Latics clinch Thomas deal

Midfielder eager to emulate impact of Palacios and Figueroa

Last updated: 2nd July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Latics clinch Thomas deal

Thomas: Dream come true

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Wigan Athletic have tied up the signing of Honduras international midfielder Hendry Thomas on a three-year contract.

Thomas was wanted by the Latics 12 months ago, but the Premier League club were unable to secure a work permit.

The 24-year-old has now been granted permission to play in England and arrives from Deportivo Olimpia, subject to international clearance.

He had also been wanted by several other clubs and new Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is hoping Thomas can make the same impact at the JJB Stadium as compatriots Wilson Palacios and Maynor Figueroa.

Powerful figure

"Everyone knows how well Wilson and Maynor have done in the Premier League and it is no wonder there was lots of interest in Hendry, who comes from the same club as those two and has impressed," Martinez told the club's official website.

"What happened last season here was a shame, but the player now has the chance to prove himself over here. He is a powerful figure in midfield, who can sit in front of the back four and destroy attacks, or can also come forward and score.

"He is a player the club has worked really hard to secure these past months, with representatives from here travelling over to Honduras to meet with him and broker the deal - and all that hard work has paid off now."

Thomas admits it is a 'dream come true' to move to the Premier League and is looking forward to making an impact with Wigan.

"I want to prove myself in the Premier League and what happened last year was very disappointing for me personally," said Thomas.

"But I have worked hard all season to stay fit and qualify for the work permit rules and it is a dream come true for me to come to England. I have talked a lot with Maynor and Wilson about the club and I can't wait to start now.

"I want to thank Roberto Martinez and Wigan Athletic for giving me the chance to come here and I'm determined to show them they have not made a mistake."