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.