The mighty Latics are on the way back up in emphatic fashion and a big offseason awaits the Blue and White army as a return to the Championship looms.
This past weekend, Wigan were defeated 4-1 by playoff chasing Barnsley to close out a superb season, in a game that relatively meant nothing to them. Moments after the final whistle, the celebrations continued where they left off after the scenes in Blackpool the week before, where their promotion was confirmed. This time was of a greater magnitude though, receiving another piece of silverware to go with an expected return to the Championship. The work behind the scenes from Gary Caldwell to bring together a side from the ruins to utmost success must be applauded, from a manger who is actually younger than some of his players and in his first full season at the realm.
The question is, can Wigan survive in the Championship next season? Could they even do the impossible and see a ‘double promotion’? Outside90’s Nick Durbano takes a look at the key factors that will lead to continued success at the DW Stadium
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Squad unity
For the first time since the days of Roberto Martinez, the Latics are playing with a sense of swagger, a great vibe around the club comes with it and the celebrations of promotion proved it. This team have barely been together for a calendar year, yet they are looking like a bunch who have bonded for the past four or five. This is due to the constant positive reinforcement that was bestowed upon Caldwell by Martinez during his playing days, which has now been reflected in his own coaching style. The Scotsman has recruited a good mix of experience and youth with a bunch of strong leaders. Players such as Jussi Jääskeläinen, Craig Morgan, Jason Pearce, Stephen Warnock and David Perkins have been key to guiding some of their younger stars. The promising futures of cult figures Max Power, Will Grigg, Yanic Wildschut and Michael Jacobs has helped to steady the ship and provides a blossoming outlook to the future.
Caldwell did a good job in clearing the side of players who he did not want to be part of Wigan’s future. The prime example was Welsh midfielder Emyr Huws, who is easily one of the most talented players on the pay-roll. Caldwell made the audacious decision to loan him to Huddersfield due to his lack of commitment to play for a League One side this season, proving his trust he had in his new signings. It will be interesting to see if Huws returns next season, with many voicing their displeasure if the manager was to bring him back.
Dealing with Championship sides
Can Wigan stick it to the best in the Championship next season? Yes, yes they can.
Playing alongside the likes of Aston Villa, plus potentially Newcastle and Norwich will provide stern tasks, with the added quality in the form of the three sides who miss out on promotion via playoffs this season and the other established outfits. This Wigan setup proved to be a step ahead of the rest of the League One this year, simply too good after a slow start which culminated in a 20 game unbeaten run and ultimately set up their title win.
The players in this squad have the capability to stick it to the best at the next level up, and if the past few seasons are anything to go by, the promoted are always dangerous. Wolves contested on their return two seasons ago and just missed out on playoffs while Brentford actually took sixth place. With Wigan’s reputation and status, they will be feared in 2016-17.
Remember this side was only playing in the Premier League three years ago. They have a much bigger fear factor compared to the likes of Rotherham, Huddersfield or Preston North End among many others, which gives them the edge.
SKY BET LEAGUE ONE CHAMPIONS! #WAFC pic.twitter.com/SxuZb0NXp9
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) May 8, 2016
Increase in quality
The missing ingredient is added Championship quality to take this side to another level.
The key area will be to firstly re-sign key individuals such as Chris McCann, Jordan Flores and Reece Wabara, whose contracts all come to a close. Before moving on to make Stephen Warnock, Conor McAleny and Haris Vuckic’s deals all permanent from their subsequent clubs, all of which is more than possible. The big elephant in the room is who could Wigan sign in terms of experienced free-agents or League One bolters. A few names come to mind, which include Nicky Ajose and Bradley Dack, who were two of the best players in the league last season. Ajose, who scored 24 goals, one less than Grigg, could be seen as a viable backup for the North Irishman next season, or even a potential partner for him. Dack would add even more quality to an already strong Wigan attack, however, if the rumoured swoop for former club legend Charles N’Zogbia comes to fruition, there would only be room for the one.
The signings of Ajose and Dack would be most beneficial for the future, however, N’Zogbia’s wow factor is something the fans would love to witness once again. The question is whether Caldwell would take in a former team-mate of his to his already strong list. He had the chance to resign Jordi Gomez and he refused, that tells us his direction in terms of transfers.
Finally, defensive reinforcements may be needed to bolster their centre-halves depth as Morgan and Pearce have been solid, along with Donveron Daniels. Depth will be needed in the Championship, so a young defender may be looked at for the upcoming season.
Conclusion
It was an exciting season. One of many ups and little downs. A new exciting era under Caldwell and the guise of young president David Sharpe has reinvigorated the might of Lancashire. The chance to build on this foundation is beckoning, the players are behind the manager and the fans are singing long into the night as we speak. As a familiar chant ringing through the streets of Wigan; “Will Grigg is on fire, your defence is terrified”. They sure will be next season.
Believe.
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