I've no problem with stars looking elsewhere - Wigan Athletic boss

Paul Cook admits he has no problem whatsoever with his out-of-contract players weighing up their options before deciding whether to remain with Wigan Athletic.
Gary RobertsGary Roberts
Gary Roberts

Of the five players out of contract this summer, Jamie Jones has already penned a 12-month extension while David Perkins has taken the option of a two-year deal with Rochdale.

That leaves Gary Roberts, Noel Hunt and Alex Bruce currently mulling over the offer of another year at the DW Stadium.

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Roberts, in particular, should have alternatives on the table, given the way he contributed to Wigan’s League One title win, despite turning 34 in March.

And while the prospect of several key squad men moving on isn’t ideal, Cook is also keen for the players to secure the best possible deal for perhaps their last pay-day.

“Sometimes it’s about seeing what’s out there for them as much as what’s out there for us,” Cook told the Wigan Post.

“And I think that’s a dead fair thing where it works both ways.”

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When asked specifically about Roberts, he continued: “Using Gary as an example, because you’ve brought him up, he has a love of football that’s there for all to see.

“If you’re not playing regularly, how would that affect you?

“They are the conversations you would typically have with a player.

“Going forward, we’d have to be a good fit for each other.

“We’ll have good conversations with a few of the lads – what’s the best for us, what’s the best for you? – and we’ll keep talking.”