What the Papers Say

Last updated : 02 January 2007 By Liam Cooper
The Independent

Derbyshire strikes to Settle Lancashire Derby


As a spectacularly heavy shower drenched the JJB Stadium towards the end of the first half, it was tempting to hope that a second Wigan game in three days might be abandoned - it could have been classed as an act of euthanasia from Mark Clattenburg, the referee. Blackburn, though, will not be concerned at the lack of quality in a match that brought into question the wisdom of organising four games - or three and two-thirds in Wigan's case - in the space of 10 days.

Moving in the opposite direction are Wigan, who collected only four points in December and have now not won in six games. They offered little beyond the ever-willing Heskey and the occasional burst of pace from David Cotterill. Their manager, Paul Jewell, will surely look to add to his squad now the transfer window is open. Certainly, their players appeared jaded in a match that was devoid of excitement for long periods, especially in the first half.

The Sun

Wigan 0 Blackburn 3


Wigan are in freefall.

This was their fifth successive defeat and their fifth in a row at home. And boss Paul Jewell made no attempt to disguise his team's plight.

He said: “People keep saying we need to bring in another striker. Well, he would have to be a hell of a player, because we look like we need four goals to get anything out of a game at the moment.

“We do need another frontman, we also need to strengthen in every department. But we have to start by getting back to what we are good at — competing for the ball, getting our blocks and tackles in and winning headers."

The Guardian

Wigan spiral turns to tailspin as Jewell launches desperate search for Striker

There is a sense of foreboding gripping Wigan. Having acclimatised to Premiership football wonderfully well last season, the second term in the top flight has now become a battle for survival. Blackburn's comfortable victory here, their third of a highly productive festive period, inflicted a fifth successive defeat on Paul Jewell's embattled side. With only five points gleaned from the last possible 30, the manager's pangs of concern are understandable.

Wigan are in freefall and there was little yesterday to suggest the home side are underachieving.

"You could see the confidence drain out of us," admitted Jewell, whose side have now conceded three goals in each of their last three matches.