Post by 7even on May 10, 2006 13:31:32 GMT
Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell has begun building his squad for next season by releasing experienced duo Stephane Henchoz and David Thompson.
home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=386006&CPID=8&clid=111&lid=4161&title=Wigan+release+first+team+duo
Henchoz has been a regular in the heart of Wigan's defence since
arriving at the club last summer but Jewell has decided against keeping the experienced stopper at The JJB Stadium for a further season.
Alongside Arjan de Zeeuw, the Swiss defender helped the club get off to a great start in The Premiership, which eventually saw them finish a very creditable 10th in their first season in the top-flight.
Former Blackburn midfielder Thompson moved to Wigan in January until the end of the season and scored in The Latics' final-day defeat to Arsenal.
Jewell admits the decision to allow the pair to leave was tough, and has thanked them for their contribution to the Lancashire outfit's success.
"Stephane has played a major part in our season, in particular at the start of the season when his experience was crucial," commented manager Paul Jewell.
"He has been an absolute model professional.
"'Thommo is a good little player, but he has found it difficult, in particular as he has had a couple of niggly injuries.
"But he is very unlucky because you could see what he's capable of at Arsenal.
"So it was a tough decision, but I've just thought for next season we will try something different."
Meanwhile, Reto Ziegler has returned to Tottenham Hotspur following his loan spell at The Latics.
home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=386006&CPID=8&clid=111&lid=4161&title=Wigan+release+first+team+duo
Henchoz has been a regular in the heart of Wigan's defence since
arriving at the club last summer but Jewell has decided against keeping the experienced stopper at The JJB Stadium for a further season.
Alongside Arjan de Zeeuw, the Swiss defender helped the club get off to a great start in The Premiership, which eventually saw them finish a very creditable 10th in their first season in the top-flight.
Former Blackburn midfielder Thompson moved to Wigan in January until the end of the season and scored in The Latics' final-day defeat to Arsenal.
Jewell admits the decision to allow the pair to leave was tough, and has thanked them for their contribution to the Lancashire outfit's success.
"Stephane has played a major part in our season, in particular at the start of the season when his experience was crucial," commented manager Paul Jewell.
"He has been an absolute model professional.
"'Thommo is a good little player, but he has found it difficult, in particular as he has had a couple of niggly injuries.
"But he is very unlucky because you could see what he's capable of at Arsenal.
"So it was a tough decision, but I've just thought for next season we will try something different."
Meanwhile, Reto Ziegler has returned to Tottenham Hotspur following his loan spell at The Latics.