Midfielder pleased to score first Latics goal in win over Accrington Stanley.

Dan Gardner | “I’m happy to be playing at such a great club”
Gardner’s first goal for Latics after summer transfer to the DW is deserved reward after two difficult years with injuries
Richardson: “It’s a great moment for me to be fair after such a bad injury. I’m just feeling like I’m getting back to my usual self at the minute.”

Wigan Athletic midfielder Dan Gardner was delighted to get off the mark for the club in Latics’ 4-3 win over Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

Gardner gave Latics a 2-0 lead with a thunderous volley in the first-half at the DW Stadium and he said the moment was special for him after a couple of difficult seasons, due to injury.

“It’s a great moment for me after such a bad injury,” Gardner said. “I’m just feeling like I’m getting back to my usual self at the minute. It was good to score my first goal for Wigan but the main thing was to get the three points. It was a bit of hard slog but we got there in the end.

“These Saturday/Tuesday games are taking a bit of a toll on my body but I’m happy to do it, anything for the team and as long as we get the three points or a positive performance and result then I’m happy to do that.

“It’s been a horrible two years so to come and have a chance and play for Wigan, I am just happy to be back playing and playing at such a great club and giving it my all.”

And Gardner spoke of a real unity amongst Latics’ players as they come together to give their all for the club in challenging times.

“There is a good feeling amongst the young lads and senior lads,” Gardner explained. “There is a lot of young lads so with the senior lads like myself, Kal Naismith, Lee Evans and Jamie Jones, we’re just trying to help the young lads and Leam has instilled into us to work hard as we can’t affect what’s going with the club so the main thing is to work hard and to try and get positive results.

“It’s so good to see some of the young lads play like Chris Merrie who works his socks off and Kyle [Joseph] is another one with a great attitude. You don’t see much of that in the game and with their attitudes they will have great careers in the game. If they keep doing what they’re doing then they will be alright.”

Dan Gardner | “I’m happy to be playing at such a great club”