Gavin Massey has signed a new two-year deal at Wigan Athletic, ending speculation over his future. The 26-year-old was linked with Nottingham Forest, Derby County and Queens Park Rangers in April, but Massey was always looking to stay at the DW Stadium regardless of the rumours.
Massey contributed 11 goals in League Two (2016/17) with Leyton Orient and 12 goals in League One (2017/18) with Wigan. Statistically speaking, however, the wide-man wouldn’t have improved a Forest squad chasing promotion to the Premier League.
He contributed six goals in 20 Championship appearances this season but created only 15 chances, made seven successful dribbles (44%) and whipped in only three accurate crosses from 27 attempted.
Martin O’Neill has Joe Lolley, Matty Cash and Ben Osborn who can operate out wide. Massey wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting place based on his performances over the last 12 months. He’s staying at a Wigan side who finished nine places and 14 points worse off than Forest in the Championship, so it isn’t a big loss for the Reds.
Forest could look to sign a winger this summer, but he’ll have to be a more creative option than Massey who isn’t as wasteful in the final third. He hasn’t done badly for a first season in the Championship, but there may be better options out there for O’Neill.
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