Wigan sign Bramble

Wigan have completed the signing of former Newcastle defender Titus Bramble on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old becomes manager Chris Hutchings' first signing since succeeding Paul Jewell at the JJB Stadium and joins on a three-year contract.

Bramble joined Newcastle from Ipswich in 2002, making 105 appearances for the Magpies, but was told his contract would not be renewed upon Sam Allardyce's arrival at St James' Park.

Hutchings told www.wiganlatics.co.uk: "This is an excellent signing for us. He will add experience to the back four and now we must keep up the chase for further targets. Other clubs were very interested and it speaks volumes for us as a club that he has chosen to come here."

Bramble, who was linked with a number of other Barclays Premiership clubs upon his release, will join up with his new team-mates for pre-season training at the end of the month.

The defender was regarded as one of the country's brightest prospects during his time with Ipswich before sealing a £5million move to Tyneside and earned 12 England Under-21 caps between 2000 and 2002.