A new Wigan Athletic star signed a contract extension to secure his future

The 19-year-old has impressed boss Shaun Maloney with his attitude and ability.

He only signed his final contract in April, which is expected to last until the end of this season.

But he has agreed a new two-year contract, which will see him challenge fellow Academy player Sam Tickle for a place in the first team.

Boss Maloney said: “I am delighted that Tom has signed a new contract with the football club.

“He has been with us since he was young and he shows a great attitude every day. “He is a talented young goalkeeper with a big future ahead of him.

“I look forward to seeing how he develops with us and wish him all the best as he enters the next stage of his journey here.”

Watson, who has been with the Latics since the age of seven, helped the under-18 team win the Professional Development League North and become national champions in his first year as a scholar.

Last season he spent time on loan with Mossley, where he was a finalist for both the Player of the Season and Player of the Season awards.

Returning to Wigan, he also gained some first-team experience over the summer, featuring in a pre-season match at Tranmere.

Watson joins Joe Adams, Kieran Lloyd, Dylan Dwyer, Ethan Mitchell, Abdi Sharif, Youssef Chentouf, Joe Rodwell-Grant and James Carragher at the Academy in signing new deals in recent months. FIND OUT MORE

Thankfully, the 30-year-old is back healthy and fit after well-documented health problems over the past two years.

He has enjoyed a fulfilling pre-season and has led Wigan’s attack brilliantly with five goals in as many games, including braces against Derby and Bolton.

“Obviously I’m delighted to win this award and individual awards are always great,” he said.

“We have had a good start to the season and the results in August were a team effort.

“Now we want to leave after the international break.”

Sky Sports EFL pundit Don Goodman – one of the panel members who selected Wyke – said:
“Winner of the first month welfare award after last season’s scare, it was great to see Charlie Wyke back and scoring a goal. “Latics started very strongly from the early stages and Wyke’s presence up front was a key factor, as he scored five goals in as many matches.”

Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies – another judge – said:
“After scoring five goals in as many games in August, Wigan striker Charlie Wyke has put himself on the Sky Bet League One Golden Boot favorites at 8/1 as of January 33 pre-season prize.

“Shaun Maloney’s side have started the season extremely well and we have them at 8/1 to move straight into Division Two after being 12/1 before the start of the season.”

Maloney – along with his former Latics, Celtic and Scotland colleague Gary Caldwell – was named manager of the month by Oxford United’s Liam Manning.