Jack Byrne moving to Wigan in a permanent deal came as a surprise on transfer deadline day. It was partially down to the lateness of the announcement but also an expectation that the 20-year-old would once again leave Man City on loan rather than for good.
Speaking to Wigan's club website, Byrne explained that two individuals, in particular, influenced his decsion to join the Championship club.
The Wigan manager, Warren Joyce, previously Man Utd reserve team boss, was the first of those.
It’s been a long day but I’m delighted to get it over the line and I’m looking forward to getting started under Warren.
He played a huge part in me joining this club. His record at Manchester United speaks for itself and when I spoke to him I got a really good feel for the club.
James McClean was the other influence on Byrne's choice. McClean knows Wigan well. He spent two years at the club before joining West Brom in June 2015.
I moved over to Manchester City when I was only 15 and I enjoyed a loan spell over in Holland the year before last. I went to Blackburn Rovers earlier this season now but I’m here now and I’m happy.
I know James McClean very well and I spoke to him before coming here. He couldn’t speak highly enough of the club and he gave me a good feel when I spoke to him.
The Dubliner spent the first half of this season on loan with Wigan's fellow Championship relegations strugglers Blackburn. It was a disappointing period for Byrne, he made just seven appearances, the last of those being in September. His time at the club ended early last month when he was recalled by Man City.
Byrne says 'circumstances' at Blackburn meant his game time was limited. This, presumably, means that he didn't fit into manager Owen Coyle's style of play.
I’m a small, technical player who likes to get on the ball, but I’ll never shy away from the ball and I’ll always look to find a pass be that in the first minute or the last.
I would have liked to have played a little bit more at Blackburn but circumstances didn’t allow that. I’m looking forward to kicking on with Wigan now though.
