WIGAN Athletic are raring to go on the biggest games in their history today.

Paul Jewell's team must beat West Ham at the JJB Stadium to stand any realistic chance of making the play-offs.

Latics have already been beaten by the Hammers twice this term - thumped 4-0 at Upton Park and beaten 2-1 at home in a cracking FA Cup clash.

Latics now find themselves relying on other results.

Jewell says whatever happens this season Wigan will be stronger next time round.

Nevertheless, Wigan will possibly never have a better chance of making the play-offs.

Yet again, a team coming up from Division Two has again maintained its momentum, though Wigan have stuttered with the winning post in sight.

If they do miss out, many fans will no doubt spend the summer months lamenting the loss of record signing Jason Roberts through suspension for the final two games including today's showdown with the Hammers.

Jewell moved heaven and earth to bring Roberts in as replacement for Geoff Horsfield.

The gaffer was not counting on the charismatic Roberts being a spectator in the stand at this crucial stage of the season.

What Wigan would have given to have Roberts leading the attack. He is a player who has a presence and his pace has been greatly missed.

The theory that his best mate and strike partner Nathan Ellington needs Roberts alongside him to be at his best has also met with a mixed reaction from fans.

On their day, the Roberts/Ellington partnership can be a lethal combination and maybe Wigan would have had more points in the bag by now had the former West Brom man arrived earlier.

Whatever happens, Jewell's men have surpassed all levels of expectation this term - they have played a great brand of football and have won many new admirers.

Jewell has also enhanced his reputation as being one of the game's best young managers.

He has more than proved himself - showing excellent man management skills, proving tactically aware and bringing out the best in those around him.

He is definitely the man with the ability to take Wigan on to the next stage.

His disappointment at losing to Nottingham Forest last week was there for all to see.

However, the pluses far outweigh the negatives for Wigan this season.

Jewell has given young Leighton Baines his big chance and has a star in the making in the young Liverpudlian left back.

Wigan have a certain future Premiership star in Baines, a player determined for bigger and better things.

Former Bury star Jason Jarrett has also matured and clearly benefitted from Jewell's guidance. Jarrett has an incredible edge and can take heart from an excellent season.

The midfield artistry of Jimmy Bullard has again shone through.

For proof of Wigan's determination, one only needs to listen to Jewell.

He said: "I don't want us to be known as little Wigan - I want my team up there fighting with the big boys." Tweet