David driven by Perk of the job!

The Latics players lost only two matches since mid-December to outlast the likes of Burton and Walsall in the standings.

After they’d secured promotion at Blackpool on April 30, chairman David Sharpe admitted he’d be footing the bill to send the players to ‘Sin City’ as reward for their efforts. And Perkins says he’s had his passport ready and waiting by the front door since he first heard of the incentive.

“Our minds have been on Vegas since about Christmas to be honest – that’s probably what’s got us promoted,” he laughed. “As soon as we heard Vegas was on the table, that gave us that extra push!”

Not that the 33-year-old – who swept the board at the Player of the Year night – will be sampling much of the local customs.

“There won’t be any gambling for me in Vegas - I won’t be able to see the cards,” he revealed.

“I’ll be too drunk for that - getting as drunk as possible.

“I won’t even be enjoying the sunshine - I’m a factor 50 kind of guy!

“I’ll just need beer and an umbrella, and we’ll go from there.”

Perkins and his team-mates will return from the United States looking to make an impression on the Championship next season.

And the much-travelled midfielder can’t wait to pick up where he left off last weekend.

“We’ll really look forward to next season in the Championship,” he added.

“There’s going to be some big, big teams in there, and I can’t wait for next season already.”