Latics capture fourth January addition

Last updated : 23 January 2006 By Paul Farrington
Ziegler, 20, operates on the left flank, and is equally comfortable at left back. He joins Paul Scharner, Neil Mellor and David Thompson as new additions to the Wigan Athletic squad.

Paul Jewell said: "We're delighted Reto has agreed to come on board. He is a highly regarded player at Tottenham and will add competition to the squad here.

"He's a strong six footer with a lot of pace and hunger and has packed a lot of experience into his short career so far. I'm sure the fans will take to him."

The 20 year old has already made three appearances for Switzerland and 23 appearances, scoring 1 goal, for Tottenham since joining from Grasshoppers Zurich in August 2004.

The player himself is delighted to join up with the Latics, and can't wait to start playing in the Premiership again. He said: "I really like the atmosphere at Wigan already. It is difficult when you don't know all the players but everyone has already made me feel very welcome. There seems to be a really good spirit amongst the players.

"Having spoken to the manager and had a training session, it is obvious that the work ethic is very high here, which exactly suits my game. I love the Premiership. It is exactly the sort of league I prefer to play in, where it is very physical, very quick and teams go for 90 minutes. In Germany, things are a little different, slower and tactical. I much preffer the English game.

"I enjoyed it in Germany, but Tottenham were not happy with the amount of games I was playing and decided to bring me back. I know there were three or four clubs interested in me, but when I heard one of them was Wigan I thought this was the best option for me.

"We are a young team full of energy and hunger and there is absolutely no fear in the dressing room, a feeling we can win every game. There are some good players here and I know I¹ll need to fight for my place. I just want the chance to play and to show everyone what I can do.

"I don;t think anyone needs motivation to face Arsenal. I don¹t think the Tottenham link makes things any different as far as I'm concerned. They are one of the best teams in Europe and to face them in a semi-final going into the game with a with a 1-0 lead is enough incentive. It is a big game to come into but to be able to play a role in getting the club to its first ever major final would be great.

"But really, I'm looking ahead to the rest of the season. I hope to be able to get as many games under my belt as possible because it is my dream to play in the World Cup for Switzerland and I know that if I have a good run between now and May, then of course it will help my chances.

"It helps that Stephane (Henchoz) is here, because I know him well from the Switzerland squad, where he was involved in my first game, against France.
Beyond this season I don't know. I am still contracted to Tottenham and I will see how things go.

"For a young player like me in a World Cup year, I am just anxious to play and to show everyone, the Wigan fans, the Wigan manager and the Switzerland manager Kobi Kuhn, what I can do. But at the moment my number one priority is to play well for Wigan, starting against Arsenal if I'm selected."


Ziegler has signed in time for the Carling Cup Semi-Final with Arsenal at Highbury and will go straight into the squad for that game.

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