Key Highlights
- Wigan Athletic have submitted a bid to sign Accrington Stanley defender Benn Ward, with Reading and Bradford City also interested.
- The transfer interest is despite Wigan’s inconsistent form in the third tier, currently sitting 15th in League One.
- Ryan Lowe revealed that captain Jason Kerr will be out for at least a couple of weeks after suffering a knee injury while chasing his son.
- Accrington’s Ward has been crucial this season, making 22 appearances and scoring two goals, including one in the recent Boxing Day victory over Barrow.
Wigan Athletic’s Ambitious Move for Accrington Defender Benn Ward
Wigan Athletic have made a bid to sign Accrington Stanley defender Benn Ward, who has also attracted interest from Reading and Bradford City. This move comes as Wigan seeks to bolster their defensive lineup in the ongoing transfer window.
Interest from Multiple Clubs
The competition for Ward is fierce, with three League One clubs vying for his signature. As Accrington Stanley’s first-choice center-back, Ward has been a significant asset this season. According to the Daily Mail, Wigan have stepped in with an offer, but they are not alone.
Reading and Bradford City are also considering making moves for Ward, adding another layer of complexity to the transfer saga. The defender has been a vital figure for Stanley this season, playing 22 out of their 24 league games and scoring two goals, including one in the Boxing Day victory over Barrow.
Wigan’s Defensive Needs
Wigan Athletic’s defensive showing has been more impressive than their attacking efforts. As the club looks to improve their position in League One, they are prioritizing strengthening their defense. Wigan have already shown quality this season, defeating Championship outfit Preston North End 1-0 in their FA Cup third round tie.
However, Ryan Lowe’s men need to be cautious as they face bitter rivals and play-off chasers Bolton Wanderers on Saturday. The Latics will have to perform at their best against Bolton, who were beaten 3-1 by Peterborough United in their last match.
Injury Update: Jason Kerr
Wigan’s defensive efforts might be affected by the injury news of captain Jason Kerr. Kerr suffered a freak knee injury while playing with his son, according to Ryan Lowe. The club is still assessing the severity of the injury and awaits another scan.
“He’s in a brace now for a couple of weeks, he’ll have another scan, and we’ll find out then if he needs surgery.
Hopefully he won’t, but I don’t really know, because it’s the kneecap, so it’s a bad one. He’s got two big marks either side of his knee where he’s gone into the bench, chasing his little fella.”
Kerr has not featured for Wigan since their 1-0 victory over Burton Albion in early December.
Strategic Transfer Moves
While Wigan are targeting a defender, they also need to consider other areas of the team. Strikers Dara Costelloe and Christian Saydee have struggled this season, scoring just five goals between them in League One. Additionally, joint-top scorer Paul Mullin has been recalled by his parent club.
This situation means that Wigan might also be looking to strengthen their attack.
However, investing in a reliable defender like Benn Ward could provide both immediate and long-term benefits. Ward’s experience and tenacity make him an attractive prospect for Ryan Lowe’s squad.
The race for Ward is heating up as all three clubs will be hoping to secure his services before the transfer window closes. Only time will tell which club will emerge victorious in this transfer tug-of-war.
