Wigan Athletic go into the 2024/25 League One season in a much stronger position than last season when they had to contend with an eight-point deduction and transfer embargo. Shaun Maloney’s team finished in a creditable 12th place despite all their difficulties.

Following the end of the season they released some high earning experienced players including goalkeeper Ben Amos, defender Sean Clare and forwards Jordan Jones, Stephen Humphrys, Charlie Wyke and Josh Magennis. 

Latics are now increasingly relying on their highly regarded academy of young stars augmented by new young signings and loan players.

The excellent academy has already delivered major dividends with goalkeeper Sam Tickle, defender Charlie Hughes and midfielders Thelo Aasgaard and Baba Adeeko all representing their countries at youth level.

While Academy products Scott Smith, Chris Sze, Josh Stones, Joe Adams, James Carragher, Harry McHugh, Kai Payne, Harry McHugh and Luke Robinson are all in and around the first team squad.

Latics close season recruitment has been primarily about young players but with a few notable exceptions.

New Additions

Andy Lonergan has joined as first-team Goalkeeper Coach following three years with Premier League outfit Everton. The vastly experienced Lonergan will also provide goalkeeping back up to the squad and help aid the development of young goalkeepers Sam Tickle and Tom Watson.  

20-year-old defender Calvin Ramsay has signed on a season-long loan from Liverpool. The Scotland international joins up with the Tics having spent time with Preston North End and Bolton Wanderers last season.

Toby Sibbick has signed a two-year contract with Latics after a two-and-a-half-year stay with Hearts. The 25-year-old defender can play in any central position within the back four and in any of the back three positions. 

20-year-old midfielder Michael Olakigbe signed on loan from Premier League side Brentford FC until the end of the 2024/25 season, but was unfortunately injured in pre-season and is likely to be out for three months. 

21-year-old winger Dion Rankine signed from Premier League side Chelsea on a three-year deal. Last season he was on-loan at Exeter City and made 36 appearances across all four competitions, scoring his first senior goal against Reading.

Forward Joe Hugill has signed on-loan from Manchester United until the end of the season. 20-year-old Hugill, made 20 appearances for Burton Albion last season helping them to stay in League One. It is hoped that Hugill can emulate Will Keane and be the goalscorer that Latics so desperately need.

24-year-old midfielder Tyrese Francois has signed from Fulham on a two-year-deal. Maloney said, “He is both combative and tenacious and will add a lot to our midfield. He is a player that I am looking forward to working with, and hopefully, he can have a really successful time with us.”

30-year-old experienced defender Will Aimson has signed on a two-year contract from Exeter City. Aimson captained Exeter last season and made a total of 43 appearances, contributing to 13 clean sheets, including in the 1-0 victory against then-Premier League side Luton Town at St James Park. He also enjoyed his best-ever scoring season, netting five goals. 

20-year-old winger Silko Thomas has signed on-loan for the 2024/25 season from Leicester City. Maloney said, “We are thrilled that Silko has joined us on a season-long loan. He is a very exciting player who can play on the left and right wing, as well as in the number 10 position.”

“I believe he will be well-suited to our playing style this season. Silko has represented his country at various youth levels and won Leicester City’s Development Player of the Season award back in May. “

Perhaps most impressively 20-year-old Liverpool defender Luke Chambers will once again join Latics on-loan this season. Chambers is an England U20 international and can play at left wing-back or left centre-back. A very exciting prospect who was probably Latics best player in the second half of last season.

Latics will now have strength in depth with contracted players Jason Kerr, Matt Smith, Jonny Smith, Callum McManaman, and Steven Sessegnon all having plenty of League One experience.

One potential threat to the make up of the squad is Hull City’s transfer bid for Charlie Hughes, the current offer has been rejected, but Hull may decide to come back with an improved offer.

Coaching Changes

There have been changes on the coaching side in the close season as Tom Huddlestone and Shadab Iftikhar arrive at the club as First Team Coaches following Stephen Crainey’s departure.

Max Rogers has been promoted to First-Team Assistant Manager following Graham Barrow’s retirement. Rogers has been an integral member of Shaun Maloney’s backroom staff over the last 18 months and moves up from his previous role as first team coach. 

Young Talent Developer

Maloney is establishing a name for himself as a young talent developer and it is notable that Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Leicester City and Brentford are pleased to loan their players to get experience in a side that plays attractive football.

League One looks particularly strong this season but Latics youthful profile, high energy plus plenty of League One experience should stand them in good stead for the challenges ahead.

Latics now have at least two players in every position competing for a first team spot which should augur well for a long season.

There is no major reason why Maloney’s new look squad can’t make a challenge for the play-offs.

League One Predicted Final Table

1. Rotherham
2. Birmingham
3. Peterborough
4. Huddersfield
5. Barnsley
6. Wigan
7. Bolton
8. Wrexham
9. Blackpool
10. Lincoln
11. Charlton
12. Reading
13. Stockport
14. Wycombe
15. Exeter
16. Leyton O
17. Bristol R
18. Stevenage
19. Northampton
20. Cambridge U
21. Mansfield
22. Shrewsbury
23. Burton
24. Crawley