The immediate post season was an anxious affair for all
concerned with the Latics, at one point it looked almost certain that manager
Roberto Martinez would be on his way out. Two of the biggest names in England
came calling, first of all Aston Villa, as they did twelve months earlier, asked
the question, but were quickly rebuffed by Dave Whelan.
Roberto Martinez |
That was just the start five times European Champions
Liverpool were next to show an interest in Martinez .
It seemed almost certain that he would be making the short move to Merseyside
but in came Whelan. For a week or so we were all treated to the ‘Dave Whelan’
show, with minute by minute updates of his manager’s movements, and for good
measure he threw in the odd one liner.
For me Whelan, is free to say what he likes about his club, he took us
to the promise land and we are preparing for an eighth season upsetting the
establishment.
Despite the constant presence of Adrian Chiles there was
something comforting about seeing our man covering the Euros.
As for the playing staff despite the rumours, Hugo Rodallega
left the club on a free and former number 1 Chris Kirkland joined Sheffield
Wednesday. The main transfer saga looks set to be where will Victor Moses? His
agent seems pretty adamant that he is moving, for me Moses is not half the
player Antonio Valencia was when he left the Latics and will not improve his
game by warming the bench up. One thing is certain Whelan will ensure we get
very good money for him.
Victor Moses |
As for comings in the Latics could well secure the services
of a right back, with the aptly named Rod Fanni attracting some interest, also
a winger is on the cards with Moses’ likely move away.
Also with Maynor Figueroa being
picked for the Olympics we could well need a left back to also provide cover
for injury and so on. Defensive cover is key, the lads who saw the Latics
through the run in will be key once again but cannot make it through a full
season unscathed.
A striker is needed to share the workload with Franco Di
Santo, I’m not convinced with Mauro Boselli and doubt he has the hunger and
fight that will be needed.
With the pre season plans now outlined, the Latics are first
up this season for Sky sports as we will all be making our way to the DW on
Sunday the 19th of August, I for one cannot wait, weekends without
football is just wrong.
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