Wigan Athletic forward Maleace Asamoah Junior has made a late loan move to the Republic of Ireland after being sent off in his final game for the League One club.
Despite the bulk of new signings across Europe being brought in last month before close on deadline day, the League of Ireland’s transfer window shut on 22 February, meaning Men’s Division clubs could still complete more business.
With that in mind, after being monitored by Shamrock Rovers over the last few months, Asamoah Jr has now joined the Irish champions on loan until the end of the season.
Announcing the eleventh-hour departure on social media, Wigan fans have been left divided over the last-minute deal, complimenting Asamoah’s pace and increasingly regular minutes, while others think it’s a good move for both.
🗞️ Maleace Asamoah Jr has joined Shamrock Rovers on loan until the end of the League of Ireland Premier Division season. #wafc 🔵⚪️
While some have joked that it’s a ‘harsh’ response following his red card in the defeat against Stockport County over the weekend, the interest was obviously pre-existing.
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For context, Asamoah Jr was dismissed for a poorly-timed and full-blooded challenge, which ultimately saw Gary Caldwell’s side reduced to nine men, with the Hatters going on to win 4-2.
The 23-year-old was set to serve a three-match EFL ban, and although some supporters questioned whether this would mean avoiding the punishment, the suspension is still said to carry over to Ireland’s top flight.
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The Oxford-born winger joined the Latics back in 2024, but previously played in the Emerald Isle for Waterford FC, where he enjoyed his most productive attacking stint, scoring six times in 17 appearances.
Having now been confirmed as the Shamrock’s latest signing, the son of fellow former professional and Ghanaian international Derek Asamoah, is among a number of new recruits for the Rovers.
Speaking on the signing, head coach Stephen Bradley wrote in a club statement: “The signing has taken some time; there was a lot of back-and-forth with it. Maleace has been a target of ours for some time.
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“Some weeks back, it looked like it was on, then it was off, but we’re delighted we got it done yesterday. We were working right up to the deadline to make sure the loan went through, so I am delighted that we got it done.”
Having played nearly half a century of games for the Greater Manchester team, his parent club will no doubt hope that he returns having developed even further; in addition to his impressive pace, many feel he has lots of raw attributes that can be tapped into.
And in case you missed the game in question, you can watch the highlights from Stockport County vs Wigan Athletic down below.
Featured Images — Latics TV (screenshot via YouTube)
Stockport
Entire Blossoms band rock up to independent takeaway for ‘best sandwiches in Manchester’
Daisy Jackson
Blossoms have hailed a Manchester takeaway as having the ‘best sandwiches’ in town.
The Stockport band popped in – all five of them – to Ad Maiora in the Northern Quarter, to sample one of their authentic Italian sandwiches.
Ad Maiora shared a picture of the five-piece outside their Tib Street sandwich shop, saying it was a ‘special’ moment to have the band visit.
The humble sandwich business started life in the apartment of Sardinian couple Daniela Steri and Enrico Pinna, who quit their jobs to dedicate their lives to sandwiches.
It then expanded to open its first proper site in February last year, where they create beautiful butties with freshly-baked schiacciata – a Tuscan flatbread – and top-quality Italian ingredients.
It’s not just Blossoms who have fallen for Ad Maiora’s incredible food.
The sandwich business is also a firm favourite with several Manchester City stars, including Erling Haaland, who even has a sandwich on the menu named after him.
Blossoms hailed Ad Maiora as having the ‘best sandwiches in Manchester’. Credit: The Manc Group
They’ve had several visits from Pep Guardiola, too, while he was manager of Man City.
Sharing the picture of Blossoms, Ad Maiora wrote: “A special visit from Stockport’s finest.
“It was an absolute pleasure welcoming @blossomsband to Ad Maiora for some proper Italian schiacciata!”
Blossoms commented to say: “I migliori panini di Manchester!! Grazie mille ragazzi” – which translates as: “Best sandwiches in Manchester!! Thank you so much guys.”
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Danny Jones -
24th February 2026 
