It is therefore with limited optimism that we turn our attentions to Saturday’s FA Cup Final against billionaire’s club, Manchester City.
Swansea debacle
Firstly the debacle that was the Swansea game and the real reason why we are to be relegated this year. Our defensive options are severely limited at the moment with the trio of Maynor Figueroa, Antolin Alcaraz, and Ivan Ramis all out injured, and arguably representing our first choice back three.
Our second string are just not good enough, Gary Caldwell and Ben Watson’s lack of pace was exposed time and time again, whilst Shaun Maloney and Callum McManaman were expected to perform solo miracles to grab goals.
In such a crucial game if you cannot hold the lead twice, against a team without their star forward and already safe in the league, then you do not deserve to stay up.
The players looked tired from a congested fixture list and matched up with the number of absentees it made for a grim night for Wigan supporters.
The last and most embarrassing event of the evening was the Ronnie Stam substitution. The Dutchman lasted barely thirty seconds as he hobbled off following his first challenge after coming on for Emmerson Boyce, it was a disappointing way to end a disappointing evening and summed up the night.
Historic 90 minutes
It is difficult to focus on what should be a grand day in our history following the events of the Swansea game and our disappointing league campaign, but we may never get the chance to see our team in the FA Cup Final again so it is important to enjoy the day, regardless of the result.
Firstly it is important to take the day in isolation and enjoy the FA Cup for truly what is has represented to us this season, a break from the hum-drum rigours of the Premier League survival challenge.
That doesn’t mean it will get any easier as billionaires and free spending Manchester City are our opponents. With their wealth of talent and numerous options, it is going to be anything but easy for us to return with the cup.
With a worrying long injury list detracting from an already small squad it is key that as supporters we make sure we give the team our 100% support for the day and hope that lady luck is smiling on us particularly favourably.
But regardless of the result, and regardless of our Premier League status, we are Wigan Athletic supporters. It was back in 1999 when John Deehan’s side was fired to the top of Division Three by a certain Roberto Martinez and his now assistant Greame Jones.
If you would have told me at the time that we’d have enjoyed eight seasons of top flight football, a Carling Cup Final, and an FA Cup Final I would have called you barmy. We’ve come a very long way in a short space of time and we can be very proud of our football team and we proud to be at the FA Cup Final.
Relegation from the Premier League is not the death of our football club and the FA Cup Final is an occasion to saviour. We’re 90 minutes away from a momentous piece of history and anything can happen.
For one last 90 minutes this season, believe.