Steve Bruce Deserves Praise For Wigan Athletic Turnaround

The cold hard truth is that no one cares about Wigan Athletic. I’ve written about them in the past but even their own supporters aren’t bothered to participate in the discussion.

Out of the 20 teams in the Premier League, Wigan is the most underreported side. Unless, that is, there’s controversy or a outspoken comment needed, both of which usually come from Wigan chairman Dave Whelan.

The Lancashire club continues to fly under the radar, but Steve Bruce deserves more praise after turning the club around last season, escaping relegation and turning the team into a serious threat this season.

Bruce made one of the transfer coups in the summer by signing Amr Zaki on loan from Zamalek. The Egyptian striker has already proven himself by scoring five goals this season and there are plenty more to come from him.

Along with Zaki, Bruce signed three other players this summer featuring Lee Cattermole from Middlesbrough and Olivier Kapo and Daniel de Ridder from Birmingham City.

One of the biggest differences about Wigan this season is their ability to score goals. Fifteen so far this season. As well as Zaki, Emile Heskey has been on stellar form this season and the combination of those two up front can be, on the night, one of the best striking partnerships in the league.

Bruce has a squad of hard-working players that play together well as a team. Players such as Kevin Kilbane, Antonio Valencia, Titus Bramble, Jason Koumas, Paul Scharner, Wilson Palacios, Emmerson Boyce and Erik Edman.

With all of the hard work that Wigan has achieved this season thus far, the hope is that more football fans will attend matches at Wigan’s JJB Stadium.

This Sunday, Wigan Athletic plays Manchester City at home at 11am ET/4pm BST. Catch the match live and online in the EPL Talk Chat with host Johnathan Starling.