The Horse joins Wigan

Last updated : 05 September 2003 By Paul Farrington

He said: "The move came a bit out of the blue but once it was obvious that Birmingham were willing to let me go it was an easy decision to come to Wigan," Horsfield told the club's official website.

"Leaving Birmingham is hard because I love the place but I believe I'm joining a club that is going places, just like I did when I joined Birmingham three years ago.

"I'm good friends with Nicky Eaden and I know Andy Liddell and Neil Roberts too, so I always looked out for Wigan's results anyway. Coming here should give me the chance of first team football and I can't wait to get started in training on Monday in preparation for my first game at Wimbledon.

"I'm raring to go and I won promotion and got to a cup final while at Birmingham and opefully I can inspire the same sort of success here at Wigan. They've had a great start to the season and hopefully I can come in and provide some more goals to keep us near the top of the division."

Meanwhile Latics manager Paul Jewell said: "We're delighted to finally get our man and as a proven goalscorer at this level and higher I'm sure the Wigan fans will be as excited about this signing as I am.

"We're pleased to bring Geoff in and he's someone we've had in mind for a long time. Paying a million pounds for him is a sign of our ambition and he'll bring something different to our squad.

"I said I'd only bring someone in if I felt that it can improve out squad. That's certainly the case with Geoff. He's a no nonsense character and he has an eye for goal."

The Horse is likely to be in the squad to face Wimbledon in our next game.