Caldwell joins Wigan
Wigan Athletic have signed Steven Caldwell on a one-year deal in order to strengthen their defence.
Caldwell left Burnley at the end of last season and has been looking for a club ever since. Wigan allowed him to train with the club with a view to doing a short-term deal. Wigan have leaked goals in their first two Premier League games of the season and badly needed more quality in defensive areas.
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez said: "We have seen what Steven is all about during his time here, a leader on and off the field and he is a great personality to have in the dressing room. He has shown real professionalism in his time with us and we are delighted to have him on board."
Caldwell has a number of qualities that should help him fit straight into the team. The team will need him to show off all of these attributes so they can stop conceding goals and start scoring them to stay in the Premier League.
Caldwell's quality
Caldwell joins the club with a solid reputation. He played 104 times for his previous club Burnley and formed part of Burnley's central defence when they won promotion to the Premier League. He also spent a long time at the heart of Sunderland's defence and made 74 appearances for the North West club.
During this time the player will have built up a very good experience of playing football. He will be able to read the game in the Wigan defence and inject an air of calmness over the side. This is very important because Wigan would not be blamed for pulling their hair out right now.
Caldwell has a very good habit of being aggressive from the very start of the match. Although this means he will get booked more than other defenders, it conveys the message that he will not be pushed around and will give strikers something different to think about.
Martinez added: "He has good experience of the Premier League and has played in the Champions League and UEFA Cup, plus is a full Scotland international."
Betting advice
Wigan look as though they are really going to struggle this season but Caldwell's inclusion should now help to shore things up. This is vital because Wigan will know the importance of staying in the Premier League. Have a punt on them to do so.
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