Wigan Athletic striker has come back ‘like a different player’
The 30-year-old endured a frustrating time last season, being restricted to just 18 appearances, which produced only two goals.
However,
Wigan Athletic
says he’s been bowled over by Wyke’s determination and desire in pre-season – which bodes well heading into the new campaign.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on Charlie,” said the Latics boss. “But he has come back like a different player this summer.
“Physically, he’s as good as anyone in the squad, he looks extremely good.
“What we’re trying to do differently with the team, maybe tactically, he’s adapted really quic
Latics have lost the services of Will Keane – top scorer in each of his three seasons at the DW – since the end of last term.
Maloney, though, is in no hurry to bring in reinforcements at the top end of the field.
“Between Charlie and Josh Magennis, they’re the two really senior strikers we have, and there’s a lot of onus on them,” the Scot added.
“At the same time, other players can play that position…Chris Sze, Callum Lang, Josh Stones…these are the players who’ll be fighting for the No.9 spot.
“But with Charlie in the condition he is in, and Josh coming back to full fitness, I’m really pleased with my options in that position.”
Maloney’s summer recruitment has seen the average age of the squad drop noticeably.
But age has not been the only consideration for the manager.
“We definitely wanted to have more of a mix,” Maloney acknowledged. “I really do love having around our senior players, I have to say that.
“Charlie has come back in brilliant condition, and I’m so happy with what he’s producing just now.
“Josh is just as strong a character in his own way, and you’ve got James McClean in there as well.
“Sean Clare is in the peak of his career, and Jonny Smith’s the same.
“I wasn’t obsessed with age, although I knew we had to bring down the average age, because we had the oldest squad in the Championship last year.
“It was mainly the profile of the player, and what they bring to the squad I really wanted to change, in certain positions.
“And the age profile was certainly part of the thinking in that.”
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Shaun Maloney was unable to claw his side to safety, but performances and results did improve under his watch. It will be hoped that continues going into the new campaign.
But, facing an eight point deduction before the season has even started is not an easy thing to do and here some of our writers predict how Wigan Athletic will fare in the 2023/24 League One campaign…
“Wigan Athletic have had quite a busy summer window despite certain issues behind the scenes at the club. They’ve added talent across the board and for me it’s more than enough for them to overcome the eight point deduction without being in any danger this year.
“They have the likes of Charlie Wyke who has registered over 87 goal contributions in the third tier throughout his career and if Maloney can get his wingers perfecting their service to him he will be a key asset this season.
“Whilst I can’t imagine them being in any danger of back-to-back relegation I don’t think they’ll be in contention for an immediate return to the Championship either and for that reason I predict a very average, but solid campaign for the Tics given the circumstances.”
“With all the off-field issues seemingly sorted at Wigan now, I think they will be alright next season. They have a decent boss in Shaun Maloney who will be eager to show what he is capable of doing as a manager.
“They have kept hold of Callum Lang for now and although the likes of Will Keane and Max Power have left, this new campaign gives them a chance to have a much needed refresh across the board.
“Wigan have usually taken the third tier by storm over recent times but the 2023/24 season will be different. They are no longer one of the front runners for promotion, but who knows, maybe that will work in their favour.”
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