The Rumour Mill

Last updated : 25 July 2005 By Liam Cooper
Michael Brown

Started off his career at Manchester City as a trainee, he broke into their first team at the age of 18. He had a mixed career at Man City; he experienced one relegation and one promotion via the play-offs against Gillingham.

Brown found himself out of favour at City and had three loan spells, one at his home town club of Hartlepool in 1997, another at Portsmouth in 1999 and his third and final was with Sheffield United.

He joined United on a permanent basis after impressing on loan, and had a very successful 2002/03 season, in which he scored 22 goals from midfield, helping United into the playoff finals of which they lost to Wolves.

He also reached the semi-finals of both the league cup and FA cup. His impressive performances brought many premiership admirers.

Tottenham Hotspurs snapped him up in January 2004. His career at Spurs has been mixed in my opinion, struggling slightly in his first 6 months of Premier football.

However he had an impressive 2004/05 season were he formed a good central midfield partnership with Michael Carrick, his season was cut short though by an injury.

Capped at England under 21 level 4 times, Brown would bring Premiership experience to Wigan, and would be an ideal replacement for transfer misfit Jimmy Bullard, IF the former Posh midfielder does not sign.

Josip Skoko
Josip Skoko


29 year old Australian international Josip Skoko has been linked with Wigan for sometime. Currently plays for Turkish side Genclerbirligi.

Also had spells at Hajduk Split and RC Genk, Skoko has been most impressive for Australia in their InterToto cup runs.

A move to the Premiership came very close for Skoko when a proposed move to Manchester City broke down at the 11th hour; he also rejected another move to the premiership in 2003.

A midfielder with an eye for goal, he would bring International caliber to Wigan, however his lack of experience in the Premiership could see him struggle.

Jason Euell

28 year old Jason Euell became Charlton Athletics record signing when they bought him from Wimbledon in 2001 for £4.75 million.

He has proved to be a great success at the Valley, finishing as Charlton's top goal-scorer in every season.

Finished last season with 10 goals, Euell has decided to switch international loyalties from England to Jamaica in a bid to get to the world cup.

Unlike the Skoko and Brown, Euell has made public his desire to now leave the valley after bust ups with his manager Alan Curbishley.

He is a versatile player who can play in either the midfield or as a striker, no matter were he's played he has had a knack for scoring goals.

The Charlton fan favorite would be an invaluable addition to Wigans squad as is hard work ethic would see him fit into Paul Jewell's tactics with aplomb.

Stephane Henchoz
Stephane Henchoz


Not so much a rumour as he has been training with the Latics squad in Denmark for the past week.

Joined Liverpool in 1999 and formed one of the premierships most formidable defences alongside Sammi Hypia.

He was part of the treble winning Liverpool squad of 2001; Former UEFA and Super cup winner Henchoz was a solid performer for the reds.

However an injury two seasons ago saw him return last season with a fight on his hands to regain his first team berth.

He failed to break back into Liverpools squad and in January 2004 he joined Scottish giants Celtic.

Sadly for Henchoz his spell with the Old Firm club was short lived as he failed to hold down a regular first team spot.

Released by Liverpool at the end of last season, it is widely thought that the only reason Henchoz is not still marshalling Liverpools defence is because of the fantastic form of Jamie Charrager.

Henchoz is also a seasoned International having made 70+ appearances for Switzerland.

I think Stephane would be a brilliant signing for Wigan Athletic and news that he is ready to put pen to paper on a Latics deal should come as good news to all concerned at Wigan Athletic.

At a glance

Other players linked with the mighty blues:

Ze Castro - Portuguese defender has been in talks for almost a fortnight. However talks have stalled and a move for him now seems unlikely.

Brett Ormerod - Had a loan spell with Wigan last year, scoring twice away at Leicester. Constantly linked with Wigan, however it seems unlikely now that Wigan will move for him at this present time.

Szilard Nemeth - Middlesborough striker has been linked with Wigan by some newspapers over the summer.

Who I'd take

Out of all the players we've been linked with, I would without a doubt take Michael Brown to strengthen our midfield; he would add some much needed experience.

I would also take Jason Euell as has scored goals at Premiership level and he is at the right age.

His never say die attitude would ensure he become a Wigan fan favourite.

Also, I would love to see Henchoz sign for us, and news that this looks likely means we should have a soilid defence.

However, for good measure I would try to sign Ze Castro as he seems like a promising young player, rated highly by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.