New thread, new optimism. Despite everyone putting as one of the relegation favourites because we signed Bramble, people don't realise it would take quite an effort to look even more shaky at the back than last season.
Initially unimpressed by the appointment of Hutchings- and we'll see what he's made of when the season starts, but I think he's seems at least to be trying something different with the transfer policy. Jewell seemed to have a very small selection of players that he wanted, and if the transfer fell through there were few second options; hence last season depleted/ageing squad.
With every club now having quite a scouting system, it is difficult for clubs to do a Bolton, and unearth diamonds in far flung players, or established internationals looking for loan moves due to personal differences with their current clubs. We can't compete with the 'new money' of PL second and third tier clubs like West Ham, Portsmouth, Villa, maybe even Sunderland and City if they ever get flogged, but will maybe be able to assist with players looking to pick up the pieces again, after big moves go wrong. We don't tend to get on the backs of players as much as other teams, so if you're feeling low and need a little tlc and nurturing then come to us.
Bramble has a point to prove. Similarly to Heskey, he hasn't developed the potential he was once labelled with after a move to a big club; now classed as lacking the aptitude and appetite for top level football. After some of Halls' performances last season, I don't know if we can be more error strewn. So he doesn't have the pressure of being any worse than what we have/had, and maybe less pressure might allow him to focus on his game. If he shows the desire like Heskey did last season, his game may come on again.
As for the speculation, not keen on Koumas, despite his undeniable quality on the ball, there was a problem with him doing his defensive duties when West Brom were last in the
Prem and our Midfield can't afford to go missing. Murphy has a lot of people clamouring for him due to his performance for Charlton against us a couple of seasons ago, but doesn't seem a player capable of holding that form for long.
Speculation-
Ins
Mario Melchiot (Rennes)- Anything that assists in removing the threat of Hall playing CB can only be good.
Danny Murphy (Tottenham)
Michael Brown (Fulham) Am not convinced they will improve us, apart from more options and don't have the capacity to keep these type of players happy on the bench.
Chris Brunt (Sheffield Weds)
Phil Jagielka (Sheffield Utd)
Roy Carroll (West Ham) Think we have already had the best of him.
Jason Koumas (WBA) If he has learnt to tackle in the Championship then good, but West Brom had other midfielders to to carry him, we don't
Nathan Ellington (WBA) Unashamed subscriber to 'Bring the Duke home' faction. Every season it looks more and more unlikely as relations between ourselves and West Brom continue to worsen.
Outs
Leighton Baines (Newcastle)-With Bainsey, although he's a good young English player, he isn't much if any better than what most clubs already have, and aren't willing to pay the silly money that goes for England nationals. Would love him to stay though, and he is handling himself admirably through all this.
Am hurting that fixture list threw up Everton Away first game; pretty popular Away trip and only game I am in England for this year. Still, will beg, borrow or whatever to get there.
A few more decent signings though first please. :thup:
The Wigan Athletic Thread - Season 2007/08 
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