Former Premier League and Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett has reportedly signed for League One side Wigan Athletic after a spell as a free agent.
Dummett, 33, has been without a club since the summer after leaving Newcastle United, the club he joined as a youngster. He has reportedly held positive talks with boss Shaun Maloney and will train with the League One club with a view to getting his career back on track.
Sheffield United and Portsmouth Miss Out
Following his departure, he held talks with both Portsmouth and Sheffield United, however, despite initial interest a deal could not be agreed to bring him to the Championship.
Chronicle Live has suggested that the player has been keen to return to work as a full-time professional after spending time training with the Newcastle United reserves.
Speaking on his departure at the time Dummett expressed his sadness that his time with the Premier League giants had come to an end.
“The time has come for me to say goodbye to the club. I write this message with a heavy heart having been proud to have represented the first team for 12 years, something I never in a million years thought I’d ever achieve.
“I am overwhelmed by the volume of incredible messages and comments I’ve received from the announcement. I can’t reply to them all, but I have read every one of them. Thank you.”
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Wigan Athletic’s Season so far
Wigan’s season has not got off to the positive start they would have hoped for, after 13 games they have only recorded 13 wins despite recording the lowest goals conceded other than Wrexham and on par with Birmingham City. They are without a win in four and will be hoping to turn around their fortunes.
An experienced head such as Dummett can not just add a positivity to the club, he could also prove to be a mentor to some of the sides younger players. This is especially important with such a young manager such as Maloney at the helm who is only eight years older than his new signing. At 33 years old the defender will feel he has years left in the tank, especially at a lower level than he is used to playing.