Wigan snap up defender Chimbonda

Chimbonda is Jewell's second summer capture

Wigan manager Paul Jewell has made French defender Pascal Chimbonda his second signing of the summer.

Jewell has been keen to strengthen his defence following the departures of Nicky Eaden and Ian Breckin.

Chimbonda, 26, said: "This is a really exciting move for me and I'm delighted it's all been completed.

"There were other offers on the table, but Wigan impressed me. The opportunity to play in the English Premier League was too good to turn down."

We beat off competition from Marseille to sign him and he's just what we need at the back Wigan boss Paul Jewell

Chimbonda, who can play at right or centre-back, has signed a three-year contract with Wigan after spurning the opportunity to join Marseille from Bastia.

He added: "I could have continued playing in France at the highest level there.

"But at this stage of my career I'm ready for a new challenge and coming to Wigan is the perfect opportunity to test myself against the best players in the world.

"Wigan have a great manager, a great team and a great stadium and they've made it clear to me that they have ambitions in the Premier League.

"I'm looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting down to pre-season training with the rest of the players."

Now we need to follow it up with three or four more quality signings From AL Have your say on 606

Jewell, who last week made his first acquisition in £200,000 goalkeeper Mike Pollitt from Rotherham, is confident Chimbonda will prove a hit.

"Pascal is a great player and it's a real boost for us to have completed this signing," he said.

"We beat off competition from Marseille to sign him and he's just what we need at the back - strong, quick and versatile.

"I have no doubt at all that he'll be a big asset in the Premiership and that he'll fit in well with the type of football I like my teams to play.

"I believe he'll become a big favourite with the fans at Wigan."