He has worked tirelessly to improve training facilities and build a home-grown squad of young talent that can allow the club to grow and to prosper. He has also realised the most important thing that makes a club like ours work. He has realised that this club needs us - the fans. Without us none of this can work. Let's make sure we all play our part and keep the faith through the inevitable dark days.

BELIEVE.

Dave Hayes

Previous Hopes and Fears 2012/13:

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5

If you'd like to get your Latics Hopes and Fears for the new season published then send them to wigan@vitalfootball.co.uk and we'll do the rest



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