Chairman Hails Heroic Kirkland Effort

Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan hailed Chris Kirkland as the best keeper in Europe after the Latics shot stopper netted two awards at the Player of the Year Dinner on Tuesday night.

"Chris Kirkland (Pictured right, celebrating Saturday's 2-0 win over Aston VIlla) is not the best goalkeeper in England" proclaimed Whelan, "He's the best in Europe."

He also added "If Chris continued in his current form, that Fabio Capello wouldn't be able to help himself, but to come knocking on his door."


CHAIRMAN "Kirkland is Best in Europe"

Kirkland received the Players' Player of the Year gong, voted for by his fellow team mates.He also collected the Media Player of the Season, voted for by the members of the press who regularly cover Latics games.

Talking to Wigan World on the night, Chris was touched by the Chairman's comments.

"I've got tingles now just thinking about what he said.I'm very happy here and hopefully I can be here for many more years.

"He's been great with me (the Chairman) for bringing me to the club and I include Paul Jewell in that as he took a chance on me when no-one else would.

"I want to repay Wigan by hopefully staying fit and having a good run over the next few years."

Chris Kirkland, if selected, will play his 38^th game of the season against Manchester United on Sunday, having missed only the Carling Cup match against Hull and the Arsenal game away due to illness.