CAN Wigan Athletic recover from the heartache of losing out on a play-off place on the very last day of a truly incredible season?

It's a big ask of Latics who surpassed all levels of expectation this term.

There could well be a knock-on effect - more importantly, will manager Paul Jewell stay on?

He continues to be linked with bigger clubs. One would like to think he will stay because he is definitely the man to lick his own wounds and take the club forward.

Mockery

Many labelled Wigan relegation certainties at the start of the season - this was soon made a mockery of.

The football has been good, but, as Jewell says, there is a definite need for more goals, especially from midfield.

Wigan have matched the best for spirit, endeavour and skill, but it's in the final third of the pitch where they've been caught wanting - especially in the second half of the season when too many draws did not help their promotion challenge.

The on-going financial backing of Dave Whelan will guarantee Wigan's potential, but things have to improve out on the field especially with Division One again promising to be a tight, closely contested competition.

Nothing can detract from what has been a superb season, but Wigan could, and should, have secured a play-off spot.

Bear in mind when they trounced Palace 5-0 midway through the season, they were 20-plus points clear of the men from Selhurst Park who would deprive Wigan of sixth spot.

To finish seventh in their first season in Division One is a remarkable achievement, but this could have been an even more profitable campaign for a club that has worked wonders with the smallest squad in the entire division.

Some players have played out of their skin - others were unfortunately unable to go the extra mile - Jewell will have noted this, Wigan will be wiser for it and come July, the tears shed on the ill-fated final day will have dried up.

What's your verdict on the Latics season?

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