Match Preview: Wigan Athletic (H)
AFC Fylde return to Mill Farm on Saturday afternoon for a pre-season friendly against Wigan Athletic, kick-off 3pm.
The Coasters host Wigan having won their first three friendlies, defeating Lancaster City, Blackpool and Longridge Town.
Chris Beech’s men will be aiming to deliver another positive performance as preparations continue for the upcoming Vanarama National League campaign.
The Latics, who finished 12th in Sky Bet League One in 2023/24, are the second EFL side to visit the Coasters’ home ground in July.
The Manager: Shaun Maloney
Manager Shaun Maloney returned to Wigan as manager in January 2023 having previously represented the Latics as a player, winning the FA Cup with the club a decade earlier in May 2013.
Born in Miri, Malaysia, Maloney turned professional with Celtic after coming through the Glasgow giants’ youth set-up – making his debut in a 3-0 Old-Firm derby victory against Rangers in April 2001.
He spent six-years in Celtic’s first-team during a trophy-laden spell in Hoops’ colours – including four Scottish top-flight titles and two Scottish League Cups in his full seasons, making 139 appearances in all competitions.
In August 2008, Maloney returned to his former club for £3m, playing 77 games in four-years at Celtic Park, where he won another Scottish League Cup in May 2009.
Maloney, capped 47 times at senior level by Scotland, signed for Wigan in August 2011 in an £850,000 switch, making an important impact with goals in wins against Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United, helping the Latics remain a Premier League outfit.
Shaun’s second year at Wigan proved memorable for the club under manager Roberto Martinez. His corner assisted Ben Watson’s header at Wembley in May 2013 to stun Manchester City in the FA Cup Final.
His final 18-months at Wigan were spent in the Sky Bet Championship, before moving to the MLS with Chicago Fire in January 2015 for an undisclosed fee.
After eight-months Stateside, Maloney spent two-years at Hull City, winning promotion to the Premier League in 2016 before retiring a year later.
Moving into coaching, Maloney’s first full-time role after a stint at Celtic, was with Belgium, alongside Martinez in September 2018, and coached the country in the delayed UEFA EURO 2020, where they reached the quarter-finals.
In December 2021, Maloney was appointed as Hibernian boss, departing Easter Road in April 2022.
The 41-year-old rejoined Wigan in January 2023 and steered them to a mid-table finish last term.
One to watch
Thelo Aasgaard has become a key member of the Wigan Athletic side since turning professional in 2020.
The Liverpool-born midfielder has made over 100 appearances in four seasons in a Latics shirt having come through the club’s academy system.
In his first campaign, aged 18, Aasgaard featured 35 times in all competitions.
He has since represented the Latics in the Sky Bet Championship and Sky Bet League One – last season, he played 39 times for Maloney’s men, netting eight goals.
The 22-year-old has also been capped by Norway at youth levels.
Tickets
Tickets are available for home and away supporters to purchase.
Admission details are as followed:
HOME SUPPORTERS
2022 seating: £25
West Stand premium: £18
West Stand Adult: £15
West Stand U18s: £6
West Stand U12s: £3
North Stand Adult: £10
North Stand U18s: £4
North Stand U12s: FREE
East Stand Adult: £12
East Stand U18s: £5
East Stand U12s: £3
AWAY SUPPORTERS
Away Standing Adult: £12
Away Standing U18s: £5
Away Seated Adult: £15
Away Seated U18s: £6
Hospitality packages are also available for the Wigan fixture. Starting from just £75, you can watch the game in style. Contact Jonathan.Eighteen@afcfylde.co.uk to book your table!
If you require disabled/carer tickets, please contact the AFC Fylde Club Shop by calling 01772 682593, who will assist you with your enquiry.
Come and cheer on the Coasters against Wigan Athletic. Purchase your tickets by CLICKING HERE
Match coverage
You can follow the Wigan game through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the fixture, followed by a match report.
X: @AFCFylde
Facebook: @AFCFyldeOfficial
Instagram: @afc_fylde
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