Dave Whelan paid a world record compensation figure of £3 million to secure the services of former Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United manager in December 2007.

The instant transformation of the team was there for all to see with top ten form easing Latics away from danger.

The player who forged his reputation as an inspirational captain of Manchester United for a decade knows all about having the right mentality.

"You need a positive dressing room," he says, "one without fear and filled with self belief."

But he is remaining composed about the potential for this season:  "It was a tremendous achievement by the players last season, and yes, I do want to kick on this year.  But the first priority has to be to secure our top flight status again, five years in the Premier League for Wigan Athletic would be truly astonishing."