Whelan ready for the run in

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan is ready for the run in of the season and suggests that his club are peaking at just the right time. Now 75 years of age, Whelan has suggested that whilst he would do anything to be out on the pitch with the team, he is delighted with the recent performances. Speaking exclusively to the Wigan Observer about the prospect of player Chelsea, Manchester United, and then Arsenal, Whelan said: "I wish I was going out with them this weekend to do battle with the big boys. "You don't know how much I've wished that over the last few years. There's nothing quite like walking out at the big arenas, like Chelsea, like Arsenal, like Manchester United. "It's one of the finest feelings in the world, it really is. That buzz you get on a Saturday afternnon is absolutely indescribable. "To be able to do that again now, in the Premier League, would be awesome - especially like it is at the moment." "We know we won't be favourites going into the next three games, but we are looking forward to them. For Wigan Athletic to be going down to London to play against Chelsea and Arsenal, and then welcome Manchester United to Wigan, is wonderful. "When I took charge, these are the games I wanted us to be involved in. This is the Premier League - the biggest and best league in the world. If you want to be in there, you have to play the Chelseas, the Manchester Uniteds, and the Arsenals. "We've been to Chelsea and got a result before so we won't be scared of them at all. "We'd never won at Liverpool before last week, but now we have. The ball is beginning to run for us just now, and we have a chance to make some history - which is a big carrot." The Latics remain in the bottom two but over the past four games have managed to pick up eight points and pull themselves to within touching distance of safety. Speaking about the mood within the club, Whelan revealed that there is a real confidence within the camp that the team can survive and he is particularly pleased that team affairs seem to be peaking at just the right time. "We're beginning to play well and it's coming at the perfect time," added Whelan. "The ball hasn't bounced for us this season, we've missed open goals - you name it, we've done it. "But the spirit in the dressing room has never wavered, and that's wonderful to see. When I go down to training and I watch them come in, I can sense the confidence about them. It's sky high. "There is a real feeling amoung the boys of survival. We're in the mood to fight. "The fans will be getting 120 percent off the boys for the rest of the season - and the fans appreciate that. It's not going to be easy, but I wouldn't put anything pass this lot." Whelan was speaking exclusively to the Wigan Oberser on sale across the borough priced at 80p.

Source: FOOTYMAD