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Pollitt agrees extension
MIKE Pollitt has become the second goalkeeper to put pen to paper this week by agreeing a new one-year deal at Wigan.
The 39-year-old has extended his Latics tenure into a seventh season, just three days after Ali Al Habsi made his loan move from Bolton permanent.
Pollitt, who made his debut for Wigan in their first-ever Premier League match against Chelsea back in August 2005, made three appearances last term – all against home-town club Bolton.
But Roberto Martinez was anxious to secure his presence around the club for another 12 months.
“It dragged on for a few weeks because everyone was here, there and everywhere but I’ve finally put pen to paper and I’m delighted,” Pollitt told the Evening Post.
“To be honest, even though there was a delay, I was always quite relaxed about it.
“When you’re younger, you maybe worry a bit more because you want it sorted, but not really now.
“I’ve always had belief in my own ability, and I knew the manager wanted to keep me here, so it was never a case of there not being a contract there for me.
“There were one or two things needed ironing out but that’s all sorted now.”
Pollitt, who will turn 40 at the end of February, even hinted that this latest deal may not be his last.
“I’ve been saying ‘one more year’ since I was about 35, and I just want to keep going as long as I can,” he added.
“I feel quite strong, I’ve always kept myself fit and I enjoyed getting back to training.
“You look around and there’s quite a few goalkeepers who are playing into their 40s, and that gives you the belief you can do it.
“I’ll just take it one year at a time, and this time next year we’ll probably be here saying the same thing.”
Pollitt was at Christopher Park yesterday as most of the Latics squad reported back for pre-season duty.
Missing were Hugo Rodallega, Antolin Alcaraz and Hendry Thomas due to international reasons, while Mauro Boselli was another notable absentee.
The Argentinian hotshot spent the second half of last term on loan at Italian outfit Genoa, and he claimed yesterday that a return to Estudiantes – from whom he joined Latics last summer for £6million – could be in the offing.
Speaking to a local radio station, Boselli said: “The idea at first was to stay in Europe, but when I took my vacation I talked to my wife, friends and my agent and decided it was best to return home.
“The coach (Roberto Martinez) told me he wanted me for the next season, but I expressed my desire to return to my country.”
Meanwhile, centre-back Steven Caldwell has signed a two-year contract at Birmingham City, a matter of days after being released by Latics.
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Weather for Wigan
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North west
