The problem is, I am not a reporter from the big smoke and have been fortunate enough to witness the rise and growth of Wigan Athletic through the league structure first hand. Supporting your home town club was something few supporters did in Wigan when growing up, it was either Liverpool, Everton, United or maybe even City but that has now changed thanks to the success of the Latics under Paul Jewell. It was therefore somewhat worrying times when the quick witted scouser decided to step down at the end of last season.
However on view of our display yesterday evening, the arrival of Chris Hutchings is something to celebrate. We knocked the ball around much more than under PJ and at times had 'Boro chasing shadows. The only thing missing were the goals, and Southgate et al could not have complained had it been 3 or 4.
Jason Koumas was peerless in midfield while Titus Bramble and Andreas Granqvist were strong at the heart of the defence. Even Kevin Kilbane at left full back put in a display against a lost looking Tuncay. Emile Heskey added weight to his England chances, but he will only receive ridicule from pundits who never watch him.
On the other hand, Middlesbrough were appalling and will need to improve on this display if they are to survive. Aliadiere, Tuncay and Downing were amusingly poor, while Everton won't stay top of the table if they sign Yakubu, the £10 million rated striker was marked out of the game by an erroneous free transfer from Newcastle.
Of course read the papers and this display is a one off. The Latics will now go on to lose their next five games, Chris Hutchings will be sacked before September and less than 3 people will come to watch us against Fulham next month. Believe that if you want, but the signs are there, Wigan Athletic could well be a surprise package this term.
Click here to read the article on the Times website.