My mates told me to join Wigan Athletic, admits Scott Wootton

The 29-year-old, who came through the ranks at Manchester United before moving on to Leeds, fills the gap vacated by Emeka Obi's departure by mutual consent earlier on Monday.

And Wootton says his primary motivation is keeping Latics in League One against all the odds.

"I'm delighted to be here and I can't wait to get going," he said.

"I met the lads today, they seem a great bunch and I'm determined to do everything I can to keep the club in this division.

"There's been some good additions in recent weeks, and I'm confident we can start to climb the table.

"I'm absolutely motivated to make sure this club stays in League One and I think we've got the players here to do that."

Wootton will be aided by having a few familiar faces in the Latics dressing room.

"I'm good friends with Tom Pearce and Will Keane and I spoke to both of them before coming here," he acknowledged.

"They couldn't speak highly enough of the place, they both said what a great environment it was, and that made my mind up to come here.

"I'm good friends with Callum McManaman, who's told me about the place for years, and I'm delighted to finally be here.

"I've been quite close to signing here before on quite a few occasions.

"Obviously the club's had a tough start to the season, and there's been a lot of uncertainty around the place at the moment.

"I think I can bring a big voice on the pitch first and foremost, I feel I can help organise the team.

"I'm an experienced player now and that's definitely something I can add to the team.

"I feel fit and raring to go, I've got a point to prove, and it shouldn't take me too long to get going."

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