TALKING SPORT: There's no better appointment that 'Bob'
Sentiment is not the only reason why I'm looking forward to seeing Wigan play under Roberto Martinez.
In keeping with his philosophy as a player, Martinez has
cultivated a reputation for playing football the right way, and his Swansea team were rightly regarded as one of the most attractive sides in the land to watch under his stewardship.
Make no mistake, Steve Bruce did a great job at Wigan during his 18 months in charge, and the turnaround from relegation probables to European
possibles inevitably led to him being courted by bigger clubs.
However, if the fans had to cite one criticism of his tenure, it would probably be that the standard of football on offer wasn't always the most pleasing on the eye.
In Bruce's defence, his brief was to steady the ship, and he unquestionably did just that, tightening up at the back and making Latics a very tough team to break down.
There could be no better figure than Martinez to build on this solid grounding and now add some Spanish flair and style to the equation – with the aim of hopefully leading Wigan all the way into Europe.
WARRIORS' ability to switch from thrilling to frustrating is staggering.
Not even the seemingly straightforward task of beating basement side Celtic Crusaders could be carried out on Saturday.
Incredibly, Wigan are still in the top half of the table.
Incredible, because they've lost 10 and only won seven, and no side who has lost more than they've won really deserve to be in the play-off mix.
Of course, the landscape may quickly change after this weekend – Wigan have no game and those snapping at their heels do.
If complacency was at the root of their inept display in South Wales on Saturday, then it shouldn't be a problem between now and their Challenge Cup semi-final in August. Warriors play the top-four sides in the next six weeks, as well as having potential play-off four-pointers against Bradford and Catalans.
To say it's a crunch time would be an understatement.
THEY won easily, but I had one big problem with the England Rugby League team last Saturday: their name.
I can see a logic in competing as England in World Cups. But for the rest of the time, the sooner the RFL revert to Great Britain and Ireland the better.
The name-change has already claimed one potential high-profile casualty, with Brian Carney ruling out playing for England.
When the Kiwis and Aussies arrive for the Four Nations at the end of the year, we'll need all the help we can get – and if that's from Irishmen like Carney or players who have pledged allegiance to Wales, then great.
Why France have been allowed into the Four Nations is beyond me. After being met by such little French resistance, national boss Tony Smith has called for England to play a World XIII made up of Super League's overseas stars.
A nice idea but unlikely to get off the ground. Firstly, the clubs would be reluctant to let their best, and best paid, overseas stars to risk injury in a nothing match. And secondly, how embarrassing would it be if England lost to a bunch of Aussies and Kiwis who can't make their own Test teams?
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Wigan
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South
