Wigan Athletic Personalised Football Calendar
A Great Gift Idea For Fans Of Wigan Athletic !
Wigan Athletic FC formed in 1932 following the demise of Wigan Borough FC. This was the town's fifth attempt at forming a successful football club, as teams had previously struggled to gain support due to the popularity of rugby. Wigan Warriors rugby club have remained the main rival of Wigan Athletic FC, as the two teams continue to compete for support. The two clubs also share the JJB Stadium and have been embroiled in arguments about the pitch. The Latics have previously stated that Wigan Warriors ruin the playing surface and therefore make their football games more difficult. However, Wigan Athletic has enjoyed much success over recent years. After being elected into the Football League in 1978, the team developed quickly and in 2005 the Latics reached the top flight for the first time.
Our Personalised Wigan Athletic Calendars include twelve reproduced match reports from our newspaper archives, featuring a special selection of games from the past fifty years. Starting from the month of your choice, this A3 Calendar is a great gift idea for any fan of the club.
Calendar Highlights
The Personalised Wigan Athletic Calendar begins with the terrific 3-1 victory against Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup campaign of 1965. The Latics were still fighting for election into the League at this time and finally achieved their dream in 1978. This stabilised the club and Wigan FC's steady development continued. In 1995, local millionaire Dave Whelan became the new owner of Wigan Athletic and he made it known that he was aiming for Premiership football. In 1999, the Latics won the Auto Windscreen Shield with a 1-0 win against Millwall in the final. The game was held at Wembley Stadium and this was Wigan's second trophy.
The cup success was a boost to the club, but attention remained on league promotion. Wigan Athletic was getting closer to Division One, but struggling to get over the final hurdle. In 2001, former Latics forward Paul Jewell was hired as manager and he provided the final push necessary to break through to the top flight. By 2002, Wigan FC had reached the Championship and the club was continuing to improve. Our A3 Calendar features the classic 5-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace and the 2-4 win against Preston North End, both from the 2003/2004 season. The Calendar then focuses upon the historic 2004/2005 campaign that would lead to Wigan Athletic obtaining Premiership status. Games featured in the Calendar Gift from this triumphant season include the 1-3 win against West Ham United, the 4-0 mauling of Sheffield United, and the 5-0 annihilation of Preston North End.
The Latics flourished in their new top flight status. By the time they beat Aston Villa 0-2 in October, they were fourth in the Premiership and had won nineteen out of twenty-one points. Things were not quite so good in December, as Wigan suffered five straight defeats. However, the Latics fought back with a thrilling 4-3 victory against Manchester City and by April they were still competing for a place in Europe. The Personalised Calendar includes the FA Cup third round win against Leeds United, which went to penalties after a 3-3 draw. We also feature the fantastic win against Arsenal in the 2006 League Cup semi-final that took Wigan Athletic to a final against Manchester United.
Calendar Contents At A Glance
Each Wigan Athletic Football Calendar contains the following reproduced newspaper reports:
- 18th November 1965 - 'Wigan's Wonder Man' (Wigan beat Doncaster 3-1)
- 19th April 1999 - 'Jolly Rogers Shatter the Lion Hearts' (Wigan beat Millwall 0-1 in Auto Windscreens Shield Final)
- 3rd November 2003 - 'Liddell Hope For Kember' (Wigan beat Crystal Palace 5-0)
- 19th January 2004 - 'Wigan find form thanks to their old pals reunion' (Wigan beat Preston North End 2-4)
- 16th August 2004 - 'Hammered & Humbled' (Wigan beat West Ham 1-3)
- 20th September 2004 - 'Jewell loves giving me Ell' (Wigan beat Sheffield United 4-0)
- 6th December 2004 - 'Love-Lee' (Wigan beat Preston North End 5-0)
- 24th October 2005 - 'Whelan's Wigan Wonders.net' (Wigan beat Aston Villa 0-2)
- 27th December 2005 - 'Wigan Peers Show' (Wigan beat Manchester City 4-3)
- 18th January 2006 - 'Jewell's men gain revenge in shoot-out' (Wigan beat Leeds United on penalties in FA Cup)
- 25th January 2006 - 'Jewell & the Crown' (Wigan beat Arsenal on away goals rule to make League Cup Final)
- 19th April 2006 - 'Camara's too flash for Villa' (Wigan beat Aston Villa 3-2)
Alternative Wigan Athletic Football Gifts
We have an exciting selection of alternative football gifts that are designed especially for fans of the Latics. These include our Personalised Wigan Athletic Diaries and a unique Personalised Wigan Athletic Football Book, which is smartly presented and can be treasured for years to come. Other more general football presents include our Spoof Football Headlines and Personalised Football Commentaries.
Image Calendars
GoneDigging also has a range of attractive Personalised Image Calendars that cover a variety of themes, such as Best Dad, Football, Golf, Rugby and a special Gardening edition. Each A3 Calendar includes twelve colourful photographs, all of which cleverly incorporate your recipient's name.