Wigan chief executive Brenda Spencer paid tribute to the persistence of manager Paul Jewell after the Latics finally secured the signature of Jason Roberts from Division One rivals West Brom.

The 25-year-old striker cost a club record £1.4million, but that could rise to £2million depending on appearances during his three-and-a-half year contract at the JJB Stadium.

Spencer said: "We've worked very hard to get this deal done and everyone is now delighted that it has gone through.

"Paul Jewell picked out Jason as a player that he wanted some time ago and he's relieved that the deal is done now.

"It is a big signing for the club and demonstrates the belief that the chairman has in Paul as he has backed his judgement financially once again.

"Paul has been very patient as he has waited for the right player and it's great that we have now been able to complete the deal."

Roberts almost signed for the Latics at the start of the season but had a last-minute change of heart and signed on loan for Premiership side Portsmouth instead.

But with that episode now firmly behind both club and player, Roberts is set to renew his strike partnership with Nathan Ellington, who at £1.2million was Wigan's previous record signing.

The two became good friends when they were together at Bristol Rovers and now have the chance to spearhead the Latics' push for promotion from Division One.

Spencer added on the club's official website, www.wiganlatics.co.uk: "Jason's signing is a big boost for everyone at the club and it is something that we have waited a long time for, and we're delighted he's chosen to come here."

West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace insisted the club had little choice but to offload the player, who was unwilling to return to The Hawthorns.

"Jason's representative made it absolutely clear to me Jason had no desire whatsoever to return to this club at any time," said Peace.

"Jason's problems here in the past have been well documented but I was told this didn't affect the situation and Jason just didn't want to come back to Albion.

"Therefore it was down to the club to get the best possible price for Jason and we think the deal with Wigan is a very good one in what is a depressed transfer market."

Jewell added: "I'm very pleased to have finally secured Jason's signature, because it's been well documented that he's a player we've wanted for a long time.

"I feel he's an excellent signing for us and I'm very excited about the talents he brings to the club.

"Getting this deal done now is a lot down to Jason's desire to come here. He deserves great credit for that, and it is refreshing to see."

The Latics boss revealed Roberts has put football before finance in his move to the north-west.

"He's taken quite a pay cut from Premiership wages to come to the JJB Stadium - and to be honest, it's because of the fact that he made it clear he wanted this move that the deal has come about.

"He helped West Brom to promotion two seasons ago and he comes here looking to do the same with us.

"I think he's had a frustrating couple of years and has decided that he's had enough and that all he wants to do now is get back to playing football and showing what he can do."

Despite breaking the Latics' transfer fee, Jewell is hopeful that more players will follow Roberts to the JJB.

He added: "If he re-produces the form I know he is capable of then he will be a real threat and will help add even more competition for the attacking places in our side.

"That's what it's all about - because we need new additions, and I hope Jason will be the first of a couple more players we can bring in."