Latics’ new club shop, imaginatively titled the Latics Club Shop, was unofficially up and running this morning. Stocking such merchandise as Wigan Athletic branded golf tees, babies’ bibs and cuddly teddy bears, it’s already looking a bit more promising than last year’s Latics WN1 trial run.

This time round, there were no photographers or guest appearances (at least not when I was there, about 10ish), rather a selection of half price Latics merchandise so we could all be ripped off by 50 rather than 100 percent. The glitz and glamour will be present on Tuesday afternoon as a selection of the Wigan squad and backroom staff officially launch the new Wigan Athletic home kit for the 2010 season.

And it’s certainly an improvement on the previous incarnation, with a much brighter atmosphere and better ‘shop’ feel. The one next to Ryman’s felt as though it was run by Arkwright from Open All Hours or something, a dark (and slightly smelly) cave in the deepest depths of the Galleries.

Latics’ marketing gurus seem to have learned from the WN1 experiment, and there’s no doubt the more spacious location across from BB’s Cafe is a lot more welcoming and professional.

As for the volume of stock, there’s just about the same as there used to be, but it’s all laid out in a more pleasing and accessible fashion. No comfy sofas though, sadly.

That didn’t stop the punters piling in, though. Things looked quite busy while I was there, so maybe the stock clearout gimmick was somewhat successful – there were three assistants on the counter so I’m guessing the big cheeses expected a hectic opening day.

Speaking of big cheeses, guess whose book was displayed rather prominently by the checkouts? That’s right, the Mighty Gorgonzola himself, Dave Whelan. He was nowhere to be seen, though. Think he might be on holiday in Barbados or something.

Jason Koumas: On his way

Also seemingly on his way out is Jason Koumas, who shall spend the forthcoming season on loan to Cardiff City, where I am sure he shall do extremely well. He seems to thrive in the Championship environment, but struggles for consistency at the higher levels these days.

At an initial price tag of £5.2 million, I would say Jase also failed to live up to expectations in the long term. He did score one more than Kapo, though, and will be remembered for his goal against Aston Villa in the first game of last season. At least his time at the club wasn’t a complete failure, more of a disappointment.

In (hopefully) more enterprising news, the new Wigan Athletic store — really a branch of DW will be open for business tomorrow afternoon Sports — with a ‘stock clearout‘ taking place. The official opening will be on Tuesday afternoon, so there’s no chance of a last minute cancellation due to a 9-1 hammering this time. At least, with the greatest of respect, I don’t expect Dundee to ‘do a Tottenham’ on Sunday afternoon.

Bob and co. will be in the Galleries at 2PM to launch Latics’ new home strip, but I still dunno where our away kit is hidden. Maybe the sheer negativity over last season’s ‘tangerine dream‘ has put the marketing department off to the extent we shall take to the pitch against Tottenham on the 28th in skins. Man, I know the government cuts are taking their toll on the country, but I never thought it’d get that bad. Before long, we may all need to donate our old replica away strips to stop our lads contracting pneumonia or something.

Martinez: Back in the public eye

Charles N’Zogbia, who certain members of the JWAW team seem to think is on his way to Birmingham (not myself though), has been called up to the French squad for their clash with Norway in midweek. We all know, however, that this is because all Les Bleus’ ‘best’ players have thrown their toys out of the pram, opening the door for Charlie and a bunch of other relative unknowns to sneak in almost unnoticed. Enjoy it while it lasts, people, for it’s only a matter of time before an even bigger drama queen reinstates the old guard in spectacular fashion.

Latics’ Honduran connection was out in force at the club shop today as Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa were on hand to launch a limited edition poster celebrating Figs’ 60-yard goal against Stoke in December.

Attendees could also attempt to recreate the wonder strike out in the DW car park, where a training goal had been set up near the West Stand ticket office. As it transpired, not many managed to score — even from a distance ever so slightly shorter than sixty yards — though Hendry and Maynor had no problem at all.

A group of schoolkids, probably bussed in to ensure at least someone turned up on a Thursday afternoon, cheered heartily as Figueroa successfully placed the ball into the net just as he had done four months ago.

Next, it was into the DW shop where a seven-foot memorial to that strike had been erected (read: pasted over an old display) to be signed by the man himself. The guys hung around a bit longer to sign a few more shirts and autographs before being whisked off for an interview with Premier League World.

Figs points out some imperfections in his poster

A selection of the Latics squad were also present, probably for a press conference of some sort, but they were off in their fancy cars before the PR stuff began. Gary Caldwell visited the shop at around 1PM to pick up a couple of things, but I’m not sure if anyone recognised him as he had to queue like everyone else!

Maynor Figueroa signs some autographs

Rodallega, Kingson, Amaya and Diame all stopped to sign programmes and shirts for the fans who’d camped outside Rigaletto’s for half an hour. In fact, the vast majority of the Latics first team turned up, including Jason Scotland in a fetching grey tracksuit, and James McCarthy, who spared five minutes to chat with the kids from St John Fisher.

Representatives from the big media players clamoured to grab footage and the odd interview, with the likes of BBC Five Live, North West Tonight and Premier League World congregating around the players’ lounge.

Expect to see extended coverage of the event in Saturday’s matchday magazine and Latics Player, still the only Latics subscription service marginally more expensive than a kick in the nuts from Vinnie Jones. Alternatively, you could wait a couple of days until I get a short video of the afternoon uploaded to YouTube, which you’ll be able to view for free. Free I say!

Figs' new poster complete with signature, as seen in the club shop

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Popped down to Wigan at lunchtime for what I thought would be the grand opening of Latics’ new town centre shop with Martinez, Graeme Jones and Brenda Spencer, who’d be on hand to cut the ribbon. Over the weekend, I received an email via the club’s mailing list that our very own Titus Bramble would also be joining in the fun, taking on all comers at Nintendo Wii! I thought I would have a piece of that and give him a good whipping at FIFA 10… as Tottenham.

Well, Sky Sports News and North West Tonight were there, but not for the planned opening of WN1. Actually, they were at The Galleries for a certain other story. Somewhat unsurprisingly, the grand ceremony had been postponed as I’m sure poor Roberto and co. would have been crushed under the sheer weight of media presence after the event which must not be mentioned ever again.

The defeat was bad enough, but imagine the damage that could have been done had the Daily Mail and Beano Comic decided to park their vans in the market square – the Wigan public would have eaten them alive.

There goes my chance of putting to the back of my mind the debacle that was Sunday afternoon. Still, at least Stripey was there… for a short while. He must have gone for his dinner or something when the blokes with television cameras cleared off, no doubt to stalk some rugby fans and get their thoughts on what was truly a momentous weekend for Wigan Warriors. And they never even played.

To top it all off, I got a good soaking in the pouring rain. The whole exercise will do nothing to stop my nightmares, which already feature Jermain Defoe slotting the ball past Chris Kirkland (poor guy had a brilliant first half) for the fifteenth time.

I don’t blame the club for postponing the event – in fact I wondered whether they’d be able to get back from London in time for the planned 12PM appearance of Bob and company before you know what. Bramble’s Wii whipping will have to wait, but mark my words, this is in no way over. Meantime, I’m gonna put on my DVD of the 2004/2005 season review to ease the pain.

Image from Official Latics website. Yeah, I ought to have got my own picture, I know.

Stripey at the unofficial opening of Latics WN1 in the Galleries

Wigan Athletic’s new shop in Wigan town centre, Latics WN1, opened its doors for the first time this afternoon, and our man was there to check it out. Though the official opening ceremony is slated for Monday, when Roberto Martinez will be on hand to cut the ribbon, fans could get their Latics merchandising fix from 4PM today to coincide with the Wigan Christmas lights switch on.

Stripey the Laticat and an official club photographer were on hand to greet the first visitors and snap a few pics for the official website and match programme.

Things are currently looking a bit sparse, with relatively few products in there as yet but we expect the place to fill out on Monday when the place will no doubt be heaving. Perhaps.

As you can see from the pic on the right, there’s a changing room area and some jazzy lighting as well as a couple of plush seats for visitors to take a rest, presumably from perusing the wide range of Latics merchandise. I think that’s supposed to be a Latics Christmas hat on Stripey’s head, but it looks a bit like a rubbish eyepatch or something. Maybe he’s angling for a part in the next Pirates of the Caribbean film?

A Latics cushion: One of the first items bought from the new shop!

We decided to help Christen the place and splashed out ten quid for an official Latics cushion (pictured left), which currently resides on one of the ‘office’ swivel chairs.

Should have waited until Monday, though, when every tenth customer at the shop will receive a free pair of tickets for the Sunderland game, which is a rather pleasing offer. The Black Cats have already sold out their away allocation, and if the same number of Latics fans turn up as last Sunday, we’ll be well on target for a 20,000+ attendance a week on Sunday.

From Monday, you’ll be able to pop into WN1 for official Wigan Athletic shirts, clothing and other novelty items such as Latics teddies as well. It’s next to Ryman’s in the Galleries, not far from Marks and Spencer, and is open for an inital ten week trial period. If things work out well, it could well become a permanent fixture to complement the shop already at the DW Stadium.