Michael Clegg - Player Profile

Michael has the honour of being the first player to play for and against Latics at the JJB Stadium. He was in the Manchester United team that played Latics to officially open the Blues’ new home and he arrived at the JJB Stadium to sign for Latics on 23rd March 2000 shortly after his friend, Terry Cooke had arrived in a similar deal from Manchester City. Like Cooke, Michael could have stayed at Latics if things had worked out with regards to the club gaining promotion and the player himself living up to Latics’ expectations.

He made his League debut for Latics at the JJB Stadium on 25th March 2000 in a 2-0 win against Notts County. He failed to impress and after making just 6 League appearances without scoring he returned to Old Trafford after Latics last League game of the season. Latics were still in contention for a place in Division One via the play-offs but Michael was not to be a part of them. His last game for Latics was on 15th April 2000, which was a League encounter against Gillingham in a real six-pointer at the Priestfield Stadium. Latics lost 2-1, a result that went a long way to ensuring that Latics would not gain automatic promotion.