Ex-Wigan Athletic defender Jack Whatmough has joined Championship side Preston North End on a free transfer following his exit from the DW Stadium last week.
In a rather shocking turn of events last Wednesday, Wigan publicly issued a statement revealing that both Whatmough and Jamie McGrath had left the club due to ‘repeated contractual breaches under the previous ownership’.
The board confirmed that efforts had been made to keep the two men at the League One outfit but were unsuccessful in doing so.
McGrath has yet to be picked up by a new club, but today, Preston announced the signing of Whatmough who made 86 appearances for the Latics in all competitions.
The 26-year-old is following in the footsteps of Republic of Ireland international and former Wigan teammate Will Keane who made the jump to Deepdale for an undisclosed fee just three weeks ago.
Darren Witcoop reported on Tuesday night that Sheffield Wednesday and QPR were also in the race for his signature but Preston secured his services in the end.
Comments from Whatmough and Lowe
Speaking to club media at his unveiling as a Preston player, Whatmough confessed his delight in joining the Championship side:
“I’m over the moon. From the first moment I knew there was interest it was something that I wanted to get done as soon as possible. I’m really happy that it’s done.
“I just had a conversation with the gaffer [Ryan Lowe] there and I’m just looking forward to training now with the lads and starting the season and seeing where it can take us.”
Head coach Ryan Lowe shared the centre-back’s sentiment, admitting his keenness to sign the former Portsmouth man:
“Once we knew Jack was available and we’d spoken to him, we were really keen to get it done and I’m happy we’ve got him on board.
“He’s a footballing centre-half who can play out from the back with a good range of passing and most importantly he’s a solid defender.
“He’s got plenty of experience and he adds to our competition in the backline which is what we want ultimately.”
Whatmough will be available for selection this weekend as Preston North End travel to Bristol City on the opening day.
Writer’s View
This is an excellent signing for Preston as Lowe looks to build on last season’s twelfth-place finish by bringing Wigan’s 2021/22 Player of the Year to the club.
It is a particularly astute acquisition given that Whatmough is a Championship-level defender coming in on a free transfer and could be fit to start for the Lilywhites this Saturday at Bristol.
