Wigan Announce 2008 Squad Numbers - Fans No.18
In a unique move, Wigan Warriors have reserved a squad number for Wigan Fans among the player squad numbers unveiled for the 2008 engage Super League XIII Season.
New signings Richard Mathers (1), George Carmont (4) and Andy Coley (15) will be joined in the squad by the Warriors faithful who have been awarded number 18.
Joe Lydon, who proposed the dedicated number for Wigan Fans, said:
"This is a new practice for Clubs who recognise the extra special support which loyal fans can provide to their team in both good and bad times. It is particularly apt for Wigan Fans. I look forward to many Wigan fans wearing the 18 shirt with pride."
Warriors Head Coach, Brian Noble said:
"Wigan fans have been fantastic, particularly in recent years. Their loyal support never ceases to amaze me and, as a team, we felt it important to recognise the special role they play.
"They are Wigan's '18th man' at every game - both home and away - and fully deserve squad number 18. It is a huge thank-you from us to them."
Elsewhere in the line-up, Phil Bailey has moved to number 12 and local star, Darrell Goulding, who impressed last season in the First Team moves to number 3. Another top youngster, Liam Colbon, moves to number 14 and hooker, Michael McIlorum, will take number 17.
New Wigan Chairman, Ian Lenagan added:
"The squad for 2008 is developing as we expected with Richard Mathers and George Carmont filling important gaps well and with the renewal of the contracts of six of Wigan's potential young stars. In addition, we have managed to free up some further funds under the salary cap with the release of Danny Hill and, if we can obtain talent at the right price, then we may well be able to add further to the squad."
The Squad Numbers Release coincides with the launch of the Warriors new 2008 home kit which goes on sale this Thursday (6th December) at the JJB Sports store on Robin Retail Park at 6pm with First Team players in attendance until 7pm. The shirt will then go on general sale from Warriors World and selected JJB stores on Friday 7th November at 9am, while shirts can be pre-ordered from Warriors World and wiganwarriors.com/store
Shirts are priced at 39.99 for adults and 29.99 for juniors and will be available in SB-4XL sizes (5XL is also available in Warriors World) with women's fit shirts in sizes 8-16.
WIGAN WARRIORS SQUAD NUMBERS 2008
1. Richard Mathers
2. Mark Calderwood
3. Darrell Goulding
4. George Carmont
5. Pat Richards
6. Trent Barrett
7. Thomas Leuluai
8. Stuart Fielden
9. Mickey Higham
10. Iafeta Paleaaesina
11. Gareth Hock
12. Phil Bailey
13. Sean O'Loughlin
14. Liam Colbon
15. Andy Coley
16. Harrison Hansen
17. Michael McIlorum
18. Wigan Warriors Fans
19. Paul Prescott
20. Spare
21. Spare
22. Joel Tomkins
23. Ben Kavanagh
24. Eammon O'Carroll
25. Thomas Coyle
26. Nicky Stanton
27. Lee Mossop
28. Mark Flanagan
29. Sam Tomkins
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