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, who have won their first three friendlies, beating Lancaster City, Blackpool and Longridge Town.

Chris Beech’s men will be looking 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.

Manager: Shaun Maloney

Manager Shaun Maloney returned to Wigan as manager in January 2023, having previously represented 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 win against Rangers in April 2001.

He spent six years in Celtic’s first team during a trophy-laden spell in Hoops colors – including four Scottish top-flight titles and two Scottish League Cups in full seasons, making 139 appearances in all competitions.

In August 2008, Maloney returned to his former club for £3 million, playing 77 games in four years at Celtic Park, where he won another Scottish League Cup in May 2009.

Maloney, capped 47 times by Scotland senior level, signed for Wigan in August 2011 in an £850,000 move, making a big impact with goals in wins over Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United, helping the Latics to remain a Premier League outfit.

Shaun’s second year at Wigan proved memorable for the club under manager Roberto Martinez. His corner set up 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 MLS with Chicago Fire in January 2015 for an undisclosed fee.

After eight months in the United States, 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 spell at Celtic was with Belgium, alongside Martinez, in September 2018 and coached the country to the delayed UEFA EURO 2020, where they reached the quarter-finals .

In December 2021, Maloney was appointed Hibernian boss, leaving Easter Road in April 2022.

The 41-year-old rejoined Wigan in January 2023 and led them to mid-table last term.

One to watch

Thelo Aasgaard has become a key member of the Wigan Athletic squad since turning professional in 2020.

The Liverpool-born midfielder made over 100 appearances in four seasons in a Latics shirt, coming through the club’s academy system.

In his first campaign, aged 18, Aasgaard played 35 times in all competitions.

He has since represented Latics in the Sky Bet Championship and Sky Bet League One – last season he played 39 times for Maloney’s men, scoring eight goals.

The 22-year-old has also been capped by Norway at youth level.

ticket

Tickets are available for home and away supporters.

The admission details are as follows:

HOME SUPPORTERS

2022 seats: £25

West Stand Premium: £18

West Stand Adult: £15

West Stand U18: £6

West Stand U12: £3

North Stand Adult: £10

North Stand U18: £4

North Stand U12: FREE

East Stand Adult: £12

East Stand U18: £5

East Stand U12: £3

AWAY SUPPORTERS

Adult traveling: £12

U18 Away: £5

Adult seated guest: £15

U18 Away: £6

Hospitality packages are also available for the Wigan programme. Starting from just £75, you can watch the game in style. Contact [email protected] to book your table!

If you require disabled/carers tickets please contact the AFC Fylde Club Shop on 01772 682593 who will assist you with your enquiry.

Come and support the Coasters against Wigan Athletic. Buy your tickets by CLICK HERE

Match coverage

You can follow the Wigan game via our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the match, followed by a match report.

X: @AFCFylde

Facebook: @AFCFyldeOfficial

Instagram: @afc_fylde