Football Season Guide

Wigan return to the Championship after an eventful two-year stay in League One. After somehow surviving relegation in 2020/21 amid financial trouble, their fortunes changed dramatically in 2021/22 when, after a takeover of the club by a Bahrain businessman, they secured the League One title. The Latics are led by Leam Richardson who has done a superb job since initially being appointed caretaker manager in November 2020. The playing squad has so far seen few alterations over the off season. It contains experienced campaigners like James McClean and Josh Magennis while possessing several talented youngsters. One addition is defender Nyambe who made 31 Championship starts for Blackburn in 2021/22. Wigan had League One’s joint best attack last season, scoring 82 goals. Keane top scored with 26, while pacey forward Lang chipped in with 15. The Latics frontline looks to be further boosted this season by the return of Charlie Wyke. The powerful striker suffered a cardiac arrest in November and there were doubts over whether he would play again. However, like Christian Eriksen, he has had a defibrillator fitted and has looked good in pre-season. Overall Wigan have a strong core of players and could be a team to watch this season. One area of concern is squad depth. They had few injuries to speak of last season, so, if they get several this campaign, it remains to be seen how they would cope.