Wigan Athletic star revealed ‘shock’ after finding out he doesn’t have DW in his future

The Northern Ireland international striker was recently given the Latics captaincy following the summer departures of Tendayi Darikwa, Jamie Jones, Max Power, Jack Whatmough and James McClean.

 

 

It’s a far cry from earlier in the year, when then-boss Kolo Touré told Magennis – signed by Leam Richardson in January 2022 – that he was not in his plans.

Fortunately for Magennis, Touré was sacked after just nine games in charge – of which the Latics failed to win a single match – before new boss Shaun Maloney reopened the door.

And the big target is making the most of his second chance as one of the leaders of the rebuild under new owner Mike Danson.

“Personally, I learned a lot last season,” said Magennis, who has represented the national team 70 times. “I signed for Leam, with the aim of helping the club win promotion to the Championship.

“We did that, the club then took the decision to leave Leam, which they had every right to do.

“When Kolo arrived, it was the first time in my career that a manager told me he didn’t think I was suitable for what he was looking for.

“I almost had to step back, my role in the team became different, supporting and helping my teammates more.

“Then Shaun came and I did another 180!

“When he first arrived, I looked after my calf and only came back for the last few games, before I got injured again. “It’s a real rollercoaster, but you try not to go too high when things go well and not too low when things don’t go well.

“You try to keep your head as calm as possible, and that’s what I tried to do.”

Magennis said he was completely surprised when Touré told him his days were numbered.

“Maybe I’m a little bit shocked, this is the first time this has happened,” Magennis said.

“I am fortunate to have had a very good relationship with all my previous managers.

“I was never banned, never trained with the U23 team, when it was time to leave, I walked away amicably. “When he told me that, I was shocked, because I really thought I could contribute to the team in my own way.

“He doesn’t think so, but we don’t argue, we always get along.

“Unfortunately for him, things didn’t work out here, the boss came and I got my chance again.”

And things came full circle when Magennis was appointed as the club’s new captain earlier this month.

“It’s a fun old game,” the 33-year-old added. “Someone once told me that anything that can happen will happen, and it’s true. “I’m now the captain of the team and it’s an honor and a privilege to do that.”

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The Northern Ireland international, making his first appearance of the season, scored a hat-trick in the 7-1 win over Leicester City at DW.

His previous five appearances had all come from the bench, as Charlie Wyke started the season in style.

While it’s clear two-in-one won’t work, Maloney said he’s put a lot of thought into lining up both players to give the team maximum goal threat.

“It was great for Josh to get the hat-trick,” said the Latics boss. “But I’m more satisfied with his overall performance.

“His leadership skills are very good and he works very hard.

“Tactically, I haven’t played with two number nines this season, but I will have to make a decision on that.