Wigan Athletic rebuild 'is going to be tough' - Leam Richardson

Latics draw a line under the most eventful campaign in their history this weekend when already-relegated Swindon visit the DW on Sunday.

Richardson’s men have already secured their place in the third tier next season against all the odds, with a four-match win streak in April helping them over the line.

And the 41-year-old, who has been rewarded for steering the ship to safety with the full-time manager’s job, has already begun to cast his eyes on the next step of the long road back.

“I think it’s very important we try and carry some continuity across into next year,” said Richardson, who has only five players – Tom Pearce, Luke Robinson, Adam Long, Thelo Aasgaard and Callum Lang – under contract beyond the summer.

“This year we’ve been absolutely stripped bare, and you’ve seen the difference with that. You’ve only got to look at Hull on Saturday, who carried a lot of players from last year, who’d experienced a lot together, and that allowed them to be so consistent.

“You’re always looking for something like that, in a team game, that understanding and consistency, and a platform to rebuild.

“Make no mistake, this rebuild is going to be tough – and I’ve no qualms about saying that.

“This club is still in a place where Wigan Athletic should never be.

“But with more hard work, more commitment, and a real long-term plan in place – with the support of our fans – we will certainly get there.”

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