ROBERTO BAGS A MALONEY
Posted on: Wed 31 Aug 2011
Martinez excited to welcome 'magical' Scottish international winger on deadline day
Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of Scotland international Shaun Maloney from Celtic, for an undisclosed fee.
The 28 year old travelled to Wigan this morning to complete a medical and put pen to paper on a two year deal, with the option of a third year.
Manager Roberto Martinez is excited by his latest purchase. He said: "We're delighted to welcome Shaun, who has great experience and is at the perfect age to come and bring something different to our squad.
"His previous experience in the Premier League will be a great platform to start his Wigan Athletic career, and now we want to make sure he enjoys that homely feeling at our football club to be able to bring his magic to our strong group of players."
It will be the 2006 Scottish PFA Player and Young Player of the Year's second spell in the Barclays Premier League, having previously played under Martin O'Neill at Aston Villa between 2007-08, scoring five goals in 30 appearances.
The deal brings an end to Maloney's second spell at Celtic, the first spanning seven years between 2000-07 before returning to Celtic Park in 2008, making 158 league appearances for the Bhoys in total, scoring 39 goals.
So far this season Maloney has made four appearances in the SPL, following his 28 appearances last term.
A former team mate of Gary Caldwell at Celtic Park, he is relishing the challenge of joining up with Latics: "As soon as I found out about the move I got excited. The gaffer likes to play the right way and thjere's a tremendous squad here full of great potential.
"I need to focus on winning a place in the team and doing the best I can for the team.
"I want to thank everyone at Celtic which has been my life for so long now, and especially all the fans. But I've got an exciting challenge now and I can't wait to get started."
http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10429~2437820,00.html
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VAN'S THE MAN
Posted on: Wed 31 Aug 2011
Patrick Van Aanholt signs on season-long loan
Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of Dutch Under 21 defender Patrick Van Aaanholt on a season long loan from Chelsea.
The 21 year old, left-sided player, becomes the third player to arrive at the DW Stadium over the past 48 hours following on from the arrivals of Albert Crusat yesterday and Shaun Maloney today.
Roberto Martinez is pleased to have got his man, who says will fill a vital position in the squad.
He says: "Patrick is a player with enormous potential. Technically he is very gifted, very comfortable in possession and physically, he uses his intensity to defend very effectively.
"He can play left back or left wing back position and without a doubt he's got a phenomenal career ahead of him and I hope he can settle in Wigan really quickly and start enjoying his football as a Latics player.
"We rate Patrick really highly and his professionalism and his personal attributes will be a huge asset to us this season.
"Like Tom Cleverley last year, he is a young player who is hungry to learn his trade and I feel both parties can benefit hugely from the move. We are delighted to welcome him on board."
The 21 year old was recruited by Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven and has appeared twice for The Blues in the Barclays Premier League, as well as making six cup appearances, scoring one goal against Newcastle in the Carling Cup.
He has also gained valuable experience on loan at Coventry City Newcastle United and Leicester City, amassing almost 40 games in the Championship.
http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10429~2437861,00.html
