Fleetwood sign Wigan defender Craig Morgan

An experienced centre-half was at the top of new boss Joey Barton’s shopping list after the departure of skipper Nathan Pond for Salford City, and the head coach has got his man on a free transfer.And Morgan, who turned 33 on Saturday, joins Cian Bolger and Ash Eastham as Town’s main central defensive options.Bolger has been linked with other clubs in the national press but sources at Town say they have not received any bids for the 26-year-old Irishman.Young Nathan Sheron is the only other recognised centre-half at Town, meaning Barton may still need to dip into the market for another defender.Morgan, who has won 23 Wales caps, missed the whole of Wigan’s 2017-18 promotion season after undergoing hip surgery 12 months ago.He regained fitness towards the end of the campaign but was unable to force his way past Dan Burn or Chey Dunkley into the meanest back-line in the country.Morgan has a year left on his Wigan contract but it is understood a parting of the ways has been mutually agreed. Having started his career at Wrexham, Morgan has made more than 300 League appearances, with stints at MK Dons, Peterborough, Preston and Rotherham, from whom he joined Latics three years ago.He was immediately handed the captain’s armband by then Wigan boss Gary Caldwell and was a virtual ever-present as they won the League One title i 2015-16.Morgan was then replaced as captain by Stephen Warnock and found himself on the outside looking in for much of the 2016-17 campaign following the arrival of Burn and Jake Buxton.Despite his lack of game-time, Morgan was awarded a new deal in March last year. He leaves Wigan after scoring twice in 58 appearances.