Stephen Humphrys arrived at the DW Stadium in the summer of 2021 after impressing with Rochdale AFC last season. Humphrys began his career at Fulham, and made his debut at the club in December 2016 against Derby County, before joining Shrewsbury Town on loan for the remainder of that season.  After making 14 appearances for the Salop during that season, the forward had two more loan spells in the North to continue his development. First, he joined Rochdale in January 2018, scoring at Wembley Stadium against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup, before moving to Scunthorpe United in the following June. Humphrys then joined Southend United on a permanent transfer ahead of the 2019/20 season, and he became an instant hit with supporters by scoring ten goals in 31 appearances, including a 87th minute winner against Sunderland on the final day of the season to help the Shrimpers survive in Sky Bet League One.  For the following season, Humphrys returned to the Crown Oil Arena on a permanent basis.  Despite a challenging season for Dale, Humphrys caught the eye as part of their forward line, and scored 12 goals in 31 league appearances. After making his debut from the substitutes bench against Sunderland, the forward marked his first Latics start with a goal at Hull City in the first round of the Carabao Cup in August 2021.