Wigan Athletic Football Club News

• Nickname:Latics
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25,000

Kirkland's deal delight

31 Oct 2006 - 08:18:06

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Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is delighted to have secured a permanent move to Wigan Athletic, having ended a nightmare five years with Liverpool.

Injuries played havoc with Kirkland's time at Anfield, while he felt that manager Rafa Benitez also lacked any belief in his abilities.

Kirkland said: "I had to get out of Liverpool. The writing was on the wall when Mr Benitez came.

"He put me in the team when I was carrying a back injury that needed an operation and I was out for six months.

"After that he bought a new keeper and that was that. There have been tough times, but I'm happy now and I love playing for Wigan.

"It was always the intention to sign by Christmas if I stayed fit, but they came to me during the week and with my agent we all decided it was best to get it out of the way.

"It's a weight off my shoulders now."