Windfall allows commitment to team building

Last updated : 08 January 2008 By Dave Moore

The financial windfall from the cup victory at Goodison Park had convinced the Latics owners to commit to backing manager John Sheridan in the transfer market. He is already trying to sign three more players during the January window and the estimated income of £170,000 from Saturday's Everton clash will allow the boss to invest in some quality signings. He hopes to bring in at least one new face before this Saturday's home league match against Brighton.

Managing Director Simon Corney confirmed, "The finance is there when John makes a final decision on who he would like to bring in. Money is available, although we always do our best to help when the right player comes along, there was basically no money to sign Craig Davies in the summer, but we did it anyway. A couple of players leaving has opened things up, and obviously playing at Everton in the cup was going to be good for us financially, win, lose or draw. The fact we beat them was just fantastic and it was the best day we've had as owners since coming to the club. The manager and players deserve massive credit."

"I'm especially pleased for people like JP Kalala (pictured) and Kelvin Lomax, who haven't played much first-team football recently but came in and did a great job. The last four teams to beat Everton are Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and us, which shows the level of achievement."