Perkins aims to follow in the footsteps of the Foxes

Latics bounced back from the disappointment of relegation to League One at the first attempt, picking up the third tier title in the process which sparked memorable scenes in the town last month.

That means an instant return to the Championship, where Latics will find themselves up against some real heavyweights in the shape of Newcastle and Aston Villa, and a couple of former Champions League-winning managers in Rafa Benitez and Roberto di Matteo.

However, rather than moving up a division to make up the numbers, Perkins says Latics will be aiming to become the latest promoted club to attack the Championship with momentum and seek another quickfire promotion.

“We’ll look for inspiration from teams like Bournemouth, Southampton, Leicester, who have just won the Premier League,” Perkins told the Evening Post.

“You never say never in this game, and we’ve got a great young manager and a good young group of talented players here.

“If the manager can bring out the best in them, who knows, fingers crossed.”

No-one did more than Perkins to ensure Wigan’s stay in League One was a short one.

The veteran midfielder swept the board at the Player of the Year awards night, and he intends to pick up where he left off after the summer recess.

“I’ll just keep doing what I’ve been doing, and hopefully things keep going well,” Perkins added.

“I’ve had bad times at Blackpool and places like that, and hopefully I’ve learned from them.

“You just roll with the punches, and do your best.

“Luckily for me this season things have clicked since I joined Wigan.”