Manchester City midfielder Charlie Gray admitted Wigan Athletic's playing style was a big draw after joining on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old, who has been in the City academy since the age of nine, was spotted in the directors' box during Latics' Vertu Trophy victory over Aston Villa Under-21s in midweek.
Charlie Gray is Latics' newest arrival from the Premier Leagueplaceholder image
Charlie Gray is Latics' newest arrival from the Premier League
And the Manchester-born ace can't wait to get going in his new surroundings under Gary Caldwell – a former loans manager in the City football group.
"I'm excited to be on my first loan and come to such a big club like Wigan with such an experienced head coach," said Gray, who made his senior debut for City against Brentford in the Carabao Cup last December.
"The gaffer and I, we're both excited to get going and start working with each other. He came across really well, and what I like to hear from a head coach. He likes to trust young players, which is what you want to hear when coming in, and I think his style of play is really going to suit me.
"The playing style suits how I like to play, so I'm really excited. I think it's really important, at my age now, to get out and get some men's football under your belt.
"It's a completely different game to Under-21s football, and I can't wait to get started."
It’s a swift reunion for Gray and Finley Burns, who joined Latics last week from City on a three-year deal.
"I know Fin quite well, and he's now signed for the club,” said Gray. “We were both in the loans team at Manchester City, but it's good to have a friendly face around and go to someone who's a bit older than you and has already been in the men's game. When you know someone really well with that experience, it helps massively."
Gray has already been getting to know his new Latics team-mates on the training ground this week while the deal was being rubber-stamped.
Boss Caldwell had revealed during his weekly press conference earlier on Thursday that further incomings – in addition to Wednesday’s capture of Chelsea’s Reggie Walsh – were imminent.
"Are we expecting any more in...we might be,” smiled Caldwell, who also expects Fulham youngster Luke Harris to have signed on before Saturday’s home game against Leyton Orient.
“There will be another couple coming in before the weekend, we’re very confident on that. They’ve been with us and training with us, so we’re confident they’ll be getting confirmed before Saturday.
"It’s maybe why we seem in a slightly better way than our supporters at the moment, more comfortable at least! ”But I really feel we’re in a really good place, and I’m sure our supporters will get that excitement very soon...whether it’s tonight, Friday, but definitely by Saturday afternoon.”
A City statement read: “Everyone at City would like to wish Charlie the very best of luck this season. He’ll continue his development under Wigan manager Gary Caldwell in the third tier of English football.”