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Jason Koumas enjoys his debut in a Latics shirt!

Latics' new star signing Jason Koumas came off the field after his Wigan Athletic debut against Dutch side FC Zwolle and declared: "This is going to be a great move for me."

Koumas was impressive in the game, showing some grate touches from midfield, and he said: "considering this was the first time I have played any sort of game with the lads, I feel there was a good understanding, but this is something which can only get better.

"The more we play together, the more we will get to know each other and I will feel comfortable.

"I am looking forward to the new season so much, there are some real quality players. As a midfielder, you like to be able to provide service into the strikers and I would say that we have players here who can really hurt defences.

"My style is also to come forward from midfield and try and get on the score-sheet and the manager has encouraged me to do this.

"The manager has already instilled a lot of confidence in me, and encouraged me to express myself on the field, and I feel there is the potential for me to improve here, by playing with and against the best players in the country week in week out."

Kouuuuuuuummmmmaaaaaaaasssssssssssss :thup:

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He will be so so good.

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Team for tonights game kicking off at 6pm against Den Bosch

Chris Kirkland, Mario Melchiot, Andreas Granqvist, Titus Bramble, Kevin Kilbane, David Cotterill, Denny Landzaat, Paul Scharner, Jason Koumas, Emile Heskey, Caleb Folan.

Substitutes from: Mike Pollitt, Emmerson Boyce, Peter Moore, Lewis Montrose, Tomasz Kupisz, Julius Aghahowa.

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DEN BOSCH 0 - 2 WIGAN ATHLETIC

Latics made it two wins out of two on their pre-season trip to Holland with goals from Emile Heskey and Paul Scharner.

Chris Hutchings rung the changes from Tuesday's game against FC Zwolle by starting with Chris Kirkland between the sticks, and Andreas Granqvist in defence. Jason Koumas continued in midfield whilst Heskey partnered Folan up front.

Latics dominated throughout against the "Blue and White Dragons" who finished fifth in the Dutch second division last term.

Heskey scored after half-an-hours play when he latched onto a magnificent ball played by Koumas and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Gino Coutinho.

Scharner then secured Wigan's second win of the pre-season with four minutes left when he weaved his way through the opposition defence before despatching home. It was the Austrian's second goal of the summer.

The powerhouse midfielder had also saw a shot hit the post whilst the very lively David Cotterill fired just inches wide of the post, and Heskey was unlucky not to get a second goal when he saw a shot pushed round the post.

Perhaps even more pleasing for manager Chris Hutchings was the influence of Koumas, who had completed a transfer from West Bromwich last week. The Welsh midfielder was very creative and looks an exciting prospect in a Latics shirt, whilst Granqvist also looked assured in the centre of defence.

Goalkeeper Mike Pollitt also some action as he replaced Kirkland for the second half, whilst Julius Aghahowa took the place of Folan up front. Emmerson Boyce made a straight swap for Titus Bramble.

Later on in the second half, Denny Landzaat was Lewis Montrose whilst young Polish midfielder Tomasz Kupisz switched with Koumas, and Peter Moore also swapped with Mario Melchiot.

Latics now return to home soil before facing Blackpool next Wednesday, and taking on the Yorkshire trio of Halifax Town, Barnsley and Leeds United.

Reaction from boss Chris Hutchings will be on the official website tomorrow morning.

Scorers: Heskey 30, Scharner 86

Latics: Chris Kirkland (Mike Pollitt 45), Mario Melchiot (Peter Moore 88), Andreas Granqvist, Titus Bramble (Emmerson Boyce 46), Kevin Kilbane, David Cotterill, Denny Landzaat (Lewis Montrose 80), Paul Scharner, Jason Koumas (Tomasz Kupisz 80), Emile Heskey, Caleb Folan (Julius Aghahowa 46).

http://www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/...0429~1073929,00.html

Interesting to note Kupiz has been promoted to the first team setup.

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Is Caleb Folan good batch?

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Yeah he's alright i suppose. Still loads of work for him to do to get better though. He's a bit like Heskey but not as strong but is faster. Wont ever score a bagful at this level but he's a decent option to have.

Why ?

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Not heard of him before and seen him in the starting lineup.

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Originally posted by Rdysn5:
Not heard of him before and seen him in the starting lineup.

Signed in January from Chesterfield :thup: was involved in quite a few games after that due to injuries

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Leighton Baines could be nearing a big-money exit from Latics - wigantoday.net understands the highly rated left-back has been granted
permission to meet Sunderland officials this weekend to discuss a move to the Stadium of Light.
No fee has been agreed yet, although Sunderland are ready with a £6m offer after three earlier bids were rejected.
It might be Baines decides Wearside is not for him – Everton are reportedly the club he would ideally like to join.
But this is the closest the England Under-21 international has come to the exit door after a summer of speculation.
If Baines does opt for Sunderland, it's unlikely Latics would sanction the transfer until they have brought in a replacement.

Wouldnt be happy for him personally for Baines if that happens.

Got the feeling of another Ellington situation developing.

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Super Mario to captain us this season

Mario Melchiot named Latics skipper

Mario Melchiot has been handed the captain's armband as Wigan Athletic step up their preparations for the new Premiership season.

The Dutch international, who turned down a host of top European clubs to join Latics this summer, has been chosen by Chris Hutchings because of his experience and leadership qualities.

Melchiot has skippered the side in their opening two pre-season games while the squad were away in Holland and the Latics chief has now given him the role on a permanent basis.

Latics boss Chris Hutchings said: "I'm blessed with many leaders in my squad but I have decided Mario is going to be skipper this season. He has all the qualities I look for in a captain and I like the fact he plays at the back; I think that gives him a good perspective on what's happening in a game."

Mario's appointment makes it a case of 'Double Dutch' for the Latics captaincy, as he takes over from fellow countryman Arjan De Zeeuw, who left the club in the summer.

Melchiot is expected to lead the team out against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road (Wednesday 25th July, kick off 7.45pm).

Probably not who i'd have gone for - Scharner probably - but not unhappy about that.