clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Editors Blog: How Did the January Transfer Window Go For Wigan?

Only a few weeks into the job and not having really had the chance to look over the player we already had Rosler was tasked to bring in more players to help us push on and improve the team. The question now has to be asked has the gaffer managed to do that?

Matthew Lewis

Right from the very start Uwe Rosler said not panic and that he would not be rushed into any permanent signings this window. Watch out for the loan deals, and for a few players shown the door as we try to trim the edges of our very large squad. However with a lot of defensive injuries it was key that Rosler brought in reinforcements and looked to improve the attacking strength of the team.

On paper Rosler more or less hit all his targets this window. Firstly he managed to get the massive wage of Grant Holt out the door, yes only on loan, however if the striker finds some form then maybe we can get rid in the summer or keep hold of him for the following season. The other player he tried to get rid of was Ivan Ramis, talented player however the clubs top earner and getting him of the wage bill would have opened up a huge chunk of money for the club.

Sadly Ramis couldn't complete deals at both Cardiff City and Crystal Palace and so remained at the club. Something which I am rather happy about the defender is exceptionally talented and his worth will be proven in the latter stages of the season I am sure of it.

Looking at other player leaving, we have said a farewell to Nouah Dicko who hasn't really been given a chance at the club. However Rosler obviously didn't see enough in him during training session and he was shipped off to Wolves, where he has found his scoring touch. Could that have been a mistake? Only time will tell.

Three more departures saw Frazer Fyvie, Adam Buxton and Jordan Mustoe all loaned away from the club. The three youngsters I feel will more than likely have their full time futures decided over the summer. They along with Daniel Redmond and Rob Kiernan will all be constantly being assessed by Uwe Rosler and his team.

So with players going out we could afford to get a few in. Four loan moves, none of which have really got the pulse racing as Josh McEachran, Nicky Maynard and Martyn Waghorn join till the end of the season, with Tyias Browning joining on a short term deal.

Each player will have a chance to prove their worth and I hope in terms of Waghorn and Maynard they manage to find the back of the net for the club!

There were of course players we missed out on. The signings of both Jack Hobbs and Craig Dawson were unable to be closed by the club. Hobbs eventually choosing to go to Nottingham Forrest on deadline day; had Ramis joined Palace I have a feeling Hobbs would have been a Wigan player.

Dawson on the other hand was believed to be on the verge of moving on a loan deal to the club till the end of the season when the timer ran out. I would expect the deal to be completed when the loan window re-opens next Friday. That would again improve our defensive numbers and allow both Ramis and Rogne more time on the physio table.

All in all January wasn't a bad month. Yes we didn't make any massive signings, but Rosler hasn't had the time to get an idea of his current squad of players, let alone the targets that he wants to bring in. If anything January has shown that we have a manager who is very rational and is not going to panic.

That is something I value a lot higher than bringing players for big money and them being a risk.