Wigan Athletic new-boy 'jumped at huge opportunity at massive club'

The 28-year-old Rotherham striker was one of three deadline-day arrivals – along with Scott Wootton and Viv Solomon-Otabor – to bolster the squad for the run-in.

Proctor, who was born in Preston and came through the Deepdale ranks, needed no persuasion whatsoever in joining the Latics fight against relegation.

And after seeing his career stall somewhat since purple patches at Crawley and Fleetwood between 2013-16, he is confident he can rediscover his best form as he heads into his ‘prime years’.

“It’s a case of knowing what you’ve got inside you and – judging on past experience and performances – I know what I’m capable of producing and what I have to offer this club,” Proctor said.

“Ultimately, over the past three or four years, I haven’t done that on a consistent enough basis, and I’ll be the first to hold my hand up and accept that.

“I know it’s in there and, after a fully fit year with no injury problems, I feel like I’m in a good position to be able to get that back.

"At the age of 28, I should be coming into my prime, with the best years still to come.

“And I’d like to think if I can get on a bit of a run, I can find my feet and start to produce what I know I’m capable of.”

Proctor’s experience – and physique – will be a huge asset, with so many young inexperienced players having been thrust into the spotlight this term.

“I know the manager’s been looking to bring some experience into the group, and I like to think I bring that little bit of know-how of the division,” he acknowledged.

“I’ll also give every single drop that I’ve got, every single day that I’m here – whether that’s in training or on a matchday.

“Some days you’ll get good performances, and some days you’ll maybe get not so good performances for whatever reason...but you’ll never get anything less than 100 per cent.

“I’d obviously like to think I’ll also bring that little bit of quality up top, holding it up and bringing others into play, occupying defenders and giving them a tough time.

“If I can do my job to the best of my ability, I’m hoping it can help bring out the best in the other lads as well.”

Having spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Newport in League Two, Proctor admits he didn’t need asking twice when he learned of Wigan’s interest.

“I’m buzzing to be here to be honest,” he added. “As soon as the opportunity came up, it was something I was desperate to get done.

“I think the time I’ve had in the last few years hasn’t been great, and to get the chance to come to a club like this, I was always going to jump at it.

“To have the chance to come here and put my stamp on it, and help the club in the situation they’re in, is a huge opportunity for me.

“You only have to look at the recent history of the club – in the Premier League and the Championship – and it’s a massive club in this division.

“Obviously there’s stuff going on off the field, but that means absolutely nothing to you as a player – especially those of us who have come in.

“It’s a case of coming in, getting your head down and ignoring everything that’s going on off the field and concentrating only on what’s happening on the pitch.

“Looking at the club as a whole, it’s a perfect opportunity for me to come in, play some games and make it a successful time both for me personally and the club itself – and get us back to where everyone feels we should be.”

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