Wigan Athletic bounced back to the Sky Bet Championship at the first time of asking, after beating Blackpool 4-0 at Bloomfield Road.
The Latics needed just a point to cement their spot in the second tier for next season - but a rampant second-half display ensured they returned in style.After a goalless first half, Chris McCann’s deflected effort on the hour forced its way into the net to give the visitors the lead.
Then, the floodgates opened. Two goals in as many minutes from Yanic Wildschut took the score to 3-0, before Will Grigg’s 25th goal of the season put the icing on the cake in a 4-0 rout.
Wigan all but confirmed their status as Sky Bet League 1 champions with the result. They remain three points clear of Burton Albion heading into the final weekend of the season, and hold a large goal difference advantage over the Brewers.Congratulations @LaticsOfficial! Promoted back to the @SkyBetChamp at the first time of asking! 👏🏻👏🏻⬆️⬆️ pic.twitter.com/1nsOw8E2at
— The Football League (@football_league) April 30, 2016
Reflecting on promotion, manager Gary Caldwell praised the fans for their input, and set his sights on another successful campaign next time around.
“The fans have been a huge part of it,” he said. “They’ve had two very difficult years and as a fan you can become very disillusioned with your football club.
“We’re hopefully on the right track now; it’s only the beginning of another journey back to the very top.
“I hope they stick with us next year, it’s going to be very difficult but the planning will start soon - probably on Tuesday rather than Monday with the celebrations – to be ready next season to really push on again.”