Wigan - Premiership
Wigan Looking Short Of Pulling PowerAlthough Wigan Athletic deserve enormous credit for having retained their Premiership status on the final day of last season, the omens don't look particularly encouraging for their top-flight future beyond the coming campaign.
To begin with, the resignation of manager Paul Jewell in the immediate aftermath of their win at Sheffield United on the final day of the season brought them back down to earth with a bump, while the appointment of his assistant, Chris Hutchings, as his successor was never likely to do much to improve the club's ability in retaining and signing quality players.
So far this summer Wigan's recruitment campaign looks less than encouraging, with Jason Koumas being the only player who looks to be capable of making a major impression. The signing of the error prone Titus Bramble in defence looks a particularly risky addition and, as has happened previously, Wigan are again finding themselves being rejected by players when they have had bids accepted by their clubs - a definite sign that the Latics are still struggling to compete with the pulling power of their Premiership peers.
Sporting Index have a Premiership Relegation Index that quotes: Last = 60pts, Second Bottom = 40pts, Third Bottom = 30pts, Fourth Bottom = 20pts, Fifth Bottom = 10pts, Sixth Bottom = 5pts. All others = 0.
The spread for Wigan is 22-25, which looks on the low side. Basically you will be in the money if you buy the points and Wigan are relegated, which given the squad at their disposal, the money being shelled out by their rivals and the relative lack of experience of Hutchings, has to be a fair bet.