David Perkins has become one of the first signings for Wigan Athletic as they begin their life in the League One for next season.
The midfielder was released by Blackpool after the end of a disappointing Championship season. He was amongst the 17 professionals released by the Seasiders, as they finished bottom of the table. However, Wigan manager Gary Caldwell believes that the experience of the pro will have a huge role to play as the club try to get back into the Championship. The club has completed a full circle after their relegation to League One.
Wigan were at this stage when Dave Whelan first took over back in 1995. They have since gone to the Premier League and been a top division club for several years before relegation. After recently being crowned with the FA Cup, Wigan have steadily been slipping down the table. Their campaign in League One will be extremely difficult due to significant budget cuts. Hence, managerCaldwell has to focus on prudent signings and most of them has to be on a free transfer. Perkins has agreed a one-year contract with the club and will be hoping to impressCaldwell during this period. Signing the 32-year-old was a no-brainer according to the Wigan manager.
“It’s a no brainer for me. I’ve always been impressed with his energy and willingness to give 100 per cent, and we feel he can contribute greatly this season.He is a very combative player, always willing to work hard and I’m delighted to add him to the squad. We’ve been looking at him for a while, I’m sure he can do a good job for us,” said the Wigan manager. The club has already begun pruning for next season and they have already released five professionals from last season.
