Wigan Athletic Manager Shaun Maloney Addresses Fan Discontent

Shaun Maloney, the manager of Wigan Athletic, has stated that he comprehends the dissatisfaction among supporters regarding the team’s current standing in League One. The Latics are positioned 19th, merely one point above the relegation spots, having suffered defeats in their last two league fixtures. This Saturday, they are scheduled to compete against rivals Bolton Wanderers, whose opponents are currently on a five-game unbeaten streak. Maloney issued an apology to fans earlier this week after he proceeded directly down the tunnel following their League One loss to Leyton Orient last Saturday, instead of acknowledging the home crowd at the Brick Community Stadium. Additionally, his team was eliminated from the Vertu Trophy this week, experiencing a 3-2 defeat against League Two side Chesterfield in front of 1,583 attendees, with 237 having traveled from Wigan. “I don’t ask them [the fans] for anything,” Maloney said. “In the Vertu Trophy, there might be 1,000 people there. I don’t complain, I don’t ask about the people that didn’t come. It’s all about the people that do. “I never want them to give any more money than they already do.” He continued, “It’s my job to try and give them as many victories. If it doesn’t happen, I’ve got no problem with them being really unhappy with me, that’s my job.” Maloney concluded, “I appreciate their support. I’m trying desperately hard to get more wins. But when we don’t then of course then I’ve got no problem with them being angry and frustrated.” Wigan holds an impressive record against Bolton, having remained undefeated against their local rivals in eight matches spanning nearly a decade. Maloney oversaw a decisive 4-0 away victory at the start of last season, followed by another 1-0 win in February, which hindered Bolton’s automatic promotion campaign. Maloney further commented, “If you look at our game against Bolton last year when we won 4-0 it was definitely a game where we both had chances but we took every one we had, and that’s how clinical we must be from now until the end of the season.” He added, “I’d say players were the difference for us last season and I’m pretty sure they will be the difference this season as well.”