FA Cup winning hero Callum McManaman is the latest high-profile Wigan Athletic departure but Malky Mackay has moved quickly to replace him with three new signings.
Ahead of the vital clash with Championship promotion chasers Ipswich Town Chris Herd, Billy McKay and Jason Pearce have all come into the squad.
Summer signing Adam Forshaw has also packed his bags but Mackay is confident that his new recruits will boost the relegation threatened squad.
Mackay said of Pearce: “I’m delighted that he has agreed to join us. He’s someone we’ve been tracking for a while, a really powerful centre half, a leader and a warrior on the pitch.
“He’s hungry to play and will hopefully quickly become a fan’s favourite for the example he sets on the pitch.
“He’s built up considerable experience now and knows this league inside out and we’re delighted we’ve managed to get him.”
CONFIRMED: @jpearce05 joins Latics from Leeds United (@LUFC) – http://t.co/mPOlYvINhG #wafc pic.twitter.com/MR3yc3JqYP
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) January 30, 2015
The 27-year-old joins the Latics after making 99 appearances for fellow strugglers Leeds United and will wear the number 28 shirt.
The versatile Herd meanwhile has joined on loan from Aston Villa and believes Wigan, despite their recent struggles, belong in the Premier League.
“It’s a great club, a Premier League club but unfortunately that’s not where the club is at the moment but it’s where it belongs,” said the Australian.
“I’m going to bring a lot of energy to the team, I can play in a number of positions and I’ll play wherever the manager wants me to play – I can’t wait to get out there.”
Academy product McManaman will link up with Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion while 2014 League One Player of the Year Forshaw has joined Middlesbrough.
And despite remaining in the drop zone and without a win in five games, the former Cardiff City manager said the timing was right to let them move on.
“There comes a point where you have to do what’s best in terms of the player progressing in his career and what is financially the most beneficial for the club,” added Mackay.
“I have made it clear that we need a squad of hungry players who are 100% focused and committed to the job here.”
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