After ten years of hard work and investment, Wigan's promotion to the Premiership realised a long-held dream for millionaire chairman Dave Whelan. Promoted to the Football League in 1978, and in danger of returning to the non-league scene only a decade ago, their story is a remarkable one. Sportswear mogul Whelan took over the club in 1995 and has spent around £75 million in his quest to lead the Latics into the top flight. Just nine days ago Whelan's dream became a reality, when goals from Lee McCulloch, Jason Roberts and Nathan Ellington gave Wigan a 3-1 victory over Reading at the JJB to secure the second automatic promotion spot behind champions Sunderland. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with 23-goal striker Nathan 'The Duke' Ellington, just before he jetted off for a well-earned summer break.
Q:HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN THE FINAL WHISTLE BLEW AGAINST READING?
A:It was just the best feeling, and I think we deserved it with the football we have played all season. In the back of our minds we were dreading having to go down the play-off route again, so to get that win and clinch promotion was a dream come true.
Q:IN THAT RESPECT, WAS IT A BIT OF RELIEF?
A:Yes, definitely. Having led the league for much of the season, to have missed out on the final day would have been a real kick in the teeth. We lost out on automatic promotion right at the death last year and we were determined not to go through that experience again.
Q:HOW DID YOU CELEBRATE AFTER THE GAME?
A:The whole team went out together with our family and friends. We ended up in the centre of Wigan and celebrated into the early hours of the morning – there were a few sore heads in the morning, but it was a great night!
Q:BEARING IN MIND YOU ARE THE TOP SCORER IN THE DIVISION, HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT BEING LEFT OUT OF THE SIDE BY PAUL JEWELL TOWARDS THE END OF THE SEASON?
A:The manager felt that I wasn't as sharp as I had been earlier in the season and thought a rest would freshen me up – and I think it did. At the end of the day he picks the team and you have to respect his decision, even though every player wants to start every match.
Q:HOW ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING AT STADIUMS LIKE OLD TRAFFORD AND STAMFORD BRIDGE?
A:To be honest it's a bit of a weird feeling thinking about it because I don't think it has really sunk in yet. I suppose when we all come back from holiday, and the fixtures come out, it will all start to hit home. It's going to be a big challenge for everyone here, but it's something I'm really looking forward to.
Q:REACHING THE PREMIERSHIP MUST BE PARTICULARLY PLEASING FOR YOU, CONSIDERING THAT YOU WERE PLAYING NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL ONLY SIX YEARS AGO?
A:It's a dream come true for me – I moved to Bristol Rovers from Walton and Hersham in 1999 and, although it's taken a while, I've finally realised my dream. I suppose I've come a long way in those six years, but I feel ready and I am determined to make an impact at the highest level.
Q:DO YOU EXPECT PAUL JEWELL TO SIGN A NUMBER OF NEW PLAYERS BEFORE THE START OF THE SEASON?
A:We definitely need to strengthen in certain areas because there is a massive gulf in class between the Championship and the Premiership. It has been well documented that the chairman has made some funds available for Paul Jewell and I'm sure he will spend it wisely.
