Filan signs until 2007

Last updated : 20 April 2005 By Paul Farrington
John Filan: Signed Until 2007
The Aussie is regarded by many to be the best goalkeeper that the club has ever had. He joined from Blackburn in 2001 replacing Roy Carroll who had departed for Manchester United.

He has gone on the play 171 games for the club keeping 74 clean sheets! Filan has also only missed one league game in four years, a tremendous achievement in itself.

A delighted Filan told the club's official website: "As soon as I knew Wigan wanted to give me a new deal my mind was made up straight away. I wasn't interested in playing anywhere else or for anyone else as long as Latics were in the picture. Leaving a club where I've enjoyed nothing but good times wasn't an option I wanted to explore!

"In the back of my mind I always thought I'd be going home next summer (2006) but I've realised I'm still enjoying my football and still playing well so it makes sense to keep playing. I'll re-visit the idea of going home in 2007, when this new deal expires!

"We've got just 3 games to go and it's in our hands. Having played so well and worked so hard all season we're all determined to finish the job. If we do it'll undoubtedly be the biggest achievement of my career".