Football Season Guide

Wigan Athletic are back in the Championship after a sensational season last time out. They will look to immediate take the form of last term into this one and there is a reasonable sense of excitement over the DW Stadium. Paul Cook has kept together his squad with only David Perkins departing. He has also invested well. Midfielders Leonardo Da Silva Lopes and Kal Naismith performed well in League One and should make the step up while Chelsea defender Reece James, not to be confused with his namesake who used to play for the Latics, should also offer quality. Easily the most exciting signing for fans is the return of Callum McManaman. The winger was most impressive in his previous spell at the club but has disappointed away from Wigan when he has played elsewhere. They have also been interested in several other players well experienced at Championship level. James Perch, formerly of QPR, and Ross Wallace, previously of Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday, have been training with the club but will not sign. Ex-Sunderland man Darron Gibson could well be snapped up though. Cook is an experienced manager now and capable of getting the best out of his side. Despite optimism, expectations are not exactly high, Wigan will want to prove this is where they belong and make themselves tough to beat against more established teams in the division.