New Wigan Athletic signing Paul Dummett is hoping to earn a new contract after joining the club on a short-term deal earlier this month.
The 33-year-old has been without a club since departing Premier League outfit Newcastle United in the summer. Dummett had been with the Magpies for 24 years, rising through the ranks to make over 200 appearances. However, his time on the pitch had dwindled in recent years, leading to his release at the end of last season.
Wigan eventually opted to bring the left-back to the Brick Community Stadium as they look to add experience to their struggling side. The Latics have endured a poor opening few months of the campaign and currently sit 19th in League One, one point above the drop zone.
Paul Dummett Hoping To Earn New Contract
Dummett made his debut as a late substitute in the narrow defeat against Wycombe Wanderers earlier this month before starting the EFL Trophy win over Nottingham Forest under-21s a few days later. Having only signed on a short-term deal until January, the former Wales international has revealed he would like to extend his stay. Speaking to Chronicle Live, he said:
“I am 33-years-old now but I know I have a lot of years ahead of me. I don’t feel anywhere close to slowing down.
“I know that I still have a lot to offer. It’s why I wanted to find the right club. I feel like a young player again in the way that I have to prove myself again and I have no problem with that. When you go to a new club, even though you have played so many times at the top level, you feel like you have to prove yourself again.
“I know that I am now playing for another contract or if Wigan don’t keep me I am playing to try to get a new club. I am going there with that ambition to help Wigan and have that same ambition to prove myself.”
Writer’s View
Dummett will offer experienced depth to a Wigan side struggling at the wrong end of the table. However, it isn’t the defensive end of the field which is causing them issues. Only Exeter City and Wrexham have conceded fewer goals that the Latics, indicating they have a problem finding the net. Still, bringing in a seasoned professional will have lifted the squad and extending his stay until at least the end of the season would be smart.
Head of Writing
