After the recent departures it seems as though new faces are destined to be arriving shortly at the JJB. Boss Paul Jewell is no idiot and he would not sanction the release of Nicky Eaden's contract were a replacement not due.
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Guess the new faces
Feature by Paul Farrington
Updated Friday, 1st July 2005
Firstly, Ian Breckin should not be allowed to leave, nor should he want to go. There is the attraction of playing closer to home [Rotherham] but this cannot surely out weight the prospect of Premiership football.
Many a Spirite cannot wait to see their former player of the year test his abilities in the top flight and the Latics fans feel he would play a prominent part in their season.
Should he choose to leave, this leaves the Latics with just two recognised centre back in Matt Jackson and Emerson Thome.
There are a lot of areas that need strengthening. The goalkeeping department is now sorted with the addition of Mike Pollitt as back-up to John Filan.
Pollitt has signed on a two year contract and feels he will be able to challenge the Aussie for the number one shirt.
In defence, the squad needs quite a few quality additions. A right back is essential with the departure of Eaden to Forest, whilst at least two centre back are needed even if Breckin chooses to stay put.
A number of targets spring to mind. David Sommeil of Manchester city has been linked in recent weeks, but he would offer little to the Latics first team and would be another squad player like Thome.
Danny Gabbidon and Fitz Hall are two of the names that cause the most interest. Both play at centre back, have age on their side, and would love to be in the Premiership.
Gabbidon currently plays for Cardiff City in the Championship and has expressed his desire to play against his mate Robert Earnshaw in the top flight. He would cost around £1.5 million and is well within the Latics’ budget.
Fitz Hall meanwhile was a huge success for Crystal Palace last season despite their relegation. He is another who would cost around £1.5 million and he showed last season that he is more than capable at the top.
At right back is seems as though Pascal Chimbonda is a likely signing from French club Bastia. The 26 year old is little know in England, but Paul Jewell has spoken recently of his exploration into foreign markets.
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A right winger would be a welcome addition as would a good number of back-ups for the current crop of players.
Lee Bowyer would be an option if his head is in the right place and could
prove to be a bargain under the right management. Whilst Damien Francis from Norwich would add goals and plenty of power to the midfield at a fee of around £2 million and Blackburn Rovers captain Garry Flitcroft has been linked in the past.
prove to be a bargain under the right management. Whilst Damien Francis from Norwich would add goals and plenty of power to the midfield at a fee of around £2 million and Blackburn Rovers captain Garry Flitcroft has been linked in the past.
On the flank, Luis Figo would be a lovely addition but is not very realistic!
Perhaps David Thompson of Blackburn Rovers is an option or for a more attacking option, David Bellion from Old Trafford may be worth a sneaky bid.
Perhaps David Thompson of Blackburn Rovers is an option or for a more attacking option, David Bellion from Old Trafford may be worth a sneaky bid.
As for the strikers, Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts will be interesting next season and the addition of Kenny Miller would give the Latics plenty of strength in depth. Miller has expressed his desire to leave Wolves for the top flight.
Here is how a decent Latics side may look next season:
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