Latics snap up Stones on eve of Solihull trip

Latics have signed Josh Stones on loan from Wigan on the eve of their National League trip to Solihull Moors.

The 20-year-old links up with Latics having made a handful of appearances for the Wigan first team in recent months, finding the net on two occasions. 

The striker joins on loan until January 12.

He came through the youth ranks at Guiseley, having been selected for England Schoolboys, and was signed by Wigan in the summer of 2022. 

After a series of good performances for their youth team, he signed an improved three-year deal in the summer, extending his stay until 2026. 

The youngster has also spent time on loan with Ross County earlier in the year.

“Josh is a really highly-rated player who is the type of character we want to have at the club,” said Latics boss Micky Mellon. 

“He started off in the non-league and has made a very good impression during his time at Wigan. 

“He’s a striker who puts himself about and he has a lot of good qualities which we believe will help us more of a force. 

“We’ve felt it was necessary to bring in some fresh faces and we want to do more if the opportunities come up."

Stones said: “I’m really pleased to be here.

"There’s a good group of lads and a fantastic manager so I can’t wait to get started. 

“The manager said he’s been following me for a while, he likes how I am both on and off the ball, and hopefully I can show what I can do here. 

“I’m an aggressive striker, I like to press, run the channels and try to bring some energy to the attack. 

“I’ve been at Wigan for just over a year and have started to break into the first team squad.

"I was really pleased to sign a three-year deal for them in the summer and I want to kick on now and start to play my best football. 

“I’ve got some important minutes at Wigan recently but I get some more game-time, experience and make the most of this chance.” 

Stones will wear squad shirt number 24. 

Meanwhile, Latics winger Kofi Moore has returned to the club from his loan spell at Guiseley. 

The 19-year-old linked up with the Northern Premier League side four weeks ago, and has featured in a handful of games at Nethermoor Park, bagging an assist on his debut.

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