STEPHEN Gage opened doors for Dave Whelan to take charge at Wigan Athletic.

It was Gage who took Wigan forward but allowed Whelan to come in and press ahead with ambitious plans for Wigan to eventually become a Premiership club.

Gage still harbours a special affinity for Latics and has been cheering them on towards promotion.

Wigan's final home game next week is against West Ham - a crunch clash Gage wouldn't miss for the world.

He was a welcome visitor at the JJB Stadium earlier this season when the teams met in the FA Cup.

He said: "Wigan are good enough to make the play-offs. I've a sneaking feeling they could play Ipswich in the final.

"When I first saw Wigan's results I wondered could they be a flash in the pan but this is not the case.

"They greatly impressed me against West Ham and from what I've seen since they are good enough to be at a higher level."

Wigan have a score to settle with West Ham. They've already lost twice to them this season and one man particularly keen to do well is Jimmy Bullard, who started his career at Upton Park.

Gage is a big fan of the little midfield dynamo.

He says: "Bullard stood out in the Cup game. He's a very talented and busy midfield player.

"He was in everything and you could see he has the ability to play at a higher level himself.

"I'm made up to see Wigan in this position - it's a real joy and at this level it is so important to have a backer with Dave's wealth and ambition.

"It was always his dream to take the club on, and I am thrilled and delighted with Wigan's progress.

"It's been incredible but they deserve any success coming their way.

"I greatly enjoyed my own time at Wigan and it gives me so much pleasure to see the club challenging for a place in the Premiership.

"Dave has done a truly wonderful job - it's a credit to him and I've fingers crossed the team makes it.

"I know how much it would mean to a lot of people in Wigan." Tweet