Wigan Athletic

As everybody knows it there is a huge rivalry between wigan and bolton and last year was a great challenge between them.Now as the new season began bolton looks better side for now.Butwe will all see who will win this race at the end of this year.Bolton or Wigan?

On loan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has made Wigan Athletic history after he was named in Steve McLaren's first ever England squad which faces Greece next week.
On loan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has been called up for new England manager Steve McLaren's first England squad which takes on Greece in a friendly international at Old Trafford next Wednesday.

The Liverpool keeper, who joined Wigan on an initial six month loan with a view to a permanent deal, becomes the first ever Wigan player to be selected for the senior England squad and the 25-year-old is proud of the milestone.

"I didn't realise I was the first ever in club history to get a full call-up, that's an unbelievable honour for me," he said. "It is a surprise in a way when you say all the talent that there is here, and I know a lot of the lads are off on international duty this week. I am just glad I can be one of those because every footballer wants to play for his country.

"To be honest, the thought never really crossed my mind that I might get the call. I have just been focusing on staying fit and in doing my best in pre-season training here at Wigan. My target is to get in the team that starts at Newcastle next week but there are two other great keepers at this club vying to do the same thing so that's all that I’ve been thinking about really.

"I have always said that England would be a bonus. I have really enjoyed myself in the past when I've had the call because as a player there really is no greater honour and it's very encouraging for me that with a new manager now in charge, he has decided to include me."

"It has taken me by surprise a little," he admitted, "as I said, my number one priority at the moment of course is to compete for my place in the Wigan team and to try and re-establish myself in the Premiership.

"But to get a call up is a lovely boost and there is no greater honour than playing for your country. I have really enjoyed my time in the England set up in the past and I'm looking forward to meeting up with the team next week."

The Leicester born shotstopper has yet to earn a full England cap and hasn't been involved in the squad in almost a year after injury dogged a large part of his time on loan at West Brom last season.

However Paul Jewell believes that he has the ability to shine at the highest level: "I knew when we signed Chris that it was something of a coup and I really hope for both his sake and our sake that he can stay injury free and prove what a talent he is.

The Wigan manager added: "He has been in good form in pre-season and to be honest it doesn't really surprise me because he is a very, very good goalkeeper. This is fantastic news for him, and also a great boost for the club. Congratulations Chris."

Kirkland becomes the eighth Wigan player to receive an international call up this week, another new milestone at the club.

The Latics has started their first season in English Premierleague as a strong Relegation Candidate , but then beyond the all expectations , they had a safe mid-table.This year in their Second Premierleague season they wanna reach a higher position and get a piece of European Action for next year.Can they reach that point?Or will they be thankful if they survive from relegation?
We are all going to see it by the time...

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Wigan Athletic Football club have never been in any european competition.

Directors

Chairman
David Whelan

Vice Chairman
Phillip Williams

Chief Executive
Brenda Spencer

Directors
Brian Ashcroft

John Winstanley

Maurice Lindsay

Club Officials

Manager
Paul Jewell

Assistant Manager
Chris Hutchings

Football Co-ordinator
Bill Green

Reserve Team Coach
David Lowe

Youth Team Coach
David Lee

Strength and Conditioning Coach
Joey Gallanagh

Physiotherapists
Alex Cribley / Alan Tomlinson / David Hallam

Chief Scout
David Hamilton

Kit Manager
Alan Jackson / Fred Sephton

Football Secretary
Stuart Hayton

Commercial Manager
John Fillingham

Head of Communications
Matt McCann

Public Relations Officer
Laura Sherratt

Corporate Sales
and Hospitality
Jill Gregory/ Elaine Mitchenson

JJB Stadium
Safety Officer
Ray Johnston

Centre of Excellence
Dean Crombie

Community Officer
Bill Collier

JJB Groundsman
Ian Forshaw

Medical Officer
Dr. Ansar Zaman

Club Doctor
Dr. Mike Ashworth