Imminent sale of Palacios sets alarm bells ringing

Wigan fans today,greeted the news of the immiennt Palacios’ sale to relegation threatened Spurs, with almost universal dismay

Palcios was a virtual unknown when Steve Bruce brought him from Birmingham last January but his performances since have been a major factor in our rise up the Premier League ladder, to where we were being talked about as possible qualifiers for the UEFA cup next season.

Wigan’s decision to sanction the sale of Wilson has cuased much concern amongst the Latics faithful in that with a small squad ,quality is difficult to replace.

Take a look at the squad and outside the first choice eleven there isn’t a large number of players pushing for a start with the exception in my opinion of Boyce, Politt and Edman.

Of the others Brown will give 100% but his best days are behind him and Koumas, Kapo and De Ridder have been anonymous and have been replaced on the left side of midfield by a totally right footed full back.

Camara has lost his zip and is only a bit player now and no doubt will move on before the end of the window, more likely to a championship club.

It is clear that there is no one within the club to replace Palacios and Wigan are now being linked with Stephen Hunt at Reading, a good championship player but not a patch on Palacios.

Mr Whelan’s decison to sell also raises the very real concern of every player having a price. Whilst the 100 million for Kaka would always secure a deal, the decison to reject Spur’s bid should have been a final one instead it is reported we told them how much we wanted for Palacios.
Fans are wondering who will be next, with Scharner and Valencia being linked with moves away from the JJB.

After this story broke earlier in the week, Lee Cattermole was quoted as saying he hoped Palacios would stay and that we had a chance of finishing high in the league. It must be a concern to the management as well as the fans ,as to how the close knit team spirit will be affected by the sale of one of the star assets.

WHilst we are never going to compete with the likes of Man United and Liverpool in terms of fans, finance etc we were in with a good chance of gaining a top six spot.

The decision to agree to a sale, suggests that the club have given up on this already and we will soon be back to a relegation scrap.

After all how do you attract players to come and play for you when you sell your best players?

Steve Bruce said he didnt want to lose any players, with two already gone from a squad, that often has to put untried youngsters or two keepers on the bench to make up the numbers
he will have to pull out all the stops to strengthen a squad before the deadline.

It will be interesting to see of there are any other sales and whether there will be a backlash. From the fans I have spoken to today there is real concern with half a team out of contract at the end of the season and several others who will be entering their last season that we may be back in a dogfight next season.

As always its never dull being a latics fan