Wigan Athletic v West Ham United preview
By Alan G
March 24 2006
Paul Jewell is set to name an unchanged line-up for the fourth successive game. Keeper Mike Pollitt could be on the bench after overcoming his hamstring strain.
Anton Ferdinand will not travel with The Hammers after suffering a groin injury against
Christian Dailly will also be missing, after damaging his hamstring in the FA Cup victory at
Latics (from): Filan, Chimbonda, Jackson, Henchoz, Camara, Johansson, McCulloch, Kavanagh, De Zeeuw, Francis, Scharner, Taylor, Bullard, Teale, Connolly, Ziegler, Baines, Thompson, Roberts, Pollitt.
West Ham (from): Hislop, Scaloni, Gabbidon, Collins, Konchesky, Benayoun, Reo-Coker, Mullins, Etherington, Harewood, Ashton, Sheringham, Zamora, Walker, Bywater, Clarke, Fletcher, Newton, Katan, Ferdinand.
Referee: Dermot Gallagher (Banbury).
Paul Jewell:
"I said at the start of the season I would love for all the promoted clubs to stay up as it gives hope to the rest of football.
"Both West Ham and ourselves have managed that.
"Graham Kavanagh knows a few of their lads from his
On Dean Ashton:
"He has done very well, he is a good player and has all the attributes. He may not be as quick as some people think, but he ain't slow.
"He has a good football brain and good technique after being brought up the right way at
"I'm sure West Ham will think they have a top player in Dean Ashton.
"But I thought the £6million we were prepared to pay was expensive. We certainly weren't prepared to pay £10million.
"To pay that amount of money for someone who had played only half a season in the Premiership, and with a relegated team, I thought was over the top.
"I might look foolish now, but £7million is still a lot of money. We did go back in for him, but he wanted to go to West Ham.