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Wednesday, 14th May 2008

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Kilbane issues United warning



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Published Date:
07 May 2008
Stand-in skipper Kevin Kilbane has warned
Manchester United that Latics won't be a soft touch in Sunday's title decider.
United need to beat Steve Bruce's side or match Chelsea's result at home to Bolton to win the Premier League.
Chelsea's players have been queuing up to urge Latics to give their best against Sir Alex Ferguson's men.
And Kilbane says they will give it their best shot as they aim to finish the season on a high note after the long but successful
battle against relegation.

Professional pride will be enough to motivate Latics, as will a capacity 25,000 crowd, while there is a financial incentive for them to do well too.
If they were to hold on to 13th place, the club would land in the region of £5.7m in prize money on top of the millions they earn from
television revenue.

Kilbane told the Evening Post: "We didn't want to be playing for points against Manchester United and that's how things have worked out.
"But we don't want to get rolled over either – we want to give a good account of ourselves on the big stage.
"This is a huge game. United are a quality side going for the Premier League title and the Champions League.

"We know it is going to be a difficult game but we want to enjoy it.
"It doesn't get any better than playing United in front of a packed house, and there should be a great atmosphere.
"Our fans have been excellent this season and I'm sure they'll give us their full support on Sunday.
"We owe the supporters a good performance and that is what we'll be aiming to do."

Kilbane will wear the captain's armband against United in place of Mario Melchiot, who is ruled out with a groin injury.
The Republic of Ireland international will hold talks with Latics about a new contract in the summer as he is about to enter the final year of his current deal.

Kilbane said: "All contracts talks and extension negotiations at the club had been put on hold until we knew we were safe.
"I will probably speak with the manager over the coming weeks to see what is happening.
"Of course I want to stay. I'm settled here, I like it.
"This is a great club to be part of.

"I want to be part of what is going to be happening here over the next couple of years – there is something good building again.
"The manager and the coaching staff he has brought in are geared towards getting some success.

"I'm sure there will be some quality players arriving in the summer, so it will be difficult to get into the team and stay in it.
"But I want to be part of it and hopefully we'll sort something out."

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce was due back from Egypt today after holding talks with transfer target Amr Zaki.
He watched the striker score twice for El Zamelek against Aluminam and will now decide if to follow up his interest in the £5m-rated Egypt international.

Paul Scharner was named by fans as Latics' player of the year last night.
The centre-half picked up his award from chairman Dave Whelan at a ceremony at the JJB Stadium.
Chris Kirkland picked up the players' player of the year award and was also voted the season's best performer by the media.
Antonio Valencia was young player of the year, while teenager Jon Routledge won the Michael Millett award.
And Antoine Sibierski's volley against Chelsea in the FA Cup was chosen as goal of the season by fans attending last night's dinner.

The full article contains 615 words and appears in Wigan Evening Post newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 07 May 2008 8:41 AM
  • Source: Wigan Evening Post
  • Location: Wigan
 
 

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