Ian before the big shave!

Lifelong Latics supporter Ian Morrow has hit upon a novel way to raise money for this year’s Children in Need: he will shave off his beard, which hasn’t been trimmed since oh, about 1984.

There’s a twist – should he fail to reach the £2,000 target by Friday, his dog Poppy will also have her fur shaved. At the time of writing, 69% (£1,389) of the total amount has been raised, so Ian’s really cutting it fine (cough) to find the remaining 6,000-odd quid in about three days.

I was reluctant to do it, having spent 25 years carefully nurturing and grooming my fuzz.  I was also looking forward to a lucrative retirement, once my hair turned completely white, as a Department Store Father Christmas.

So not wanting to do it, I said only if they could raise £1,000 thinking that they would never get anywhere near that amount.  Unfortunately it has almost been reached after about a week of fund raising around the office, so I’ve decided that if it is going to happen I’d raise my sights and try to get up to £2,000. — Ian Morrow

You may remember Ian – he’s former webmaster of the now-defunct watv.co.uk from waaay back at the turn of the century, and he’s done the odd spot of work for VitalLatics. More recently he can be seen down at the DW in his capacity of official beardy bloke/season ticket holder… but from the Sunderland match he’ll certainly be a lot less noticeable.

Support Ian’s efforts for Children in Need

JWAW wants Ian to grow his beard back once he’s had it shaved, ‘cos we think it’s awesome and makes him look a little bit different from your typical Latics supporter. Plus, we really want to see him as Santa Claus at Wigan Tescos next year!

Tulio: On his way to the DW?

It seems this international break has been the perfect opportunity for Roberto Martinez to concentrate on increasing his squad in January’s transfer window.

If sources are to be believed, then not only are the Latics moving in for two South American internationals but also Japanese international defender Tulio Tanaka.

Perhaps surprisingly for a centre half, he’s already bagged six goals in 30 appearances for his country plus 45(!) in 150 matches for his club, Urawa Red Diamonds. What’s more, Tanaka was born in Brazil, so I suppose you could say that makes three South American targets. But it isn’t, so we won’t.

I want to consult with my agent and make up my mind by 25th November after returning to Japan… I love Urawa Reds. This feeling of mine will never change if I leave the team. I love the supporters from the bottom of my heart. But I also want to care about my football life. — Tulio Tanaka via Sky Sports

Latics will face some tough competition for Tanaka should he decide to leave Urawa, with Feyonoord thought to be amongst a host of European clubs chasing his signature.

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