And so finally ending ooo, a week of ‘intense’ speculation we today signed Stephane Henchoz on a free transfer, following his release from Liverpool. The thirty year old finished last season on loan at Celtic where, depending on whose story you listen to, he either didn’t make the grade or didn’t get the chance he deserved.
A Swiss international, the centre half brings a different level of Premier League experience to the squad. He has seen the heights, winning a treble in 2001 with Liverpool, and the depths having battled against relegation, unsuccessfully, with Blackburn. Henchoz has been training with Latics since joining up with their trip to Denmark, and played some part in the first of two 5-0 victories.
During his time at the club Jewell has been impressed with the player’s attitude, not least with how he sprang at the chance to train with the boys speaking to the club’s official site, the manager left us in no doubt of why he was more than happy to sign up Henchoz, “Stephane is premiership quality and his experience will be invaluable to us. When you consider he’s still only 30 years old I think that we’ve got a real capture in persuading him to join us.”
The player was just as complimentary about the club, “…it’s really exciting to have joined a forward thinking club like Wigan. When I found out the manager was interested in me I couldn’t wait to speak to them”. This was despite interest from both Germany and his home country. “The attitude and professionalism of the squad is first class and I’m confident the club has what it takes to compete at the highest level.”
Fans disappointed with the lack of promised young, English stars may yet be satisfied. Jewell has promised that there are more signings to come and stories are emerging that link us to Phil Jagielka should that not come off, Spurs impending signing of Edgar Davids may make it even easier to prize Michael Brown away from the North London club.
Elsewhere, we are sorry to hear of the passing of Duncan Colquhoun. His connection with the club was obviously long and deep and it is always sad to see the people that connect the past and present of this club slip away from us. For more see Ye Olde Tree and Crown where Bernard pays tribute better than I could.
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