Report by SJG

The 1981-82 campaign had seen Latics finally gain promotion to League Division Three for the first time in their history, but success had come at a cost with the club reporting losses of £250,000 at the AGM, but the losses were hardly a surprise and Chairman Freddie Pye promised to push the boat out as the team prepared for their assault on the new league.

One of the big success stories was the newly formed Junior Latics with over 400 local youngsters collecting their membership cards.

The close season would see plenty of manoeuvring as Lloyd looked to tie down his stars and recruit fresh talent ready for the challenge ahead.

One of the top priorities would be the future of Les Bradd. The big striker was now out of contract and discussions over the terms of a new deal were proving difficult.

Latics unveiled a lucrative sponsorship deal with Bulldog tools and despite increased ticket prices the season ticket sales had shown an increase with the prospect of higher-grade football.

A lot of hope had been placed on the young prospects developing within the club with potential first team talent being developed. John Butler, Kevin Langley, Graeme Halton and Wayne Aspinall had all shown good promise. The club applied for, and claimed, a place in the Central League which will ensure a higher standard of football for the reserves and help further player development.

Leaving the club are goalkeepers John Brown (Macclesfield) and Bob Ward (retired), young striker Mick Quinn (Stockport County), midfielders Clive Evans (Crewe) and Mark Wignall (Morecambe).

Wigan signed ex-Latics hero John Rogers from Altrincham and keeper Colin Oakley from Sheffield United both on one month’s trial. Phil Williams a lively winger was signed from Crewe on a free transfer, with manager Lloyd marking him out as one for the future.

Latics also placed several bids for Blackburn Rovers stalwart Micky Speight but the fee discussions were proving difficult.

Other rumours surrounded a possible marquee signing of Ex-Scotland and Notts Forest midfielder Archie Gemmill, but the financials were again delaying any finalisation of the move.

Contract discussions with centre half Colin Methven were also proving difficult and this was doubly concerning as player-manager Lloyd was continuing to have back problems that had plagued him of late.  On a happier note, full back John McMahon had removed himself from the transfer list and was ready to take on the challenge of a new season.

FRIENDLY

SHREWSBURY ARMY XI vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

6th August 1982

LATICS ON PARADE.

After a week of fitness and gym work the squad were glad to be back playing football and the short trip to Shrewsbury Army barracks was clearly a welcome return to competitive soccer.

Latics were far too strong for their hosts who were well beaten 12-0 with John Rogers, who was eager to impress, grabbing three along with Les Bradd.

Langley and Houghton both grabbed a brace,O’Keefe and Barrow, who were clearly did not want to miss-out on the fun, each found the net.

Full Time; Shrewsbury Army XI 0-12 Wigan Athletic.

It wasn’t all training and weights and the squad did find time for some light relief when they donned cricket whites to try and raise funds for Noel ward’s testimonial fund.

They even found time to have a few beers at the Bull Hey pub as they gave acting assistant manager Chris Lawler a royal send-off as he went to take up a management role in Norway with Bodo Grand.