New manager Paul Cook. Photograph courtesy of Wigan Athletic

When Saturday Comes magazine recently asked for my views on Latics’ prospects for their pre-season preview so I thought I’d also record my responses here.

1. Realistically, how will you do?

I’m optimistic with Paul Cook in charge and if we can retain the majority of our current squad that we can challenge for a swift return to the Championship. Wigan must get back to the attacking football that was so successful under Gary Caldwell in League One and if they do that then they will have a good chance to bounce back quickly.

2. Which teams did you like and dislike most last season?

Liked Brighton and Huddersfield for their style of football and decent fans and continue to dislike Millwall for their horrible fans.

3. What was the best moment of last season?

In a season of few highlights it was Nick Powell’s 11-minute hat-trick to stun Barnsley that took the eye. The talented Powell had been injured for most of the season but he came on against the Tykes when they were 2-0 down with only 20 minutes remaining and gave Latics an unlikely 3-2 win.

4. What was the worst moment of last season?

A self-inflicted relegation from the Championship was the responsibility of the board that unnecessarily sacked Caldwell and appointed the hapless Warren Joyce in his place.

5. What one thing would most improve your matchday experience?

A decent real ale in the bars at the DW Stadium would get the thumbs up from many fans.

6. We’d like your prediction for next season’s League table.

1. Blackburn

2. Wigan

3. Fleetwood

4. Scunthorpe

5. Bradford

6. Portsmouth

7. Rochdale

8. Southend

9. Bristol R

10. Bury

11. Oxford Utd

12. Blackpool

13. MK Dons

14. Charlton

15. Peterborough

16. Plymouth

17. Wimbledon

18. Oldham

19. Doncaster

20. Rotherham

21. Gillingham

22. Northampton

23. Walsall

24. Shrewsbury

The full WSC pre-season guide for 2017/18 is now available at your local newsagents.