Key Points
- Jack Hunt, 35-year-old experienced defender, signed with Wigan Athletic on Deadline Day until the end of the season.
- Hunt conducted his first interview with Latics TV at Christopher Park following the move.
- He expressed excitement about joining a “new Club and a new chapter” and eagerness to contribute on and off the pitch.
- Hunt highlighted the club’s ambition shown by Head Coach and Joe Riley (Head of Recruitment) during discussions.
- Brings wealth of experience: over 250 Championship games; won League One promotion twice with Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town.
- Familiar with squad members: Callum McManaman and Morgan Fox (Sheffield Wednesday), Steven Sessegnon (Bristol City), Owen Moxon (Stockport).
- Played against many current Wigan players, aiding quick settlement at Brick Community Stadium.
- Views current league position as challenging but sees large part of season left; stresses need for quick win to ease pressure.
- Approaches role with “clean mind,” focusing on present and future impact rather than past results.
- Relishing opportunity for immediate impact in second half of campaign through good performances and results.
Wigan(Manchester Mirror) February 02, 2026 – Jack Hunt, the 35-year-old defender with a storied career in the Championship, has signed with Wigan Athletic on Deadline Day until the end of the season, bringing vital experience to the squad amid their challenging league position. In his first interview with Latics TV at Christopher Park, Hunt voiced his excitement about the move, describing it as “a new Club and a new chapter.” The former Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town player, who has secured League One promotion twice and amassed over 250 Championship appearances, arrives at the Brick Community Stadium ready to contribute immediately on and off the pitch.
Who is Jack Hunt and Why Did He Join Wigan Athletic?
Jack Hunt arrives with a robust pedigree tailored to Wigan’s needs. As reported in the official Latics TV coverage, the 35-year-old defender has won promotion from League One twice—once with Sheffield Wednesday and once with Huddersfield Town—adding proven winning nous to a squad seeking stability. His over 250 Championship games underscore his reliability at this level, positioning him as a key addition for the Latics’ ambitions.
Hunt was drawn by the club’s evident desire to secure him. “Speaking with the Head Coach and Joe Riley (Head of Recruitment), the Club showed a real desire to get me here, and that’s what you want as a player,” Hunt told Latics TV directly at Christopher Park. Despite having “a few options to choose from,” he selected Wigan as “the right fit,” swayed by proactive recruitment efforts.
What Did Jack Hunt Say in His First Latics TV Interview?
The interview, conducted post-Deadline Day arrival, brimmed with optimism. “It’s exciting for me,” Hunt stated emphatically to Latics TV. “It’s a new Club and a new chapter, and I am looking forward to helping the team in any way I can.” This candid exchange at Christopher Park marked his debut public comments as a Latics player, setting a positive tone.
Hunt elaborated on settling in swiftly, citing existing ties. “I was with Callum McManaman and Morgan Fox at Sheffield Wednesday, Steven Sessegnon at Bristol City, and most recently, Owen Moxon at Stockport,” he explained. “As well as playing against a lot of the other players, it really helps you settle in quickly, and that’s what I am here for. I want to settle in and perform really quickly.”
How Will Jack Hunt Impact Wigan Athletic’s Season?
Hunt is laser-focused on immediate contributions. He relishes “the opportunity to make an immediate impact during the second half of the campaign, approaching the challenge with a positive mindset.” Acknowledging fan frustrations, he noted: “When you support Wigan Athletic, the previous games and points returns haven’t been great.”
Yet, Hunt brings fresh perspective. “For me coming in, it’s really exciting and refreshing. I’m coming in with a clean mind, and I don’t have to look back at what’s happened. I am just looking at the here and the now, and what I can affect going forward,” he affirmed to Latics TV. On the league table, “The league position isn’t ideal at the moment, but there’s such a large part of the season to play for.”
A quick win is paramount in his view. “Getting a win quite quickly would help take off the immediate pressure that everyone is feeling when you haven’t won for so long,” Hunt added. He concluded bullishly: “I am looking forward to getting out there on the grass and contributing the best I can. With that, good performances and good results help you climb up the leagues.”
What Experience Does Jack Hunt Bring to the Squad?
Hunt’s CV is a defender’s masterclass. His dual League One promotions with Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town highlight his elevation expertise, directly relevant to Wigan’s potential trajectory. The Championship tally exceeding 250 matches speaks to endurance and tactical acumen at competitive levels.
Off-pitch, his maturity promises leadership. Arriving “eager to contribute both on and off the pitch,” as per Latics TV reports, Hunt spoke positively about “the ambition shown by the Club during discussions.” Relationships with McManaman, Fox, Sessegnon, and Moxon, plus familiarity from opposition clashes, accelerate integration.
Why is a Quick Settlement Crucial for Wigan Athletic?
Speed matters in a pressure-cooker environment. Hunt’s proactive stance—“I want to settle in and perform really quickly”—aligns with urgency. Pre-existing squad links minimise teething issues, enabling focus on results.
The Brick Community Stadium awaits his influence. Christopher Park served as the interview backdrop, symbolising fresh beginnings. Fans, weary from winless streaks, crave Hunt’s “clean mind” to catalyse momentum.
What Challenges Face Wigan Athletic Post-Deadline Day?
The league position looms large. Hunt did not shy away: “The previous games and points returns haven’t been great.” Prolonged winlessness amplifies tension, but opportunity abounds with ample fixtures remaining.
Hunt’s antidote? Performance-driven ascent. “Good performances and good results help you climb up the leagues,” he asserted. His Deadline Day timing injects timely reinforcement.
How Does Hunt View His Role at Brick Community Stadium?
Enthusiasm defines his outlook. Speaking at Christopher Park for the first time, “Hunt cannot wait to get going,” per Latics TV. Squad synergies expedite adaptation.
Broader utility beckons. “Helping the team in any way I can” encapsulates his remit, blending on-pitch grit with off-field steadiness.
Broader Context: Deadline Day’s Significance for Wigan
Deadline Day signings like Hunt often prove pivotal. His experience addresses defensive frailties, complementing recruitment vision under Joe Riley. The Head Coach’s involvement signals strategic buy-in.
Hunt’s positivity counters gloom. Dismissing baggage, he eyes progression: “What I can affect going forward.” This mindset could galvanise a squad and fanbase yearning for uplift.
In sum, Jack Hunt’s arrival injects expertise, enthusiasm, and realism into Wigan Athletic’s campaign. His Latics TV sit-down lays bare a player primed for impact, attributing success to collective endeavour amid testing times.
