[retired_gitfresh]

mangelito, we've given Andy Johnson a free transfer. Could be on his way to you but the speculation seems to be mainly involving a move to Helsinborg or AaB in Denmark

[retired_mygem19]

offer Marlon 50k a week please

[retired_gitfresh]

Originally posted by atvkwkad:
offer Marlon 50k a week please

Hutch has apparantly spoken to him already and praised him, in that he wanted to go back and speak to his wife, before committing to a move.

Cant see him coming here now, thankfully.

Plus you have loads of money to throw about on cack, we don't.

Unlucky dude

[retired_bigsean999]

alreet

[retired_elmejor13]

JOHANSSON LEAVES WIGAN

Andreas Johansson has left Wigan Athletic to sign a three-year contract with AaB Aalborg.

The Swedish midfielder failed to have a significant impact at the JJB Stadium following his £450,000 move from Djurgardens in January 2005.

He started just four games in the Premier League last season and made 40 appearances in total during his time with The Latics.

New Wigan boss Chris Hutchings has allowed Johansson to return to Scandinavia after a deal was struck with AaB.

The Danish club are delighted with the transfer after admitting to a lengthy pursuit of the 29-year-old.

"We have been wanting to sign Andreas Johansson for two years now and all the time he has been our top priority when it came to reinforcing our attacking midfield," sporting director Lynge Jakobsen told the club's official website.

"We have signed a player of an extremely high standard, but we are still looking for more new players."

Johansson's arrival at AaB will compensate for the loss of Rasmus Wurtz after he signed for Danish champions FC Copenhagen.

Good luck Andy Johnson :thup: Always thought he deserved more of a run in the first team.

[retired_Rivkia147]

Aye, wish Andreas all the best as don't think it was through lack of effort things didn't work out, it was just a barmy move as even though he'd signed for a decent fee Jewell didn't play him EVER, as he realised he doesn't really suit 4-4-2. When he did get in the team it was because we didn't have any other midfield bodies. He got us some important goals so PJ kept him around the team but never in it, so never really saw what he was capable of.

He didn't moan though and stuck at it, so I'm glad he's taken the opportunity to find some regular first team footie, even though I had hoped he would be more involved under Hutchings.

Much as I'm sad about The Swede leaving, pretty pleased Villa gazumped us with Harewood; maybe it's the West Ham thing, but couldn't warm to the idea of him playing for us.

[retired_gitfresh]

UNDERLAND boss Roy Keane is refusing to give up hope of landing Leighton Baines.

The Irishman has seen three bids for the 22-year-old Wigan full-back rejected by his club with manager Chris Hutchings insisting the player has told him he does not want to leave.

However, Keane, who made his fifth summer signing when he paid Norwich £1.5million for central midfielder Dickson Etuhu, is ready to return to the JJB Stadium in a fourth attempt to prise the £5million-plus-rated England Under-21 international away.

He said: "Just because a club says a player is not for sale - if that was the case, nobody would ever move club.

"Chris Hutchings was quick to come out through the media saying that. "Managers have rung me about players and we like to try to keep these things private.

"But some managers cannot get it out quick enough that we have made enquiries for players.

"I suppose every manager is different, but because a manager says a player is not for sale doesn't mean it is over.

"I am sure Everton told Manchester United Wayne Rooney was not for sale, but they got him, so we will see."

He he. Looks like "Keano" doesnt like being told "no". :thup:

[retired_gitfresh]

First friendly against FC Zwolle won 2-0 tonight.

Depending on which part of the match report on the official site you believe scorers were Sharner and either Cotterill or Folan.

Kirkland save two pens. Bramble you big oaf.

10 Latics fans making the trip. Behind closed doors my arse.

[retired_gitfresh]

FC ZWOLLE 0-2 WIGAN ATHLETIC

Wigan Athletic manager, Chris Hutchings was reasonably pleased with his team's first run out of the pre season agenda tonight (17th July 2007).

Their first game during their training camp in Holland was against Dutch Second Division outfit FC Zwolle, who until this game, had been in good form during their own pre season. Having already beaten KHC 7-1, drawn 1-1 against Falkirk and hammered Olympia 28 by 14-0 this was a game that wasn't to be taken too lightly, even given its low billing.

The game saw Hutchings give starting debuts to Mario Melchiot, Titus Bramble and Jason Koumas and things couldn't have got off to a better start than they did, because within just three minutes Latics were ahead when Paul Scharner opened the scoring. Just eight minutes later Latics went two goals up courtesy of Caleb Folan's third goal for the club.

It is fair to say Latics eased off during the second half as Hutchings cast his eyes over new professionals Peter Moore and Lewis Montrose. In addition Chris Kirkland replaced Mike Pollitt in goal for the start of the second half and Hutchings also brought on Andreas Granqvist for Emmerson Boyce and Folan was replaced by Emile Heskey.

The Dutch outfit also missed two penalties, the first was hit high and wide whilst the second was saved by England keeper Kirkland, who showed no signs of the injury that plagued him towards the latter end of the season.

Latics lined up,

Mike Pollitt, Mario Melchiot, Emmerson Boyce, Titus Bramble, Kevin Kilbane, David Cotterill, Paul Scharner, Denny Landzaat, Jason Koumas, Caleb Folan and Julius Aghahowa. The used substitutes were Chris Kirkland, Andreas Granqvist, Lewis Montrose, Peter Moore and Emile Heskey.

[retired_gitfresh]

Andreas Johansson says goodbye to club as he moves to Denmark

The club have confirmed that Sweden international Andreas Johansson has joined Danish club Aalborg BK on a three year deal.

The 29 year-old was set to take part in this week's pre-season training camp in Holland with the rest of the squad, but has travelled instead to Denmark to complete the signing.

Johansson played a total of 39 times for the club in two and half seasons, but started only 19 of those games, scoring a total of 7 goals, four of those coming in the Premiership

Latics manager Chris Hutchings said he was sad to see the player go, but understands his desire for first team action.

"Andreas is a really good pro, and a very talented, skilful player" he said, "I've known him every since he came to the club and I have seen him work tirelessly to try and force his way into the first team picture. Unfortunately for him, he has never truly found a regular place in the squad, but it is not for the lack of trying.

"It's probably been a bit frustrating for him, but he has never shown anything other than total professionalism. He's never complained, always had a smile on his face around the training ground, and I wish him all the best because he's been a pleasure to have around the place."

Johansson was signed from Swedish club Djurgardens in January of 2005, and after a slow start to life in England, almost scored the winner in the first ever Premier League match, against Chelsea. Had that late volley gone in, maybe that would have proved to be a launch pad for greater success.

His best spell in the first team came later in that 2005-06 season, when he scored a vital equaliser at Bolton - always a good way to make friends at the JJB - before his superb brace earned a draw at White Hart Lane against Tottenham. His other Premiership goal came in the home match against Birmingham City that season.

Johansson himself said: "I'd like to thank everyone at Wigan who have always been supportive.I've enjoyed my experience in England and to have been involved in the incredible Wigan story. I'd have like to have played more games, and that's the only reason I want to move on. A big thank you to the Latics fans, who have always given me good support, you deserve success."

AJ soooooo ffb. Gutted to see him go. He deserve more of a crack with us. I'm sure he'll light up the Danish league though