By @LaticsOfficial

Latics forward is the big interview in November's Edition of Latics Monthly 

After returning to Wigan Athletic in the summer, Stephen Humphrys has been loving life back at the DW Stadium. 

Humphrys, who helped Latics lift the Sky Bet League One title in his debut year with the Club, spent last season out on loan with Hearts in Scotland. 

His stay north of the border was a huge success, with the 26-year-old memorably scoring in the Europa Conference League against Fiorentina and from his own half in the victory over Dundee United. 

Following his return to Wigan, Humphrys has started the 2023/24 campaign with a newfound confidence, becoming an integral part of Shaun Maloney’s side. The electric forward has netted nine goals in just 24 appearances, inspiring Latics to vital wins against the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Oxford United and Shrewsbury Town.  

Humphrys, who has already exceeded his total goals tally in the previous two seasons, is showing no signs of slowing down and wants to keep contributing to the team as much as possible… 

Firstly Humps, how did you find your experiences in Scotland last season, and do you feel like the spell has helped you develop both personally and professionally?  

“I really enjoyed my time at Hearts, and it was a great year for me personally. The Hearts supporters - and the club itself -  treated me really well. Edinburgh is a brilliant place, and I created some fantastic memories both on and off the field.  

“The experience of playing European football was unbelievable, and it was great to test myself at that level. I learned a lot during my time with Hearts, and I have definitely taken confidence from that loan spell into the start of this season.” 

How did you find your return to Wigan in the summer? 

“It definitely felt good to be back. I am a local lad from the North West of England, and the Football Club has a really warm, family feel to it. I instantly felt back at home, and a lot of that was down to my teammates and the Gaffer for being so welcoming. There were a lot of new faces, as well as some familiar ones.   

“I enjoyed pre-season, as although it was naturally tough, it was really beneficial for everyone in the squad. We were all able to form a bond quickly, and we’ve been building on that every single day. I’ve been enjoying being back, and long may that continue.” 

At the start of the new season, you’ve become a key player for us, scoring nine goals in all competitions and recently winning the October Christophe Duchamp Player of the Month. How do you reflect on the first few months of the 2023/24 campaign? 

“It’s been an up and down season. We started off well and then had a bit of a dip in form. We had to find our feet again, and we’ve been happy with how we’ve been performing lately. We’ve managed to overcome the eight-point deduction ahead of schedule, and progress in both the Emirates FA Cup and Bristol Street Motors Trophy.  

“From a personal point of view, I set my own target at the start of the season, and I am on track. I want to keep scoring and keep getting assists, and hopefully help the team as much as I can.” 

How much of an influence has the Gaffer had on your early season form? 

“I’ve really enjoyed working with the Gaffer so far. He has been able to create an extremely positive atmosphere and develop a strong mentality at the Football Club. We’re playing an attractive brand of football, and it’s something that suits us as a squad as we have so many talented players all over the field. 

“For myself personally, it’s been great to have been given a chance under this manager with a consistent run of games. He’s trusted me, and in return, I’ve been able to showcase what I can do. He always says to me before games that he believes in me and I’ve got big freedom to express myself, and that’s everything you want to hear as a player. I am really determined to repay the Gaffer - as well as the supporters - for their faith.  

“Of course, I am happy with how I’ve started the season, but I still feel like there is so much more to come from me, and I will be doing everything I can to help this Football Club do well and climb up the League One table.” 

Despite being a newly put-together squad, the Latics players have formed an extremely strong bond both on and off the field. How important will the squad’s togetherness be over the course of the season? 

“Togetherness is everything in football, and we have an incredible group of players who are all pulling in the same direction to help the Football Club succeed. I get on with everyone here, and the dressing room is a pleasure to be part of.  

“We’re a team of friends who just want to see each other do well. When we’re on the field, it doesn’t feel like you’re playing with a colleague which is so important. You’re always going to fight and do everything you can for your friends because you want to make them proud as well as the supporters and staff. 

“It’s a long season and the togetherness of the squad will definitely serve us well, especially in the tougher times where we need to stick together, keep our heads held high and go again.” 

Finally, following your arrival from Rochdale in the summer of 2021, you have gained a special connection with the Latics supporters. How would you describe your relationship with the Latics fans and how determined are you to make them proud? 

“It’s really nice, and I’ve always appreciated how the fans instantly took me in as one of their own from when I signed. I know how much this Football Club means to the supporters, and it gives us players even more motivation to go out on the field and perform for them.  

“They’ve been brilliant so far this season, and have backed us in their numbers at both home and away matches. We know it’s not easy to follow your team all over the country, but it’s really special to represent them, and of course, celebrate goals and create memories with them. As a squad, we want to make the supporters proud, as they are the heartbeat of our Football Club.  

“We are extremely grateful for their support, and hopefully they can continue to get behind me and the boys for the rest of the season.”