Shaun Maloney remembers Wigan Athletic's greatest day

“Maloney with the corner, in towards WATSON...”

Cue pandemonium.

It’s a goal that has been replayed a lot in recent weeks, with the seven-year anniversary passing on May 11 and last Saturday marking what should have been this season's FA Cup final day.

But for set-piece specialist Shaun Maloney, it’s a goal for which he’s more than happy to take second billing.

“Almost all of the credit has to go to Ben,” said Maloney, speaking to the Wigan Observer from his base in Scotland.

“When I’m taking a corner, all I’m doing is putting it into an area, possibly pre-determined by the coaching staff.

“If the delivery is good enough, then the players are then able to make a run into that area.

“Ben’s run, the timing and the actual technique to put the header where he did was just incredible.

“It’s only a very small percentage of credit that goes to the corner-taker, believe me.”

Maloney could quite as easily have been remembered as the hero from that day, having earlier seen a free-kick swerve over the head of then-England goalkeeper Joe Hart before landing on the crossbar.

But the ex-Scotland star – now part of the Belgium set-up alongside Roberto Martinez – admits the fairytale ending was written in the stars.

“There’s so many facets involved with the cup...the run that got us there, the story behind the owner, Ben scoring after breaking his leg...” acknowledged Maloney.

“And then for the goal to come with 90 minutes on the clock...such a brilliant header, right into the top corner.

“I’m just really proud of being a part of something really special for the club and the town.

“Looking back on the footage now, the scenes when the goal went in, the celebrations behind the goal...we must have taken the whole town down with us.

“Everyone who was supporting us that day will never forget what happened, it was such a special moment for all of us.”

Maloney also underlined the key role played by Martinez in instilling the faith in his players that they could do the job.

“I think it’s his belief in us, and also the belief he had in his plans and methods, that is so contagious,” explained Maloney.

“The players do take a lot of confidence when the manager is so confident and positive in his approach.

“No matter what the result that season, Roberto would always come in on the Monday the same.

“There was never punishment or negativity following a defeat, it was always back to work and ready to go again.

“There was a real feeling and connection between the manager and the players, and the supporters in the stand.

“And I hope that’s still there, because it’s one of the reasons Wigan is such a special club.

“From the outside – or if you’d never played for Wigan – you probably wouldn’t know that exists. But during the period of time I was there, I was certainly well aware of that bond that isn’t always there at other clubs.

“It’s strange, and it’s quite hard to explain.

“I’d come down from Celtic, which is obviously a massive club in terms of fanase and stadium.

“You come to Wigan and it’s a very different feel...because of the town, where it’s come from, it just felt very personal.

“And during the time we were playing so well, taking on some of the biggest clubs in the land and beating them. It was such a special time.”