Latics Speyk to Everton

This Sunday Wigan Athletic entertain Everton at the JJB in what promises to be a good game with both sides in form

In the run up to the game I managed to speak to Vital Everton editor Mike Holroyd and asked him a few questions about Everton, the Latics and Sundays match, lets see what he had to say.

How long have you been an Everton supporter Mike?

I only really got into football properly in the mid 90's, so the only trophy I`ve ever seen us lift was the FA Cup in 95, and then I was 7 so it didn't really mean much to me at the time!

I got my first season ticket at the age of 10 and have had one ever since, through the Smith era and now the successful reign of Sir Davey Moyes.

Are you pleased with your season so far?

How could I not be!

We had an iffy start after winning 3 of our first 4 games we went on a bad run. But around October time we really started to show what a good side we are.

Since the Mersey side derby in early October we have lost just twice in the league to Arsenal and United, and once in the Carling Cup semi first leg to Chelsea (when we dominated them after Mikel got sent off, shame really we should be going into the second on a healthy lead!)

We are still in 2 cups (unbeaten in the UEFA, one of only 2 teams to win all their group games), and battling for 4th.

All very, very good. (I`m ignoring the FA Cup, I don't want to talk about that!)


How`s life under Moyes?

Since that fateful Derby Day, Moyes has been superb he used to be a relatively defence minded manager, but now even if we are winning say 1-0 he will always throw one of the young strikers on and its paying dividends.

There have been ups and downs under Moyes (only avoiding relegation because of other teams results being one!)

He has always had a great record on the whole in the transfer market, finding Cahill, Arteta and Pienaar for 2 million each is miraculous. And now after the patience we have shown it looks like we will be seeing trophies again.


Are you happy with your summer signings and do you feel you need to strengthen now?

Stevie Pienaar has been incredible, his football brain is unrivalled.

Yakubu has scored 13 so you can't complain, and Jagielka is showing good form.

Baines has struggled to get in the side because of injuries but I have no doubts he will be a hit.

We are being linked with Arshavin at the moment, and that would be some coup if we bagged him!

Who should the Latics fans watch out for in the Everton team?

Manuel Fernandes will be making his first start since his return, we expect nothing less than a 30 yard winner from the lad!

How do you feel Everton will do this season will you win anything?

Well, we are on for a 'treble' of sorts, being the Carling cup, UEFA cup and 4th place.

If we somehow managed to pull that of I`d need dragging down of the ceiling. From here, the sky is the limit for this team.

I expect at least 1 of the cups and 5th from here to be honest, but I always get sucked in by Everton and start to believe.


How do you feel the Latics will do this season now Bruce is in charge?

First off, I stated all along Hutchings would fail, terrible appointment.

Bruce is an actual manager and will do better, the team you have is easily capable of mid table at least.

I'd expect you lot to finish about 14th this year.


If you had to pick one of the current Latics players to be in your squad who would it be and why?

Hmm tough one this, we are in a position now when we actually need few players for positions, and I feel we bought in the summer the player I wanted most from your squad.

Probably have to be Scharner, just to stop him scoring against us!

Who do you think will finish in the top 4 and bottom 3 this season?

1. Arsenal, 2. United, 3. Chelsea, 4. Everton

18. Birmingham 19. Derby 20. Liverpool

Prediction for Latics Vs Everton?

Sorry to say this lads, but i think we will have too much for you lot.

4-1 Everton.

Well thanks for the interview Mike, interesting insight but I feel that you are underestimating us if you think it'll be be 4-1 and you just may be in for a surprise almost as surprising as Liverpool finishing bottom!

Join Vital Wigan and be apart of the fastest growing Latics fans web site on the net.

News, views and debates its all here.

We are a Latics fans site run by the fans for the fans, what are you waiting for sign up and join in

It`s free, quick and carries no obligation whatsoever.

Have your say on the Latics Speyk forum

Participate in the polls and the Vital Fantasy League

It's easy to register , simply click the link and enjoy getting involved

Click here for the Latics Speyk forum