Wigan hoping to finally land Espinoza

Roberto Martinez's Wigan are on the verge of signing Honduran midfielder Roger Espinoza, according to Sky Sports.  The Honduran currently plays for Sporting Kansas City and helped the team to finish top of the Eastern Conference in the MLS.  Not exactly a prolific scorer, with five career goals, however the Honduran impressed during the Olympics and was involved in the particularly impressive 1-0 victory over Spain.

Despite Wigan being a long way from Kansas I'm sure Dorothy, sorry, Roger will feel at home at the DW Stadium.  He certainly won't be the first Honduran at Wigan and will be joining his fellow countryman Maynor Figueroa.  Wigan Athletic, who are fast becoming a refuge for Latin American players seeking a colder climate, have been chasing Espinoza since the summer.  They are hopeful that this protracted deal will finally be tied up in the January transfer window.  

So why have there been so many Southern and Central Americans at Wigan and what is their fascination with the place? Perhaps it's seen as a good place to start in the Premier League? Or maybe the Wigan scouts love a good cigar and therefore spend a lot of time out there?  Or perhaps George Orwell's The Road To Wigan Pier was on the curriculum at schools in those areas?  Or maybe it is the chance to play for the best Spanish speaking manager that isn't Pep Guardiola.  Whatever the reason, they keep on coming and perhaps Espinoza will be next.

Peter Stickney