Wigan must have time to gel

Last updated : 01 September 2009 By Michael Goodman

Ben Watson completed his loan move back down to London today with QPR securing his services until January, leaving 10 midfielders to battle it out for a place in the first team. In a 4-5-1 formation, (or the 4-2-3-1) there are enough players to push for a starting place to give Roberto Martinez food for thought.

It is a bit disappointing that no players have been added to the team but Martinez must think the squad has the ability to do ok in the Premier League. Fans would love to have another striker on the books but having 4 strikers when only one is being played is a bit of a waste. Time is now needed for the squad to gel together after the new arrivals.

Wigan did have a bid rejected for Swansea midfielder Ferrie Bodde but with midfield talent in good supply, Martinez decided not to go back in for the Dutch midfielder. Only Antonio Valencia and Lee Cattermole are the clubs big departures in a team which finished 11th in the league last time round. Key players yes, but others must now take on that responsibility and push the side on. Hugo Rodallega, Jordi Gomez, Scott Sinclair (who can operate as a striker) and Charles N'Zogbia are all players who can do this. If Titus Bramble and Emmerson Boyce can continue to be strong at the back for the club as well, a stable season could follow and this would be very welcoming for most Wigan fans.

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