Wigan Athletic are reportedly close to signing the former Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett, according to Chronicle Live.
The defender was released by The Magpies in the summer at the end of his contract.
Who Is Paul Dummett?
Dummett came through the youth set-up at Newcastle United and made his senior debut while on loan at Gateshead against Hayes and Yeading. He would make his Newcastle debut in 2013 as the club crashed out of the FA Cup in the third round against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The full-back spent more time away from the club on loan in Scotland with St Mirren. During his spell, he would add silverware to his cabinet as the Paisley side won the Scottish League Cup. After a season in Scotland and with 36 appearances under his belt, Dummett returned to Newcastle and was part of 18 Premier League matches the following season.
International football came calling in 2014, as Dummett made his Wales debut against the Netherlands. The defender has achieved five caps for his country.
Dummett went on to make 213 appearances for his home town club and was part of the team that won the Championship title in 2017.
Why Does Wigan Want Dummett?
Wigan’s season has so far stuttered and failed to get going and they find themselves looking over their shoulders at those in the drop zone. The Latics have yet to win consecutive matches this season and have only won one match of their last eight.
Wigan have not shipped many goals, conceding just 11 in their 13 matches which gives them the joint second-best defence in the league. Their squad, however, is not blessed with experienced players so the addition of the 33-year-old former international defender will bring that to the squad.
Writer’s View
The report suggests that Dummett held talks with Championship sides Portsmouth and Sheffield United over the summer and is now looking likely to be plying his trade in League One, which may be something of a surprise and a coup for Wigan.
Dummett’s experience is sure to help a young Latics squad and he will be joining a team that knows what they are doing defensively but needs to score more goals to begin their journey up the table.
