Football Transfer News – Gary Caldwell has signed a four-and-a-half year deal for Wigan Athletic today. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez stepped in at the last minute to offer the Celtic player the chance of playing in the Premier League.

Before, it had looked as though the 27-year-old was set to link up with former Hoops boss Gordon Strachan at Middlesbrough earlier this week, along with Barry Robson, Willo Flood and Chris Killen.

Martinez was delighted to welcome Caldwell to the club.

“Gary is a leader and he is exactly the right character we need at the club. He is a winner and will becoming a huge asset for Wigan Athletic. He is a commanding defender who will lead by example on and off the pitch. He has been part of a winning team at Celtic and brings with him great experience, having won league titles and cups, and played in the Champions League. I am excited to welcome him on board at Wigan Athletic.” He told the club’s official website.

Caldwell echoed his manager’s delight and was pleased to be a Premier League player.

“The manager made it quite clear what his ambitions are for this club and how much he wanted to bring me here, to play in the Premier League has always been an ambition of mine but I know how tough it’s going to be to get in the side and I need to focus on winning a place and doing the best I can for my new club. it’s a massive wrench for me to leave a club like Celtic but I want to thank the club and all the fans for the support they’ve given me in my time there. but I’m a Wigan Athletic player now and I can’t wait to get started in the Premier League.” he said.