WIGAN Athletic owner Dave Whelan has admitted a small squad possibly cost the club promotion.

Paul Jewell's team missed out on a play-off place despite being in the top six for most of the season.

Whelan says lessons have been learned and he plans to recruit at least four more quality players in addition to the capture of ex-Bolton stalwart Per Frandsen.

Whelan told M.E.N. Sport: "We have identified priority areas for strengthening. We admit the squad was too small last season and we were stretched at times.

"In the end it cost us dearly. It was argued that we weren't ready to go up but in this game when an opportunity is there you take it.

"You could ask: Were Crystal Palace ready to go up?

"But for West Ham's late goal against us in the very final game, Palace wouldn't have even been in the play-offs.

"Now they find themselves in the Premiership. It really is a strange game but you can guarantee there will be a full assault on promotion next time from us."

Confident

Whelan has total confidence in manager Paul Jewell. He adds: "I've a great working relationship with Paul - he's totally honest.

"He told me straight away when there was interest in him from Leeds. He also knows what he wants for this club.

"A great deal of good came out of last season, we learned a lot and we will be even better prepared this time round. Like I say, if something is there to be taken you go for it."

Latics are expected to play a pre-season friendly with Bolton Wanderers.

There is also every likelihood of them facing Dutch side PSV Eindhoven - the week before they are scheduled to play Manchester United.

This particular fixture still has to be confirmed but it is an option open to Wigan.

Latics are also close to completing the signing of Torquay striker David Graham who hit 23 goals this term. He will be brought in to increase the competition on Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts.

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