Paul Mullin’s journey through the highs and lows of English football has rarely been straightforward, and the 2025/26 League One campaign is proving to be no exception. Mullin, who made headlines last season for his tenacity and comeback spirit at Wrexham, now finds himself at the heart of Wigan Athletic’s forward line—carrying both the hopes of the Latics faithful and the scars of a turbulent past year.
Last season, Mullin’s story was one of resilience. The 30-year-old striker missed the start of Wrexham’s 2024/25 League One campaign due to persistent injury issues, ceding his place to Jack Marriott and Ollie Palmer. When he finally returned to the pitch, Mullin wasted no time making his mark, scoring a lightning-fast goal just 16 seconds into a clash with Rotherham United. That moment, however, masked the pain and difficulty he continued to endure. According to the Welcome to Wrexham documentary, Mullin struggled for months after his comeback, with lingering pain affecting both his form and confidence. “I was still in pain for months after coming back,” Mullin revealed, a candid admission that resonated with fans who watched his every move.
Now on loan at Wigan Athletic for the 2025/26 campaign, Mullin has been eager to put those injury woes behind him. The switch to Wigan has, in many ways, offered a fresh start—a chance to rediscover the form that made him a fan favorite at the Racecourse Ground. And rediscover it he has: by early October, Mullin had already notched three League One goals for the Latics, providing a much-needed spark to a side that found itself mid-table, sitting 14th heading into the latest round of fixtures.
But the specter of injury returned last weekend, when Mullin was forced off the field during Wigan’s 2-0 defeat to Cardiff City on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The sight of the striker limping off with a sore ankle sent a ripple of concern through the Wigan camp and among supporters, who have come to rely on his work rate and finishing ability. Ryan Trevitt, another key figure for Wigan, also exited early with a thigh problem—compounding the Latics’ selection headaches as they prepared for a crucial trip to Plymouth Argyle.
The mood around the club was tense in the days that followed, with fans anxiously awaiting updates on both players. Mullin himself offered a cautious update earlier in the week, admitting he wasn’t sure how severe the injury might be. Yet, as the days ticked by, hope began to grow. Wigan Athletic manager Ryan Lowe delivered some much-needed good news during his pre-match press conference on Thursday, October 2, 2025. “Mull had an excellent recovery day. He had a sore ankle, but he is a scouser, isn’t he? He’ll want to get through it and play. He will be with us still,” Lowe told reporters, as cited by Wigan Today. The manager’s words, tinged with both admiration and a touch of local humor, underscored Mullin’s reputation for toughness and determination.
While Mullin’s prognosis was positive, the same couldn’t be said for Trevitt. Lowe confirmed that the midfielder would require a specialist examination for his thigh injury. “We’ve got to get some specialist news on Ry,” Lowe explained. “It’s his thigh, so yeah, that’s disappointing because he is an unbelievable player, but we’ll have to wait until we’ve got that diagnosis.” This setback, combined with the absence of Callum Wright (currently out on loan) and Morgan Fox (serving a suspension after a recent sending-off), left Wigan facing a selection dilemma ahead of their meeting with Plymouth Argyle. “It is a difficult situation in terms of those players because they have all been starting for us. It gives someone else an opportunity, doesn’t it?” Lowe remarked, reflecting on the challenges—and potential opportunities—presented by the team’s injury woes.
Despite these obstacles, the mood within the Wigan camp remained defiantly upbeat. According to Lowe, preparations for the Plymouth fixture had been thorough and focused. “The team is done, the lads know the team,” he stated confidently on Thursday. “We’ve worked on it all week. We’ve gone back to basics in some elements of what we’re trying to do and what we’re trying to create, and where we are trying to get to.” The Latics boss emphasized the importance of belief and preparation, especially in the face of adversity. “Of course, you have to respect the opposition, but not fear them. The lads have known early in the week what it is going to look like, and we’ve worked on it all week. We’ll finish off tomorrow (Friday) and then head down full of confidence, albeit on the back of a couple of losses, but you have to be confident going to these places because if you’re not, you’ll get nothing. Listen, we’re big believers that we can go anywhere and compete, definitely, and Saturday will be no different.”
Wigan’s trip to Plymouth Argyle, scheduled for 3pm UK time on Saturday, October 4, 2025, looms as a pivotal moment in their season. The Latics, eager to halt a run of disappointing results, will be hoping that Mullin’s return to fitness can inspire a turnaround. With three goals already to his name this season, the Wrexham loanee has shown glimpses of his best form—his movement, sharpness, and predatory instincts in the box have provided a vital outlet for a side searching for consistency.
For Mullin, the match represents another opportunity to silence the doubters and continue his personal comeback story. His journey from the pain and frustration of last season to the optimism of the present has been marked by setbacks and small victories alike. The striker’s willingness to play through discomfort, as highlighted by Lowe’s comments, encapsulates the spirit that has endeared him to fans across two clubs. And with Wigan’s attacking options stretched thin, his presence on the pitch could make all the difference.
As for the rest of the squad, the absence of key starters like Trevitt, Wright, and Fox has forced Lowe to shuffle his pack. Yet, as the manager noted, such situations can open the door for others to step up and make their mark. The Latics’ preparations have focused on resilience, adaptability, and a collective belief that they can compete with anyone in the division.
With the match against Plymouth Argyle fast approaching, all eyes will be on Wigan’s lineup and, in particular, on Paul Mullin’s fitness. If his recovery holds, expect the striker to play a central role in the Latics’ push for three points. The stage is set for another chapter in Mullin’s eventful career—a story that, for now, remains very much in progress.
