Wigan Athletic should be excited by Steve Bruce frustration at Blackpool | OneFootball

Former Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce did not want Ollie Norburn to leave Blackpool

Wigan Athletic are not currently enjoying a particularly memorable League One campaign and sit 17th following Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat to Burton Albion, who were bottom of the league heading into the game.

That poor result leaves the Latics nine points above the relegation zone and 11 points below the play-off places with 21 fixtures still left to play.

Shaun Maloney has overseen a busy January transfer window already with the permanent signings of winger Joe Hungbo, formerly of German outfit FC Nurnberg, as well as defenders Josh Robinson and Jon Mellish from Arsenal and Carlisle United respectively.

The Latics have also dipped into the loan market this month, signing striker Will Goodwin from Oxford United in a deal first reported by Football League World, while more recently, midfielder Ollie Norburn joined the Brick Community Stadium side on loan from fellow North West club Blackpool.

Latics should be excited by Steve Bruce's Ollie Norburn frustration

Before they secured the Grenada international's signature, Wigan were desperate for midfield reinforcements, following long-term injuries suffered by Matt Smith, Baba Adeeko and Tyrese Francois, while young backup option Kai Payne recently joined them on the sidelines.

Norburn's addition, therefore, came as a relief for the Latics faithful, who have now seen the 32-year-old in action for his new club twice, as he came off the bench during a dramatic 2-1 win at Stevenage last Saturday, and made his first start for Maloney's side on Tuesday.

But while the man on loan from Blackpool was not a difference maker during a disappointing defeat to Burton, the Tics should still be buoyed by the comments Tangerines boss Steve Bruce made upon his Wigan-bound exit.

The 64-year-old, who used to manage the Latics, told the Blackpool Gazette he didn't want Norburn to leave the club: "He was one that was frustrated that he wasn’t getting game time, and he wanted to go and play.

"He’s not had the best of 18 months since he’s been here.

"He’s a great pro and a great lad, so I wish him the best of luck.

"It’s frustrating to lose him, but he’s out of contract in the summer, and he looked at the situation and thought he wasn’t first-choice, and I confirmed that to him.

"I didn’t want him to go, but he’s 32 and wants to play, which I understand totally."

Norburn had fallen down the pecking order at Bloomfield Road and made just eight League One appearances for the Tangerines this campaign before joining Latics on loan.

But while Bruce acknowledges the lack of game time the 32-year-old has endured in recent months, his comments also indicate that he is also a positive presence around the club, which is something the Latics should be excited about, especially given the fact that Maloney's squad lacks the sort of seniority the Grenada international brings.

The fact that the Blackpool boss was left frustrated by his exit shows the quality of the player that Wigan are getting.

Ollie Norburn should now get an extended run in the Latics team

Due to the aforementioned injuries suffered by the likes of Adeeko and Francois, it is likely that Norburn will remain in Maloney's starting XI over the course of the coming weeks, and will play alongside Scott Smith.

It may, therefore, become just a matter of time until Latics see the quality player who made 34 League One appearances for the Tangerines last season and plied his trade in both the third tier and the Championship during his time with former club Peterborough United.

Above all, the Latics should be enthused by the experienced Bruce's positive judgement of the player and his frustration at his Bloomfield Road exit.