Why we lost...

Last updated : 07 November 2004 By Paul Farrington
The game was going well and we were in control until Lee McCulloch went off. We were coping without the Duke and had shaded the game.


Steve McMillan: Pictured on a night out this week.

However when McMillan (pictured) took the field to replace McCulloch, the team lost the left hand side of the field, and ultimatly the midfield.

McMillan was awful. Not just was his positional sense that of an infant but his effort wasn't there either. Surely Nicky Eaden would have been a better replacement. I doubt McMillan will appear in a Wigan shirt again, he'll have to do a lot to prove me wrong!

Teale didn't help the issue either. On his return from injury he lacked effort and would tackle himself! Fitness could have been excused but lack of effort and bravery can't.

Especially when Mike Flynn was left on the bench. Flynn has fight and effort in abundance. Teale will not start the next game in my opinion. Jewell does not tolerate a lack of determination.

Don't get me wrong I am not critising the team. Most of the team put in a top drawer performance but Plymouth were on the ball and we needed all eleven to be on top of their game to put them away.

Jimmy Bullard, Jason Roberts, Leighton Baines, Alan Mahon, David Wright, were all players who could not be faulted. But when a team comes to defend, you cannot let them grab the first goal and not only was McMillan out of position at centre half, but he also gave away the free kick that led to the goal.

After this we didn't have enough to get back at them and Jewell was right to re-substitute McMillan.

Please see this weeks funnies for a tribute to McMillan and Teale who have let Wigan Athletic and their team mates down this week. As a result, we are no longer the only unbeaten team in England. Take a look in the mirror fellas.