Hardcover with dust jacket
Against All Odds
Wigan's Premier League Adventure
In the autumn of 2005, as the crisp Lancashire air swept across the DW Stadium, Wigan Athletic embarked upon their most remarkable journey yet. With his characteristic attention to detail and intimate knowledge of the club, Phil Wilkinson paints a vivid portrait of a season that would forever transform this proud northern outfit.
The author's masterful storytelling takes us behind the scenes of Paul Jewell's ambitious squad, revealing how a team of relative unknowns transformed themselves into Premier League warriors. Wilkinson's privileged position as a respected journalist for the Wigan Observer allowed him unprecedented access to the dressing room dynamics and boardroom decisions that shaped this fairy tale.
Wilkinson's keen eye allows us to witness the early season surge that propelled the Latics to second place, leaving the footballing establishment in disbelief. His prose captures the electric atmosphere of those autumn evenings when the impossible seemed within grasp, as Pascal Chimbonda and Jimmy Bullard emerged as unlikely heroes on the national stage.
The narrative skilfully weaves together match reports, player interviews, and supporters' testimonials, creating a tapestry that reflects the collective dream of a town united in pride. Wilkinson's particular strength lies in his ability to contextualise the magnitude of Wigan's achievement, drawing parallels with other sporting miracles while maintaining a focus on the unique character of this working-class community.
What sets this account apart is Wilkinson's careful balance between journalistic objectivity and passionate storytelling. His description of the historic victory over Arsenal at Highbury captures both the tactical nuances and raw emotion of that watershed moment, whereas his coverage of the nail-biting fixtures against Manchester United demonstrates his deep understanding of the beautiful game's technical aspects.
As the season progresses, the author deftly handles the inevitable ups and downs, never shying away from the challenges faced by Jewell's men. The January transfer window drama, the injury crisis, and the pressure to maintain Premier League status are all documented with the same meticulous care that characterises Wilkinson's reporting style.
Through it all, the author's respect for the club's history and appreciation of its working-class roots shine through. His portrayal of the vision of chairman Dave Whelan and the fans' unwavering support provides crucial context for understanding how a former non-league club could rise to compete with England's elite.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Publisher: Breedon Books Publishing Co Ltd
Published: June 16, 2006
Price: £9.99
Hardcover: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 1859835147
ISBN-13: 978-1859835142
Dimensions: 284 x 250 (mm)
Lavishly illustrated
Postage Weight: 1.2k
NEW - MINT - PRISTINE - NEVER BEEN OPENED
