Gaffer calls for togetherness as Latics aim to guarantee survival

After Sunday fabulous win over Arsenal Wigan Athletic now have the opportunity of guaranteeing their Barclays Premier League safety this weekend at West Ham.

A win and three points is all Latics need at the Boleyn Ground, and Roberto Martinez has stressed how now more than ever the club must come together in order to get the result they need on Saturday;

"It's clear now that another three points would guarantee us another season in the Premier League which would be a huge achievement," said the gaffer.

"Now more than ever we have to remain focused and prepare in the right way for what will be a very demanding game this weekend.

"We're all aware that the game against West Ham is going to be completely different to the one against Arsenal.

"They'll play with a real high tempo and try to take the initiative early on, so we have to be ready for that and be prepared to carry on with the good work we did last weekend.

"When you look at West Ham's last three home games it's clear they have quality all over the park, and international players with plenty of experience.

"They're going to be a tough team to play at their ground, and we know they have the same needs and ambitions at the moment that we have, so we're fully aware of the task ahead and ready to go."

The club's principle sponsors 188BET have been offering fans free transport to the game with the opening of an online account, and the gaffer is looking forward to the atmosphere they'll create on Saturday afternoon;

He said; "We know we'll have great support following us with the fans coming down to London in great numbers, and we need to make sure we're ready to create a little bit more history for Wigan Athletic.

"It's a huge moment in the season and the fans have always made a real difference to our performances both home and away.

"The fans enjoyed themselves on Sunday, but now we all have to be together again this weekend and look forward to going to West Ham and getting a result."

Amid rumours of players leaving the club in the summer, the gaffer stressed that whilst his squad is full of individuals on their way to reaching their maximum potential, he welcomes the news that Wigan Athletic are creating interest amongst some of the country's biggest clubs;

"The average age and the quality of our squad right now is very exciting. Many times I've spoken to fans who are afraid of the rumours linking our players away from the club, but I think that's a position we should be in.

"We should be proud that the biggest clubs in the country are looking at our players, it shows that we're doing the right things here.

"These players have not yet reached their peak, but they're battling hard to win football games for Wigan Athletic and prove themselves as players.

"That's the way we have to be as a football club, we have to be creative and take on players who are yet to reach their full potential, which allows you to put in the kind of performances we saw against Arsenal."