Football.co.uk continues its club-by-club countdown to the start of the of the new Premier League season with a look at Roberto Martinez's Wigan Athletic.
- Premier League News / Transfer Centre / Premier League Fixtures
Last season - 16th
After losing manager Steve Bruce to Sunderland at the start of June 2009, Chairman Dave Whelan moved swiftly to appoint former Latics player Roberto Martinez as boss.
The ex-Swansea gaffer struggled to adapt to life in the top-flight, the low point of the season coming away at Tottenham when his side were thrashed 9-1.
Wigan's leaky defence and lack of goal-scoring threat almost cost them dear as they narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship, finishing on just 36 points.
In Mauro Boselli (£6m from Estudiantes), Ali Al Habsi (loan from Bolton)
Out Mario Melchiot (free), Tomasz Cywka (free), Tomasz Kupisz (free)
Player to watch Mauro Boselli
Signed from Argentine club Estudiantes for £6m last month, the striker looks certain to be Wigan's biggest attacking threat this season.
After bagging 32 goals in just 57 games over the last two campaigns, Boselli had attracted the interest of a host of top English clubs before signing on at the DW stadium.
Football.co.uk verdict
Last season Martinez tried to get Wigan playing attractive, free-flowing football, but when you only have a handful of players who are capable of it, things don't quite work.
The signing of Boselli could well be an inspired one but they must keep hold of Charles N’Zogbia and change to a more physical, all-action approach if they are to have any chance of staying in the top-flight.
Prediction - 18th
Source: DSG
