Player released by Wigan Athletic enjoying life abroad after scoring on full debut
09/11/2024 06:47 AM
Wigan Athletic cut ties with Tom Pearce at the end of last season and he became a free agent.
Wigan Athletic decided to part ways with the left-back and his contract at The Brick Community Stadium officially expired in late June. He then weighed up his options in the game as he carefully considered his next move.
Pearce, 26, ended up signing a two-year deal in mid-July with CF Montreal in MLS running until 2026. He opted to move abroad for a fresh start and a new challenge in his career.
The defender has since been adapting to life in Canada over the past couple of months and has been getting plenty of game time with his new club. He has made five appearances in all competitions so far, two of which have come in the league, and he has chipped in with a single goal and an assist.
How is ex-Wigan Athletic man getting on?
Pearce made a dream start to life with CF Montreal when he scored against San Luis in his first start in the Leagues Cup.
He has since featured in five of their last six outings and has become an important member of their squad.
The former England youth international has been playing at left wing-back and was handed the number 46.
Leaving Wigan Athletic a few months ago was a move that suited all parties involved. He played 105 games for the Latics but had been there since 2019 and needed a change.
Pearce featured on 24 occasions in the league last term under Shaun Maloney as they ended up finishing in 11th place in the table.
He wasn’t the only player to be released by the North West outfit. Ben Amos, Stephen Humphrys, Josh Magennis and Charlie Wyke also left to free up space and funds.
Pearce played for Everton at academy level before Leeds United snapped him up in 2014.
He went on to make 10 times for the Whites’ senior team as a youngster, as well as having a loan spell away at Scunthorpe United to get some experience under his belt.
New home
Pearce’s new home Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec and it has a population of 1.7 million. French is the language spoken by the majority.
The most popular sport is Ice Hockey and CF Montreal’s stadium holds 19,619, which makes it smaller than Wigan Athletic’s ground.
CF Montreal has never won the MLS Cup but have won the Canadian Championship five times in the past.
Thierry Henry managed there from 2019 to 2021, whilst former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama currently plays alongside Pearce, as well as striker Josef Martinez.
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