Wow, two signings in two days. Forgive me if you think I’m getting over excited but keeping Leighton Baines on for another three years is, especially in these times of ‘mass exodus’, a real boost, just as long as there are no clauses or gentleman’s agreements to cause problems further down the line that is. The lad has been a real star for Latics since breaking into the first team his continued improvement can only be good for the team, and he even sent me an email about it.
No honestly he did, see,
I’m just writing to the fans at Wigan because I wanted to let you know personally why I’ve chosen to sign a new deal at the club and to thank you all for the support you’ve given me since I came into the team.
I’m delighted to commit myself to another three years at Wigan. This is the club who gave me my chance in football. I came here when I was 16, and from the day I arrived I felt settled. I broke into the team when we were in Division Two and it really has been a great ride all the way to the Premiership.
Wigan have been very loyal to me and I feel it’s important to show some loyalty in return. The manager Paul Jewell is really close to the players here and he’s a major factor in me wanting to stay. He has showed so much faith in me and I want to continue improving as a player here.
Last season was the best in my career, it was fantastic for me to play against the best players in the country week in week out and I learned so much playing alongside people like Stephane and Arjan, two such experienced players and you can’t help but pick things up. The Premiership is such a step up in class that at first I did wonder if I would be able to match up. But from the first game against Chelsea, we all believed as a team we could do well.
The whole experience of going to Cardiff was fantastic, the level of attention was unbelievable and the atmosphere on the day was brilliant. It really gave you a taste for more.
My personal highlight, though, was winning at Everton. That was the ground I went to most as a lad and it meant so much to me getting a victory. That was a great day!
Next season is going to be hard but I’m confident the gaffer is going to bring in some quality players who will help us to establish ourselves even more in the Premiership.
Thanks again for your support
Leighton Baines
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