Defender spotted at Newcastle United training ground & St James' Park reacts to completing free transfer

Dummett was released by Newcastle in the summer - 24 years after joining the academy as an eight-year-old - and remained without a club until he signed a short-term contract with Wigan on Friday.

Less than 24 hours later, Dummett made his debut after coming on a 83rd minute substitute in the Latics’ 1-0 defeat to League One leaders Wycombe Wanderers.

"It was nice to pull on the shirt but unfortunately we didn't get the result,” said Dummett after what was his first competitive appearance since May.

"The second half there were no faults up until the six yard box, we just couldn't finish our chances. The first half we showed a lack of intent, but the second half was much better."

Dummett was understood to have held talks with Portsmouth and Sheffield United while Wolverhampton Wanderers were at one stage credited with an interest but nothing materialised.

The switch to Wigan came about via the help of Newcastle first-team coach Graeme Jones, who played for the Latics between 1996 and 1999. He re-joined the club 10 years later as an assistant to Roberto Martinez.

Watch Geordie Journos on ShotsTV! Are Newcastle United ‘back’ after three straight wins?

“When I got the call it was a no brainer for me to want to come down here and play,” Dummett added. "It’s a big club with a lot of history and it’s been in the Premier League before.

"It’s been a weird summer for me being at Newcastle for so many years and it’s been strange being without a club.

"When I came down I did have some other offers, but I knew it was the decision I wanted to make and I wanted to sign for Wigan.

"I did speak to him (Graeme Jones) before I came here. I believe people from Wigan spoke to Graeme Jones about me prior to me coming here so he must’ve said some wonderful things for me to be stood here now!"

The 33-year-old was given access to Newcastle’s Benton training ground to work on his fitness while he searched for a new club.

He also regularly attended the Magpies’ matches at St James’ Park and was even spotted in the away end at Everton last month alongside current Newcastle goalkeeper Mark Gillespie.