Wigan Athletic star Cedric Kipre settling on and off the pitch

Cedric KipreCedric Kipre
Cedric Kipre
Cedric Kipre reckons being thrown in at the deep end has allowed him to make a huge splash at Wigan Athletic.

The big centre-back joined Latics from SPL outfit Motherwell just 24 hours before the opening-day victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

With Dan Burn having broken his foot the previous weekend, Kipre went straight into the starting line-up – and hasn’t looked back. A string of impressive performances alongside Chey Dunkley means boss Paul Cook will have a decision to make when Burn returns in the next fortnight.

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And the Paris-born ace admits it’s been a whirlwind start to his Wigan career.

“I only trained with the team once before I made my debut against Sheffield Wednesday,” he said.

“I’d been told by the manager that I’d be playing, because of the injury to Dan Burn, so that was a big shock.

“But I also think this is the best way to get started, to get thrown in at the deep end.

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“There was no time to get worried or nervous – I just had to get straight down to work.

“And it’s worked out well for me and for the team.”

With full-backs Reece James and Antonee Robinson also making their debuts on opening day, it meant a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of Dunkley, as the only surviving member of last season’s record-breaking rearguard.

And Kipre credits his central defensive colleague for helping him settle in on and off the pitch.

“I have a very good relationship with Chey both on and off the pitch, which helps with the partnership,” Kipre added.

“He has helped me so much since I arrived, right from day one we clicked and it is a natural bond we have.

“He tells me where to go, what to do when necessary, and I appreciate that guidance.”

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