Former Portsmouth, Rangers and Accrington winger is latest player to leave Wigan

Former Pompey winger Kal Naismith has left Wigan with immediate effect.
Kal Naismith scored twice in Pompey's 6-1 hammering of Cheltenham on the final day of the 2016-17 League Two season.Kal Naismith scored twice in Pompey's 6-1 hammering of Cheltenham on the final day of the 2016-17 League Two season.
Kal Naismith scored twice in Pompey's 6-1 hammering of Cheltenham on the final day of the 2016-17 League Two season.

The Scot has joined a host of ex-Blues in leaving the crisis club, following in the footsteps of fellow 2017 League Two title-winners Paul Cook, Jamal Lowe and Gary Roberts.

The 28-year-old, who won the fourth-tier crown with Pompey at the end of the 2016-2017 season, has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent, despite five months remaining on his current deal.

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It’s believed Naismith has another club lined up, with the former Rangers youngster last week linked with a move to Apoel Nicosia.

Until this week, the Cypriot outfit were managed by Mick McCarthy.

In a statement, the player said: ‘The last six months have been incredibly challenging for everyone at the club and like all of my team-mates, the staff and the supporters, I have felt the effects of everything that has happened.

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‘With that said, when the opportunity to play at a higher level didn’t arise this summer, then I knew I had to focus myself on supporting the team in being competitive this season and I’ve been so proud to see the development of the club’s young players, who are working so hard to make the most of the opportunity they have.

‘Every time I have put on the shirt, I have given my all and tried to help this new team with my experience.

‘We’ve been able to enjoy some good days in this darkness this season, most notably the wins at Portsmouth and Sunderland.’

He added: ‘My time at Wigan has been a rollercoaster to say the least, with many highs and some lows too; I think I have become a better player and a stronger person for the experience.

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‘I would like to thank David Sharpe and Paul Cook for bringing me to the club in 2018, as well as Leam Richardson and all of the staff I have worked with during my time at Wigan Athletic.

‘Now is the right time for me to leave; I have an exciting and fresh opportunity for me and my family and that’s something I have to prioritise for myself, my partner and my children.’

Signed by Pompey from Accrington in 2015, Naismith inspired the Blues to the League Two title when he bagged seven goals in the final nine matches.

He left Fratton Park the following summer to reunite with Cook at the Latics.

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Naismith ended last season as a regular starter as Wigan finished 13th in the Championship – before they were relegated when hit with a 12-point deduction for entering administration.

Cook left the DW Stadium at the start of August and was soon followed by Jamal Lowe, who joined Swansea.

Roberts departed Wigan in November, signing for Welsh Premier League side Bala Town.

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Naismith played 14 times for Wigan this season, scoring three goals.

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