- Jon Mellish signs for Wigan Athletic
- The experienced defender, who can also play in midfield, arrives at the Brick Community Stadium following a standout spell with Carlisle United.
- The 27-year-old made 246 appearances for the Cumbrians across all competitions, scoring 32 goals
Wigan Athletic has signed Jon Mellish from Sky Bet League Two side Carlisle United for an undisclosed fee, subject to EFL and FA approval.
Mellish, (27), has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year contract at the Brick Community Stadium, becoming the club’s fourth acquisition in the January transfer window following the arrivals of Josh Robinson, Joe Hungbo and Will Goodwin.
The 27-year-old, who can play in a variety of positions including left centre back, left back and in midfield, started his career with his hometown side Gateshead, making his first team debut in the final game of the 2016/17 National League season.
It didn’t take long for Mellish to establish himself in the National League, and the 2018/19 campaign was certainly one to remember. Mellish made 46 appearances across all competitions, featuring for the England C international team and being named the National League’s Young Player of the Year.
His outstanding form earned him a deserved move to the EFL in May 2019, with Carlisle United winning the race for his signature. He originally arrived at Brunton Park as a left-footed centre-back, but Mellish shined in central midfield.
He scored 16 goals in 49 appearances from his new midfield berth in the 2020/21 season, with his screamer against Newport County being voted by supporters as their Goal of the Season that year.
Mellish continued to be a key player for the Cumbrians, helping Carlisle United eventually win promotion back to League One via the Play-Offs in May 2023.
The 27-year-old played in both defence and midfield during Carlisle’s solitary season back in the third tier, being an ever-present member of the team, scoring five times in 51 appearances. He was named as a finalist for the 2023/24 League One Player of the Year at the North West Football Awards, an accolade which his now Latics teammate Sam Tickle won.
Mellish was rewarded with a new long-term contract at Brunton Park in the summer and has featured 27 times so far in the 2024/25 campaign, including against Latics in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup.
A tenacious footballer who can play a wide range of positions, Mellish has opted to bring his nearly six-year stay and 246 appearances with Carlisle United to an end and start the next chapter of his career at the Brick Community Stadium.
Mellish, who will wear the number two shirt, said: “It feels unbelievable. It has finally happened, and I am delighted to be here.
“I have had really good conversations with the gaffer and Gregor [Rioch] and everything they have said aligns with me and my ambition.
“Growing up, Wigan was always a Premier League club, so I know how big the club is and I am dying to get started and show everyone what I have got.”
Manager Shaun Maloney said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jon to the football club on a three-and-a-half-year contract. Jon is an excellent addition to our team because of his technical skills, competitive nature, and versatility in playing centre back, left back and in midfield.
“He is someone we have been monitoring for a long time, and I am pleased we were able to convince Jon to join us in building what we aspire to achieve.”
Sporting director Gregor Rioch added: “We have been tracking Jon for a long time and I am thrilled we have been able to secure his signature.
“He’s no stranger to playing in League One and, although the majority of his playing career has been as a centre-back, his versatility and experience will be a huge asset to Shaun’s squad.
“I want to thank Carlisle United for allowing Jon to take up a new challenge with us and I wish him all the best during his time here.”