Lids' speaks about his Latics career

"He was fabulous during the period when I was injured and on that form it was going to be hard for me to dislodge him as his pace gives such a different threat to my strengths. There has been a lot of interest in me from other clubs and I would hope to have something new fixed up quickly if it's at all possible.

"It will be very strange, but hopefully I can get myself another club in Division One and come back to the JJB as an opposing player. That will be quite weird as I say, but I love this place and it would be great to come back. I'd certainly give the lads some stick that's for sure!"

So how does he now reflect on his time as a Wigan Athletic player?

"I've had a brilliant time here and the club is now totally unrecognisable to the one I joined back in 1998. The Stadium is now fantastic and the club is going forward all the time which is great to see. I wish I could be around for the day when the club does reach the Premiership, which I have no doubt it will do with the Chairman and manager here, but I think it is time to move on.

"The good thing is that I will leave on good terms and that doesn't always happen, so it's great that that will be the case. The six years here have all been successful in their different ways, probably the only disappointment was not getting out of Division Two more quickly. However, last season was brilliant from start to finish and then this season very nearly topped it.

"Everything about my time here has been great, from the people who work here, to the supporters that watch us every week. I will never have a bad word to say about the place and coming here was the best move I've ever made. I don't regret it for a second.

"Obviously Sunday was a huge kick in the teeth but I know this group of players will kick on from here and I can't see them not making the top six next season if the right additions are made. I hope they do make it as the people here deserve it as it's been a great place to play football."

So what did he make of the reception he got from the club's fans when he made what is likely to be his last appearance against West Ham on Sunday?

"To get the reaction I did from the crowd on Sunday was fantastic and they've been great to me during my time here. I think they appreciate that I have always done my best for them and I will never ever forget the way they treated me. Sunday was a very hard day for us all but the supporters made it memorable for me for some good reasons too, by singing and chanting my name. Our support may get some unjustifed stick from certain quarters but I've got nothing but praise for them and the fact is that the fan base is growing all the time.

"As I said before, compare the club to what is was when I joined and the whole place is virtually unrecognisable in every way."

So what would he say have been his most memorable moments during his time at the JJB?

"Obviously breaking 'Lowey's' record is right up there and to do it on the TV with a good goal made it extra special. I don't think 'Lowey' was as chuffed though and I did give him plenty of stick afterwards!

"The other things that stick out apart from every single goal, is the fact that I got to play at Wembley a couple of times. I never imagined I'd play there so to do it twice was fantastic, even though the disappointment of losing the play-off final was massive.

"Goalwise I think the one I got at Millwall in the 3-3 draw was my favourite as I really did strike that one I can tell you! I think it was from about 35 yards but it's probably from about 50 yards when I think about it now!

"I'm proud of my goal record here too, because I've got plenty and to be fair I didn't play as an out and out front man for a lot of my time here. I was more of a support striker when the likes of Stuart Barlow and Simon Haworth were in the side and it's only in the past couple of season that by ratio has really shot up. I'm hoping that my goal record will last for a few years but to be honest, if Nathan stays fit for the next couple of seasons, I'd expect him to beat it as he will score goals as we all know.

"However long the record lasts though, no-one will ever take away the fact that I once broke it and held it and that will always be something I'm very proud of. It's a significant honour and one that was fantastic to achieve while I was here.

"What ever happens from now on and wherever I end up, I'll always look back on the last six years very fondly as I've grown to love this place. I've played with some really good players and under some good managers and there is hardly any period when I haven't enjoyed myself here.

"Everyone at the club has been great to me and they've given me good contracts at times when other clubs may not have done. Although we couldn't quite agree on one I was happy with now, that isn't a problem because at the end of the day the club have to do what they think is right, just as I do. Football is a business and I think we all accept that.

"Finally, what I would like to say is a direct thank you to the fans for the way they have treated me during my time here. I will always have great affection for them and I hope they hold me in high regard too. It is fanastic to feel that they appreciate the job you have done and how hard you have tried for the club.

"From the reception I got on Sunday I felt that was the case and as it's pretty certain I'm going to move on, I would just like to wish everyone here all the very best for the future and say that I hope I get to return to the JJB very, very soon."

Interview from wiganathletic.tv

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