Wigan Athletic attacker wanted by National League side
29/08/2024 07:43
Wigan Athletic striker Josh Stones is wanted back by Oldham Athletic, as per a report by Wigan Today.
Wigan Athletic have a decision to make on what to do next with the youngster. The fact Oldham Athletic are in the National League means they can sign him outside the transfer window so there is no mad rush to sort something before the deadline on Friday.
Stones, 20, is under contract at The Brick Community Stadium until June 2026 so has a couple of years left on his deal with the League One side.
The Latics’ boss Shaun Maloney has shared this update on his future, as per Wigan Today: “I’ll speak to Josh in the next couple of days. I really like him, and what I don’t want to do is anything that will cause him to not have minutes in the next three or four months. But I’m also quite keen that if he wants to stay and fight for a place, then he knows if he does well he will get those minutes here.
“So I’ll leave this to Josh, and I’m definitely not unhappy with him, it’s what he wants to do. If he wants to stay and fight, I’m more than happy for him to do that. Stonesey didn’t make the squad in the last game, there’s things he needs to improve on, but he knows I’m a big fan of what he can do.
“For sure, you can concentrate on what he doesn’t do, but he brings plenty of energy, he can compete incredibly well, he has some big attributes so we’re not in a position to lose him.”
Wigan Athletic attacker wanted
Stones spent time on loan at Oldham Athletic last season and made four appearances in all competitions for the fifth tier side, chipping in with three goals and three assists.
He started his career at Guiseley before he was snapped up by Wigan Athletic in 2022.
The prospect has since played 13 times for the Latics altogether, three of which have come in this campaign already, and he has scored three goals.
As well as his stint at Boundary Park, he also had a temporary spell at Ross County up in Scotland but failed to find the net in six outings during his time in the Highlands and moved back home.
Another exit for Stones would help him get some more regular game time under his belt to boost his development.
Wigan Athletic won’t want to leave themselves short of options in attack though.
What next for Wigan Athletic?
Maloney’s men picked up their first win of the new term last time out.
They beat Crawley Town 1-0 at home and are back in action with an away trip to Birmingham City.
They need to get the transfer window out the way first and have until Friday to conclude any incoming or outgoing business.
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