Alan Mahon has left Wigan Athletic for Burnley in a loan move that will become permenant at the end of the season. A fee of £200,000 is involved for the 27 year old Irishman.
Mahon will join Burnley on loan until the end of this season, at which time, he will complete a £200,000 permenant transfer to Turf Moor.
It is with a heavy heart that Latics fans say good bye to Mahon who is certainly a talented player, and far too good for the Championship, especially the lower reaches.
Manager Paul Jewell was not looking to offload the 27 year old Dublin born midfielder. Instead it was Mahon who requested first team action.
Jewell said: “It was Alan's choice but he goes with my blessing. He is a good pro who has always tried his best for me but I understand that he wants to get some more first team action under his belt this season.”
While Burnley boss Steve Coterill singled out PJ for praise after his involvement in the deal. He said: “It's been a mad rush to make sure we beat the 5:00 p.m. deadline to get him signed in time and we're looking forward to having him in the squad hopefully for the next three and a bit years.
Steve also had a word for Jewell who had helped to get the deal through, “We've had a couple of chats this week and I'd like to thank Paul Jewell very much for his help in assisting the transfer to go through pretty quickly.”
It is not too long ago that we would have been delighted by Mahon's arrival at the club. I will always remember his strike away at Villa Park and also the goal against Leeds at home last season.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is growing and improving at an alarming rate, and long may it continue.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish Alan the best of luck in his future career.
Meanwhile, youngsters Luke Joyce and Kevin Lee have left the club. Joyce has signed for Carlisle where he has been offered a deal for next season, while Lee has joined
Blackpool on loan for the rest of the season. Best of luck to both from all at wiganer.net.
