Wigan Athletic star was 'never, ever going anywhere else'

Dan Gardner admits the decision to commit his future to Wigan Athletic for the rest of the campaign was as straightforward as they come.
Dan GardnerDan Gardner
Dan Gardner

The 30-year-old midfielder was temporarily out of contract at the DW, after his initial short-term deal expired at the beginning of last week.

But after getting his career back on track after almost two years on the sidelines through injury, he was desperate to stay put for the second half of the campaign.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And a continuation of working with Leam Richardson, with whom he’d previously worked at Chesterfield, and who he credits for helping him back into first-team football.

“It was a very easy decision to be honest,” Gardner told Wigan Post. “Leam has helped me out massively, throughout the past few months.

“Going back to the start of the season, when I wasn’t really fit, he stuck with me.

“He gave me the platform to play regularly for such a good club, and I’d like to think it’s paid off.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am now, and I’m reaping the rewards in terms of my performances.”

Having arrived at Latics last summer initially just to work on his fitness, Gardner soon got back into the groove, to the extent he is now one of the leaders of the team, with his experience proving invaluable alongside so many youngsters fast-tracked from the Academy.

“To start with it was just Leam trying to help me out, to join in with training,” added the ex-Oldman man.

“Obviously it went a bit further than that, and I ended up signing on a month-to-month basis.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“That was the best thing I could have done, because I was back playing and it was exactly what I needed.

“I was never, ever going to sign anywhere else when my initial deal came to an end.

“It was great to get it done, and hopefully I can kick on now and help the club get out of the position we find ourselves in.”