Wigan Athletic new-boy aiming to make up for lost time

Tendayi Darikwa during training at Christopher Park yesterday

The 29-year-old hasn’t played a first-team game at club level since March 2019 after sustaining a serious knee injury.

But having been the subject of interest from Latics on two previous occasions, his pedigree is not in doubt.

And he’s determined to make the most of the opportunity afforded him by Leam Richardson – with whom he’s previously worked at Chesterfield.

“I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” Darikwa said.

“I’ve not played too much football in the last 18 months after a bad injury.

“But I’m fit again and I can’t wait to get on the pitch and start playing competitive games again.

“I’ve been training with the first team at Forest since I came back from my injury and I haven’t missed a session.

“I’ve played a few international games as well (for Zimbabwe) and I came through them very well.

“It’s important now to play some competitive games at first-team level, help the lads and hopefully get some wins as quick as possible.”

Darikwa began his career at Chesterfield, working with Richardson and Paul Cook, and helping the Spireites to the League Two title in 2014 before joining Burnley.

He then helped the Clarets win the Championship title, and played a season in the Premier League before moving on to Forest.

Having played 63 times for the ‘Tricky Trees’, he joins Latics looking to help Richardson and ex-Chesterfield teammate Dan Gardner secure League One status.

“I’ve spoken to Leam a few times over the past couple of weeks on the phone,” he added.

“He’s someone who has had a big effect on me at the start of my career when I was at Chesterfield.

“So it’s nice to come in and help him out and – hopefully – together we can move up the table.

“First and foremost, I’m a defender so I want to come in and help the team be solid at the back.

“I also want to help the team get up the pitch and use my pace and my energy, so I can hopefully get a few assists and try and nick a few goals if I can.

“I’ve looked at the league table, and of course we are in a tough position at the moment in the league.

"But I think we have enough quality to get out of it.

"I want to come in and help the lads and hopefully move up the league.”