Wigan Athletic star reveals 'shock' after being told he had no DW future

The Northern Ireland international striker has recently been handed the Latics captaincy, following the summer departures of Tendayi Darikwa, Jamie Jones, Max Power, Jack Whatmough and James McClean.

It's a far cry from the turn of the year, when then-boss Kolo Toure told Magennis - signed by Leam Richardson in January 2022 - he was not part of his plans.

Thankfully for Magennis, Toure was dismissed after only nine matches in charge – during which time Latics failed to win a single game – before the door was reopened by incoming chief Shaun Maloney.

And the big target man is making the most of his second chance as one of the leaders of the rebuild under new owner Mike Danson.

"Personally, I learned a lot last season," said Magennis, who has been capped 70 times by his country.

"I was signed under Leam, with the goal of helping the club to win promotion to the Championship.

"We managed to do that, the club then made a decision to move on from Leam, which they're entitled to do.

"When Kolo came in, it was the first time I've experienced in my career where I've been told by a manager that he didn't think I fitted the needs of what he was looking for.

"I had to take a sort of a back seat, my role in the team became different, more supportive and helping the lads get through.

"Then Shaun came in and I've done another 180!

"When he first came in, I did my calf, and only came back for the last few games, before getting injured again.

"It was a real rollercoaster, but you try not to get too high when things are going well, and not too low when things aren't going so well.

"You try and keep as level headed as you can, and that's what I've tried to do."

Magennis says he was completely taken aback when Toure told him his days were numbered.

"I was in shock maybe a bit, it was the first time that had happened," said Magennis.

"I've been fortunate enough with all my previous managers to have had very good relationships.

"I've never been banished, never been sent to train with the Under-23s, when the time has come to move on, I've moved on amicably.

"When he told me that, I was shocked, because I really thought I could contribute to the team in my own way.

"He didn't think that was the case, but we didn't fall out, we still got on with each other.

"Unfortunately for him, it didn't work out here, the gaffer came in and I got my chance again."

And the story came full circle when Magennis was named the club's new skipper earlier this month.

"It's a funny old game," added the 33-year-old. "Someone once told me anything that can happen will happen, and that's right.

"Now I'm captain of the team, and it's such a massive honour and a privilege to do so."