Wigan’s eight year stay in the Premier League comes to a close today after the 4 – 1 defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday confirmed relegation.

But in that time they have also aided the development of a host of players that have made an impact at the other end of the table.

From an Ireland perspective, one hopes that James McCarthy follows that trajectory wherever he ends up. And he has great examples to follow…

Leighton Baines

A left winger before he was released by Liverpool’s academy, Baines was converted into a left-back in Wigan’s youth ranks, making his debut in 2002 when the Latics were still in the fourth tier.

Once Wigan were promoted to the Premier League for the 2005/06 season, Baines contemplated leaving the club because he did not believe that he was good enough for the top flight.

He could not have been more wrong as he showed his excellent dead ball skills and rampaging qualities with regularity, form which saw him sign for Everton in 2007. He wasn't half bad from open play either... 

Antonio Valencia

The Ecuadorian has now won two Premier League titles with Manchester United. But it was the DW Stadium where he made his name after signing from Villareal initially on loan aged 21 in 2006.

One goal and one assist in his first season saw his loan deal extended, before being made permanent in January 2008.

His excellent form on the right wing during the ensuing 18 months earned him a £16 million move to Old Trafford. In all he made 89 first team appearances at Wigan.

Victor Moses

The English-born Nigerian’s transfer to Chelsea was very much a risky move. But regular appearances for the Blues this season are a result of the good grounding he got at Wigan.

Having first made his name at Crystal Palace, the 22-year-old showed admirable patience by passing over moves to bigger Premier clubs, by choosing Wigan.

In four Premier League seasons that provided him with vast experience he scored eight goals in 74 games before leaving last summer.

Mohamed Diame

If you believe the papers, Mohamed Diame spent most of January being courted by Arsenal after strong displays for West Ham.

The powerful midfielder first arrived in the Premier League from Spanish club Rayo Vallencano and quickly set about acquainting himself with the rigours of the Premier League at Wigan.

A virtual ever-present, in just three years the Senegalese international made  over appearances in all competitions for Wigan.