Manager John Sheridan was delighted to add attacking midfielder Dan Gardner to his squad ahed of the 2017/18 season.
Gardner penned a two-year contract with Latics this afternoon and the manager was delighted to finally get his man.
He said: "I’m very pleased to get him. I’ve always liked him and I think he’s got a lot to his game.
"First and foremost he will add to what we’ve already got in the team. He’s very creative, he is excellent on the ball and he takes care of it.
"Hopefully he is going to create things for us at the top end of the pitch so I’m pleased to get him.
"I always like to get one or two in before they go away on holiday. Dan will fit into the team with the way that I want to try and play as well so I’m chuffed tobits to get him."
The signing is a statement of intent from the manager as he hopes to improve the goalscoring record next season.
"We were excellent defensively and I don’t want to take that away from us, but to win games you have to score goals," he commented.
"He should have more goals with what he’s got in his game but he’s a player I hope I can make better as well. If I can get the best out of him I think we will have a good player on our hands."
Whilst this is the first signing of the summer, fans might have to be patient for more.
"I won’t be rushed in to making signings," admitted Sheridan. "I’ve got to make sure they are right for us, we can afford them and fit into the way we want to play.
"Dan is a Manchester lad and I think it’s important he knows the area. He is near home, near his family and he will be happier.
"It’s important we get players who are happy because the place will be a better place for it."