Max Power sets stall out after completing return to Wigan Athletic from Bradford City

The 32-year-old put pen to paper has returned to the Brick Community Stadium for a third spell with Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee.

Power didn't need to be asked twice about reuniting with Gary Caldwell - who first signed him for Wigan in the summer of 2015 - and David Perkins, his former partner in crime in the midfield.

“Everyone has always known how big a part of my life this club is," said Power. "Even when you leave, you never quite leave. It seems like a boomerang - everyone tends to come back.

"I am really excited to be working with Gary again. He is someone who is obsessed with football.

"I know how good a coach he is and, when I saw the appointments last season, I felt like he was Wigan’s best signing in a long time.

“It is a place I would call home through all the years I’ve had here. It’s time to write another chapter, and I feel like the club is going into a new era.

"There’s no-one better at the front of it than Gary leading the way, and I am hoping this is the start of a really successful journey."

Power helped Latics to win the League One title on two occasions – under Caldwell in 2015/16 and Paul Cook in 2017/18.

He left for Sunderland in the summer of 2018, but was brought back to Wigan by Leam Richardson three years later.

Power won his third League One title with Latics in his first season, but left in the summer of 2023 following well-documented financial issues under then-owners Phoenix 2021 Ltd which saw the players being repeatedly paid late.

After spells in Saudi Arabia and Denmark, Power joined Bradford City last summer, whom he captained to the play-offs this season.

He made 51 appearances in all competitions for the Bantams, to take his career tally to 573 - including 244 for Latics.

Caldwell said: “Max is someone I signed 11 years ago as a young player with his career ahead of him.

“Right from day one, you could see his drive and determination would take him a long way, and he’s had an incredible career to date.

“I still think he’s got chapters to write in his career, which is why we have brought him back home for the third time.

"I believe his standards, leadership qualities, and playing qualities are going to be massive for the team next season.

"He still has a lot to offer on the pitch, and we are absolutely delighted to bring him back.“

Former team-mate Jordan Jones was quick to endorse the transfer.

“Brilliant and such an important signing,” he posted on social media. “Don’t underestimate how much max brings both on and off the pitch. Ultimate professional who demands the highest of standards from himself and everyone round him. Well done.”

Power was back at Wigan as recently as March, when his Bradford side were beaten 2-0 by a Latics side that had picked up under their new managerial team.

After the game, Power told Wigan Today he hadn’t been surprised at the upturn in fortunes.

"I've worked under Gary Caldwell, and he's a very, very good coach,” he said. "He's obsessed with football, and he watches football non-stop.

"I had a very enjoyable period playing here under him, he made me see the game in different ways.

"Wigan is a club that, as a fanbase and as a club, has always related well to someone who's been here before and had success. Certainly in my time here, that's always tended to be the case.

"He's an FA Cup winner, a captain from the Premier League years and he won promotion during his first season as a manager. That means he understands the club inside and out.

"But even taking that aside, he's a very, very good coach...one of the best coaches I've ever worked under.

"He's someone I've always stayed in touch with, and he's someone I've always been able to lean on when I've need to.

"When I've faced his teams, they've always been difficult games, because he's always got a plan. And you can see within days of arriving he'd already breathed fresh life into the club.

"With the help of another old friend of mine, David Perkins, my old partner in midfield...two people who live and breathe football, who live and breathe this club and the fanbase.

"I know what a Wigan crowd is like...they want to get behind the team, and I think they got behind Gary and Perks right from the off.

"I know how energetic Perks is day to day, I shared hotel rooms with him throughout my time here, and being around him can only give you a lift."

Power also penned an open letter to supporters of Bradford, explaining his reasons for seeking a new challenge.

"Firstly, I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone at Bradford City for believing in me last summer, giving me the opportunity to come back to England after two years away, and represent this great club,” he posted on social media.

"Like every interview I have given since signing for the club, I have always spoken with complete honesty and, as a captain, I feel a responsibility to explain the reasoning behind my decision and be transparent with you, the supporters.

"Throughout my career, I have always lived within close proximity to the training ground and the club I have represented. This season was different. The reality was I was spending over three hours a day driving to and from training and, while I was fully committed to doing everything required of me, that level of travel simnply is not sustainable in the long term.

"This decision has not been easy, because I have genuinely loved my time at Bradford City. To captain this football club has been one of the greatest honours of my career. From the moment I arrived, I understood the responsibility that comes with wearing the armband, and I have tried ervery single day to represent the club, my team-mates and the supporters in the right way.

“I can honestly say I have given absolutely everything this season. Every training session, every game and every moment behind the scenes, I gave my all because I was desperate to help put this club back where it belongs. Achieving promotion and getting Bradford City back into the Championship was something I cared deeply about and a goal that drove me every day.

"I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together and grateful for the support I received from everyone connected to the club. The supporters, my team-mates, the staff and everyone behind the scenes made my time here special, and those memories will stay with me for a long time.

"While this decision is based on what I believe is best for me and my family moving forward, it should never be mistaken for a lack of commitment or affection for Bradford City. I have loved representing this club, and it has been an honour wearing the shirt and the armband. I leave with nothing but respect, gratitude and a genuine hope the club continues to go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”