Latics TV | Tom Pearce arrives at Wigan Athletic from Leeds United.
The 21-year-old defender states Latics' ambition as a major reason for his move.
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Speaking on Latics TV after agreeing a three-year-contract at the DW Stadium, Tom Pearce talked about his reasons for moving to Wigan Athletic from fellow Sky Bet Championship side Leeds United.

The full back, who hails from nearby Ormskirk, said:

"I'm very pleased. I've known about the interest for a few weeks now, so it's great to finally be here.

"Everything is great here, from the facilities to the squad, to the ambition of the coaching team and the players. It's the perfect move for me.

"This club has made a lot of history since I was born and I'm just excited to step out on the pitch and represent it.

"I know a few of the lads already because I played at Everton with Antonee Robinson, Joe Williams and Callum Lang who I've known for quite a while, so that will help with settling in, and I don't live far away in Ormskirk, so it's another reason it's a perfect move because it's only half an hour away."

So what's Pearce's journey to Latics been like? He added:

"I joined Everton as a five-year-old and at 16-years-old I moved to Leeds United. Moving away from home at that age was tough, but it helped me to learn a lot.

"I made my debut in the Championship for Leeds last year and I scored in my first few games, so it was a really good start.

"I learned a lot playing in the first team, I found different sides to my game and it was very useful."

Pearce joins his former Everton youth team mate Robinson as a left full back option for Paul Cook's team, with the defender adding:

"I'm an attacking full back, I love to get forward and put crosses into the box. Defending is a natural side to my game as well and I creating challenges for myself.

"There's healthy competition here at left back with Jedi. That's another reason for coming here because it improves every player."

An England Under 21 international who has played with familiar names such as Reece James and Dujon Sterling, Pearce continued:

"It's always an honour playing for your country and being able to play a handful of games over the last few years was a dream come true for me."

Tom Pearce | "It's the perfect move for me, especially with the ambition of the coaching team and players."