Latics go into the game on the back of the 9-1 hammering at Tottenham on Sunday, but will be coming up against the man who saved them from relegation in his first season as boss and took them to within touching distance of Europe in his second.

However, Whelan insists Bruce did not cover himself in glory in the transfer market during his spell at Wigan – which has left present boss Roberto Martinez to pick up the pieces this term.

The Spaniard brought in some classy recruits like Hendry Thomas and Mohamed Diame after taking charge in the summer, but the squad still looks to be in need of reinforcements in January.

And Whelan opined: "Roberto has got a difficult time – he inherited a team that was a little bit weak on reserves when Steve left.

"Steve actually had a few dodgy signings just before he left Wigan, and
Roberto has inherited those dodgy signings, so I can't blame him one iota.

"I am absolutely 100 per cent behind Roberto – he's a great manager and he will pull this team around.

"We have got two home games next – Sunderland and then Birmingham at home we want six points and that's the only thing we want."

Latics will be fired-up for the game after the woeful performance at White Hart Lane, but they will be boosted by an impressive home record this term.

Sunderland visit the DW full of confidence after seeing off Spurs' arch-rivals Arsenal at the weekend, although they will be without injured former Latic Lee Cattermole.

Whelan remains confident Latics are more than capable of coming up with a home win that would do much to lift the doom and gloom that has set in this week.

He is also adamant Martinez will go on to establish himself as a top-flight boss – and vindicate Wigan's decision to lure him from Championship outfit Swansea five months ago.

"Roberto is Wigan's manager and I have complete faith in him and I know the supporters have," Whelan added. "Even if we lose 1-0 or we don't play well, Roberto worries about it. He will get up and over it.

"You have to say Tottenham played superbly well. I mean, they were just lightning and Jermain Defoe was absolutely amazing, and I look forward to seeing him playing like that for England.

"9-1 is a serious, serious defeat and we have got to get our heads up and I am sure Roberto will be working on the lads now to get them going again and get their heads back in the air and get some pride back in Wigan Athletic.

"A win next Saturday will lift everything, lift our supporters, and will lift Roberto.
"So please believe me Wigan are not dead in the water."