Wigan Athletic midfielder Tom Naylor is set to quit Wigan Athletic to join National League side, Chesterfield, according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon.
Naylor, who has just completed his second season with the Latics, helping the side win promotion from League One in his first season with the Latics, after joining from Portsmouth, is reportedly set to join the National League club, which narrowly missed out on promotion last year.
Chesterfield will be looking to strengthen their ranks as they go into next season, looking for another promotion push. The club narrowly missed out on promotion last season, after losing to Notts County in the final on penalties, having led most of the game. The midfielder joins on a three-year deal for the club on a free transfer, Wigan originally wanted a fee for the player, but now look to trim their squad under the direction of new owner Mike Danson.
Naylor’s departure comes following the news that things seem to be turning around at the Latics, with local businessman Mike Danson completing a takeover of the club on Wednesday, purchasing the club from its Bahraini owners, following a winding up petition the club were issued with on Tuesday, leaving the club’s future in doubt.
The Englishman made 36 appearances in the Championship last season for Wigan, playing just under 2000 minutes, scoring twice and contributing one assist, as the Latics were ultimately relegated from the second tier and will play in the third tier once again, beginning their season with an eight-point deduction.
The midfielder joined from Portsmouth and spent two seasons with Wigan, during his time at Fratton Park, Naylor made 149 appearances for Pompey, scoring 13 goals and providing one assist. His time at Wigan showed versatility, as he featured in numerous different midfield positions, appearing primarily in a holding midfield role, but also central midfield, sitting slightly forward in an attacking midfield role, as well as appearances on the right flank.
His career has been played mostly in the third division, with 206 appearances in League One, scoring 20 and providing 12 assists, as opposed to 110 appearances in the Championship, with eight goals and one assist. Naylor also has experience in the National League, with 23 appearances and one goal.
July’s fixture with Preston North End, saw Naylor mark his 49th appearance for the Latics, as well as his 500th career appearance.
Writer’s View
Naylor at 31 years old still has something to offer a club, but with Wigan’s relegation to League One, they will be looking to cut down on their wage bill, as well as strengthen the squad. Naylor could be the first of many departures for the Latics and can help Chesterfield push for promotion with his experience at a higher level.
