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 Baines
relishing life with the Big Boys
By Louise Fildes
Wigan Athletic star Leighton Baines is hoping for a memorable first season
in the Premiership. 'LINC reporter, Louise Fildes, caught up with the
Liverpool-born twenty year-old to find out how he and the rest of the
Latics' players are feeling ahead of the big kick-off.
What is the mood like in the Latics' camp ahead of your first
Premiership campaign? Is it different to last season?
“No not really, the lads are just getting on with training. We are a
bit sharper and improving on last season, so the mood is pretty much the
same. We all get on well together and we are just looking forward to the
season.”
Have the new players settled in well?
“The new lads are all getting on well. The foreign lads like Pascal don’t
speak a lot of English but he still gets on well with the lads and we
try and involve him in everything. We are a close knit group.”
The club missed out on a few signings during the summer. Has that been
frustrating for the players?
“Not as a player but maybe it has been for the manager. A lot of it has
been speculation. We just read it and get on with the football really.”
Has your training regime changed since winning promotion to the
Premiership?
“We are doing a lot of the same stuff, we're just trying to sharpen it up
at bit. We know we have got to be better this season because we will be
playing against better players.”
You had some mixed results against lower league sides in your
pre-season friendlies. How do you think you will compete against sides
like Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United?
“There’s going to be games were we are just going to have to knuckle down,
get our heads down and work our socks off because obviously it’s not
always going to go our way. But if we are mentally strong we can match
those teams.”
Do you feel pressure to live up to fans' expectations?
“Not really. By the time we are on the pitch we are that focused on the
game. You don’t really notice what’s going on around you, although the
strikers have more pressure on them to score goals.”
As a young player, how do you feel about the prospect of playing
against the likes of Thierry Henry, Damien Duff and Steven Gerrard?
“To play against players like that is the stuff of boyhood dreams, so to
have the chance to play against them is excellent. But it’s going to be
tough. There’s maybe going to be times when we it gets hard, but we have
just got stick in there, stick with them and just do our best.”
How are you feeling about facing Chelsea first game?
“Everyone keeps talking about it. It’s coming round now and we are trying
to do everything right in training and preparing for the big one.
Hopefully we can do ourselves justice.”
You were named young player of the year in 2003/4 and you were called
up to the England U21's team last season. What are your goals for this
season?
“I'm just going to be try and keep my place in the team, anything else
will be a bonus. But the most important thing is to keep the team up in
the Premiership.”
The goal you scored last season (in the 2-1 home defeat against
Ipswich) was a bit special. Are you looking to score more this season?
“Yeah, the goal last season was a good strike and I would like to chip in
with a couple more. Even though I'm a defender I would like to try and
help the lads out by getting on the score sheet more regularly.”
Are you surprised that you have reached the Premiership at such a young
age?
“Not really, it’s been a gradual thing. When I first came into the team we
were in the Second Division. I played a handful of games and gradually
got more games. But there’s teams like Arsenal who have younger players,
so it’s not unusual to be playing at this level at my age.”
Is your long term future with The Latics or would you like to move on
to a bigger club in the future?
“I could never picture myself leaving the club. Obviously, stranger things
have happened but I have no desire to move away from Wigan.”
Do you think the buzz of Premiership football is having a positive
impact on Wigan as a town?
“I don’t go into Wigan too much to be honest but there are more people
around the training ground and it’s raised the profile of the club. I
think season ticket sales are the highest the club has ever had. It’s
great for the club and it’s good for us to go out to a full stadium
every week.”
Do you have any pre-match rituals?
“I just get my little bits and bobs done and think about the game, but not
to the extent where I am worried about it. I just relax and stay focused
and go out and do my best.”
Is survival the only aim for The Latics this season?
“First and foremost it is about survival, but you never know. A few years
ago Ipswich finished in Europe so who knows. But survival is the main
target.”
There are lots of fans waiting outside the training ground today. Do
you have a message for the supporters?
“The fans, like us, are used to winning. Perhaps, at times this season
they are going to have to be a bit more patient, but I am sure they know
that. Hopefully we can give them another good season."
You came through the Wigan youth system. Do you have any tips for
youngsters who dream of playing for Wigan?
“Get your head down and work. There’s a good work ethic at this club so as
a young lad you have to do that side of it. If you have the ability then
it will all come together.”
Recommended link:
www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk
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