EFL Season Launch | Barry Worthington represents Latics at City Ground event
Barry Worthington discusses Latics’ chances in 2019-20, the EFL Extra Time Hub and EFL Season Launch
“I am extremely proud to have represented the club at what is a prestigious event.” – Barry Worthington on EFL Season Launch

Wigan Athletic supporter and EFL Extra Time Hub participant Barry Worthington was invited to represent Latics at the EFL Season Launch at Nottingham Forest FC on Tuesday.

Barry was one of 72 club representatives at the City Ground at an event which marks the campaign kicking off this Friday when Luton Town host Middlesbrough at Kenilworth Road, live on Sky Sports.

Speaking about the event, Barry said:

“It was a fantastic day; I was extremely proud to represent the club at what is a prestigious event.

“There was a lot of professional footballers, ex pros, managers there – I was having a chat with Andy Sinton [QPR] before and Barry Fry [Peterborough United], it is absolutely brilliant.

“You think to yourself in May ‘roll on August’ and before you blink an eye the season is here and it is a very exciting time with the season about to kick off.

“I am excited about this season; thinking back to last season, we started off in such great fashion and finished storming.

“Two main players have gone but the nucleus of the squad is still here and I believe we are going to do alright this season.”

Latics kick-off their season against Cardiff City at the DW Stadium on Saturday before a trip local rivals Preston North End precedes the visit of Leeds United to the DW.

“It doesn’t get any tougher than the Championship,” Barry added. “We have got a Premier League side from last season kicking us off at the DW on Saturday and then a local derby and the big one against Leeds – who I am sure think they owe us one from last season – what a fantastic start.”

Barry is a participant in the EFL Extra Time Hub initiative; an EFL Trust backed programme, Extra Time Hub is funded by the National Lottery and Sport England, with sessions to take place from 1pm – 3pm every Tuesday at the DW Stadium.

The scheme aims to make a positive difference to the lives of retired and semi-retired people and for them to find out about the range of activities on offer in their free time as well as give them the chance to meet and spend time with other like-minded people from the area.

“I have been involved with the Wigan Athletic Community Trust at the EFL Extra Hub – it is a fantastic initiative for over 55s as an opportunity to meet other people, participate in activities and Mark Lawrenson joined us at the DW Stadium the other week,” Barry continued.

“It is brilliant for Latics fans but also any over 55 in the local area; we play table tennis, have stadium tours, chat with people, it’s brilliant.”

Sessions run every Tuesday at the DW Stadium between 1pm-3pm and more information about the Extra Time Hub can be found by contacting Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s Extra Time Hub Activator Christine Blundell on c.blundell@wiganathletic.com or call 01942 318090.

EFL Season Launch | Barry Worthington represents Latics at City Ground event