Wigan Athletic Football Club News

• Nickname:Latics
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25,000

Bruce refutes long-ball claim

04 Dec 2007 - 13:09:21

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Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has rejected claims from midfielder Paul Scharner that his team play long-ball football.

The Latics earned a precious point from Bruce's first game in charge last weekend which ended in a 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

Afterwards Scharner, who scored the equaliser at the JJB Stadium, suggested Wigan were playing 'long 50/50 balls' but Bruce has refuted the claim.

"Despite what was said by a certain individual there is no way I'm a long-ball merchant," he told Wigan Today.

"We had a fantastic few days on the training pitch and then we fought like tigers against a team who are fifth in the Premier League to claim our first point for two months.

"However, it can become a bit of a negative when something like that develops in the newspapers and I was disappointed.

"Certainly, I'll have a team that is highly competitive, but never a long-ball side.

"We'll try and get the ball up to Emile Heskey and Marcus Bent early because that is the strength of the team.

"However, it doesn't mean we have to play the long ball.

"It might be a bit more direct, but a long ball? No. It will not be like that at all."