Wigan Athletic have signed full-back Tendayi Darikwa on a deal until the end of the season after his release from Nottingham Forest.
Darikwa is the Latics’ first addition this window as they desperately try to find players and enhance their chances of staying in League One.
Darikwa reunites with Wigan’s caretaker manager Leam Richardson after they worked together at Chesterfield. The deal is subject to EFL approval.
Wigan Athletic Sign Tendayi Darikwa Until End of the Season
✍️ Signing | We are delighted to welcome Tendayi Darikwa to Latics on a short-term contract until the end of the season!
Welcome to Latics, @TendayiDarikwa!#wafc 🔵⚪️
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) January 11, 2021
Darikwa Hoping For Game Time After Period of Injuries
The full-back is vastly experienced in the EFL- featuring in all three divisions and even helping Chesterfield to the League Two title in 2014. Darikwa was also part of the Burnley side which reached the Premier League in 2016.
Injuries have hampered the last few years of his career with Darikwa struggling to get a consistent run in the Forest team. He made 63 appearances in total for Forest but departs after his contract was terminated.
He joins a Wigan side desperately short on numbers as they look to rebuild their squad. Several players who joined on short term loans and deals have expired or are close to expiring. It’s a difficult situation for caretaker manager Leam Richardson.
However, he will be boosted by the signing of a player he knows well. His experience will be vital in a very young Wigan side. Darikwa will be a key figure on and off the pitch and his performances will have to be at there best as Wigan battle relegation.
The turmoil off the pitch isn’t helping their situation. A proposed takeover collapsed and now their future is uncertain once again. This is affecting Leam Richardson’s chances of strengthening the squad.
However, Darikwa’s arrival offers optimism. He could make his debut in Wigan’s next game against fellow strugglers Rochdale.
Darikwa Delighted to Reunite With Leam Richardson
Speaking to the Wigan Athletic website about his move, Darikwa said: “I’m delighted, it’s happened quite quickly. I’m a Wigan Athletic player and I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“I’ve not played too much football in the last 18 months after a bad injury. But I’m fit again and I can’t wait to get on the pitch and start playing competitive games again.
“I hope to help the team as quickly as possible. I’ve looked at the league table, of course we are in a tough position at the moment in the league. I think we have enough quality to get out of it. I want to come in and help the lads and hopefully move up the league.
“I’m fit and have been training with the first team at Forest since I came back from my injury and I haven’t missed a session.
“I spoke to Leam a few times over the past couple of weeks on the phone. He’s someone who has had a big effect on me at the start of my career when I was at Chesterfield so it’s nice to come in and help him out and – hopefully – together we can move up the table.
“First and foremost, I’m a defender so I want to come in and help the team be solid at the back.
“I also want to help the team get up the pitch and use my pace and my energy, so I can hopefully get a few assists and try and nick a few goals if I can.”
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
