CALLUM McManaman has credited former 2013 FA Cup final-winning team-mate Shaun Maloney with reigniting his desire to play "for as long as he can" having quit the game 18 months ago.
The Huyton-born winger, who was man-of-the-match when Wigan shocked Manchester City in a 1-0 win under the Wembley arch, did not kick a ball for eight months after leaving Tranmere in the summer of last year.
Admitting he was "fully done" with the game at 31, McManaman knocked back opportunities to continue his career.
But, in February, having found life after football tougher than anticipated, McManaman took up newly-installed Latics chief Maloney on an offer to train with his old club.
Nothing more was promised but, after initially training with the Under-21s, he worked with the senior squad during the tail-end of last term and was subsequently handed the chance to sign permanently for Wigan for a third time.
Denne historien er fra December 10, 2023-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 10, 2023-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
Swans bid to mark new era in style...
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.
