Wigan Athletic star's Wind-ow of opportunity

It was arguably the pass of the season to date.
Josh WindassJosh Windass
Josh Windass

Wigan Athletic v Bristol City...52 minutes gone...Josh Windass picks up the ball very wide on the right-hand side.

One quick look up, followed by a magnificent inswinging delivery, and Nick Powell heads the only goal to send Latics up into the play-off picture.

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Just three days after opening his account with the winning goal against Hull City – his hometown club – what a way for Windass to announce his arrival at the DW Stafium in style.

“I don’t know where it came from to be honest!” Windass laughed when asked about his world-class assist.

“I’m not usually that wide, that far away from the goal.

“I just saw Powelly in the box, and it’s probably a one in 10 chance to get it right on his head.

“Everyone can see what a top player he is, and when he gets chances he’ll usually put them away.

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“It was obviously a good win for us, and it’s been a great start on the whole since I’ve been here.”

Windass showed his versatility towards the end of the Bristol City game by moving up top to replace Joe Garner in the lone striker position, with Will Grigg and James Vaughan out injured.

He admitted after the game that he’d prefer a more central role, which provoked a response of: ‘He’ll play where he’s told!’ from manager Paul Cook in his Sky interview!

And Windass is more than happy to let Cook decide who plays where.

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“I feel I’m better in a more central role, and I’ve spoken to the manager a few times, and he’s told me that’s where he sees me,” added the forward.

“But as long as I’m doing a job for the team, that’s all that matters.

“If the team’s winning and I’m scoring goals then I’m not too fussed.”

One thing’s for sure – Windass’ decision to leave Glasgow Rangers in the summer after two years in Scotland to return to England looks to have been vindicated.

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And the man himself has moved to set the record straight about the exact reasons for the move, with some reports claiming he didn’t really want to leave.

“It was purely a footballing decision for me to come here,” Windass explained.

“Everyone seems to have their own idea about why it happened, but I can tell you in was purely footballing reasons.

“I felt it was the best move for my career, and I hope I can prove any doubters wrong.

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“It’s still a bit different to what I’m used to, and I’m still getting to used to the lads and the banter in the dressing room.

“But on the field it’s been going brilliant and hopefully that continues.”

Next up for Latics is a tough trip down to Norwich this weekend, but Windass says Latics need have no fears as they look to consolidate their position in the top six.

“On paper it’s a very tough game, but we fancy our chances against anyone if we’re on our game,” he insisted.

“We’ve started the season well, and we’ll back ourselves to go to Norwich and get the win if we’re playing at 100 per cent.”