Caldwell: '˜It's business as usual'

There’s been a real party atmosphere around the DW Stadium since promotion back to the Championship was mathematically secured at Blackpool last weekend.

Indeed, it would require a miracle for Latics not to finish as League One champions, such is the superiority of their goal difference over second-placed Burton.

But the Latics chief has called on his men to secure the silverware on their terms - and finish a remarkable campaign on a huge high.

“Promotion was something we’d been edging towards for a while,” Caldwell told the Evening Post.

“We had a good weekend while we enjoyed the celebrations.

“But it’s back to work now - preparing for this Sunday, and then next season.”

Despite allowing his players to deservedly let their hair down for the first part of the week, Caldwell does not feel there will be any let-up in the intensity of their performance on Sunday.

“I don’t think there’ll be a problem,” the Scot insisted.

“It’s a very motivated group of players – they’ve showed that all season.

“When you play in front of your own fans, you’re always motivated, so I think Sunday will take care of itself.”

Latics also have a small score to settle with the Tykes, who knocked Caldwell’s men out of the JPT two hurdles short of Wembley.

“They’ve already won at our stadium in the JPT, but this will be completely different,” Caldwell added.

“And I think they’ll know they’re in for a very difficult game.

“We’re in a confident mood, we’re playing well, and whenever you’re playing in front of your home fans – with an opportunity to go and win the league – you want to win.”