One in and one out as merry go round continues

09 July 2013 08:23
Hot on the heels of Arouna Kone's departure to join Roberto Matinez at Everton Owen Coyle revealed Grant Holt as his direct replacement.

The departure of Kone was more than expected after the player revealed that he wanted to join Everton and the Toffees eventually raided the coffers to find enough money to pay up front.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Kone said of joining Everton: “I’m really eager to do my best to try and win something again this season.

“I really believe in this team and I think we will have a great campaign next season. I can’t wait to make my debut for this club.

“I’m really happy about joining this team. For me it is the fruition of work that has been going on for a month now. I’m really pleased to be here and I hope that everything goes well and I can have a great season for the club, just like I did last year with Wigan."

Although the official transfer fee is undisclosed it is believed that Everton have paid £5 million up front to the Latics with a further £1.5m in various add ons due.

Back at the DW Stadium and new Latics obss Owen Coyle was not mourning the loss of the Ivorian as he announced the signing of Norwich talisman Grant Holt.

The 32 year old former Shrewsbury striker has had particular success with Norwich and knows how to score goals in the Championship.

Holt has signed for a fee rumoured to be in the region of £1 million and has agreed a three year deal with the club.

Speaking about the signing, Coyle told the club's official website: “This is a fantastic piece of business for us at a really good price. Grant is a proven goal-scorer at every level and he will definitely bring something new to the table that we were missing in the squad.“There is already a great buzz about the place since the new boys have started coming through the door and this is another one that will really lift the place. 

“He’s been a hero to the fans at every club he’s been and I know the Norwich fans are sad to see him go, he’s been one of the icons of their success in recent years. But now it’s the Wigan fans’ turn to enjoy him and we’re all delighted he’s coming on board.”

Meanwhile Holt himself is looking forward to a fresh challenge. He told Sky Sports: "To go and have a new challenge, I thought Wigan was the perfect opportunity.

"It doesn't matter where you are, you just enjoy playing football and I want to do my best and be successful.

"Obviously, Wigan have come down and my job now is to get in here, get in as quick as I can, meet the lads, get in with the manager and get this club back up to the Premier League."

Holt scored an impressive 68 goals in 115 appearances for the Canaries and certainly represents the marquee signing of the summer so far for Owen Coyle.

 

Source: WIGANER.net

Source: FOOTYMAD