Chelsea loanee Reece James named Wigan Athletic captain for final match of season

How often do you see a teenager make such a huge impact at his club that he gets to wear the captain’s armband? We’re willing to bet not very often.

Now, how often do you see a teenage loan player make such a huge impact at his club that he gets to wear the captain’s armband, even if just for one match? We’re willing to bet not very often ... if hardly ever.

But Reece James is no common loanee. And on Sunday, the 19-year-old will lead out Wigan Athletic in their final match of the Championship regular season.

Reece has been undoubtedly the Latics’ best player all season, making a huge impact not only on the pitch but off it as well. He’s been heavily involved in community activities, too, and even picked up an award for those efforts. And with club captain Samy Morsy missing out due to a risk of suspension for the start of next season, James will have the honor on the final matchday, against Millwall at the DW Stadium.

“Reece has been an outstanding professional during his time at our club and someone who completely deserves the praise he gets. With that said, Reece will captain the team on Sunday and it’s likely that we’ll bring him off during the latter stages of the game so that our supporters can give him the ovation he deserves.

”Around that, we’ll pick the strongest team possible as we want to finish the season with as many points as possible. It’s a tough one for Samy, he’s an exemplary captain for our club, but we don’t want to risk him being suspended for that start of next season.”

- Paul Cook; source: Wigan Athletic FC

This truly is an extraordinary achievement for a player on loan and speaks volumes about Reece James as a player and person. Imagine NOT giving him a chance to break into the first-team at Chelsea!?

“I couldn’t thank everyone here enough and the opportunity that they have given me throughout this season, I’m glad it has gone very well.

“It’s always been my dream to break into the first team at Chelsea and hopefully I can get the chance to achieve that in the future.

“I will remember my time here fondly, to be able to say that you went on-loan and to have gone as well as it has is something that I won’t forget moving forward.”

-Reece James; source: Wigan Athletic FC

Fingers crossed.