Adam Forshaw remains indebted to Brentford for launching his career – but will be out to get one over on his old club at the weekend.
The Wigan midfielder could face his former team-mates for the first time when the Bees travel to the DW Stadium on Saturday.
But Forshaw, who scored 11 goals in 100 games in red and white, insists he has no regrets heading back north and is focused on kick-starting Wigan’s campaign.
He said: “I only have fond memories of my time at Brentford. They gave me the opportunity to play games in a competitive environment and the chance to progress.
“It was a perfect fit for me and I’m grateful for that. It will be strange coming up against them as I’m still close to a few of the lads.
“That happens in football and you’ve just got to get on with it. You have to put that to one side when the whistle blows.
“I wish the club well, just not on Saturday! I have a job to do for Wigan.”
Forshaw left Brentford under a cloud on the final day of the transfer window after protracted negotiations that saw him frozen out of the first-team picture in west London.
However, the former Everton youngster admits the chance to join the Latics was too good to turn down.
He added: “It ended on a bit of a sour note. I didn’t want to be disrespectful to Brentford – I understand it was a tough situation for the manager and staff.
“There were a lot of factors behind the move. I had the chance to be nearer to my family and a step up career-wise.
“Only time will tell if it was the right decision, but I’m really happy as everything has fallen into place.
“We haven’t had a great start to the season but with the squad we’ve got we won’t be down there for long.”
