However since sealing First Division football the club seems to have gone into slumber mode with very little activity.
This leaves a squad of just twenty players. This includes reserve goalkeeper Ryan Yeomans who has yet to make his competitive debut for the Latics.
John Filan
Paul Mitchell
Steve McMillan
Matt Jackson
Jason De Vos
Ian Breckin
Andy Liddell
Neil Roberts
Nathan Ellington
Lee McCulloch
Peter Kennedy
Mike Flynn
Tony Dinning
Ged Brannan
Jason Jarrett
Nicky Eaden
Gary Teale
Jimmy Bullard
Leighton Baines
Ryan Yeomans
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Despite this desire it appears that many of the potential targets have been snapped up by other clubs... including Northampton Town ??
Yes you have read that correctly. Martin Smith who was a hero at Huddersfield Town was out of contract at the McApline and seemed destined to join a First Division club. He has joined Northampton Town!!
Smith, 28, was offered a new contract by the terriers but, obviously, it did not meet his demands. The cobblers' contract offer must have been good as many people will see the move as a sideways step in his career. The move to Third Division Northampton Town isn't quite the move he might have made to First Division Wigan Athletic.
Smith, known as 'Smithy' by the Town fans, fired 29 goals in 75 appearances since signing for the terriers back in Februrary 2000. Most of his Town career was plagued with injuries but last season showed that he hasn't lost his touch in front of goal.
Another target was Bristol City's Scott Murray. As strong a First Division player as you are likely to see he would have been a good signing despite his age standing at 29 years.
However as the Wigan Observer reported yesterday evening, it seems he is likely to join Reading in a £650,000 move. Possibly a bit too expensive, so we will give our boys the benefit of the doubt for passing that one up.
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The 'incrediable Hulse' as he is known to Crewe fans bagged a hat-full of goals for them last season and was the main catalyst in the clubs promotion success.
He fits all the critera to sign for the Latics, young, cheap and a striker. However the Latics seem reluctant to move despite Hulse claiming that he does not want to join the Sheepy people.
His manager Dario Gradi has said: "I have spoken with Rob this morning and he has told me that he doesn't want to speak to Cardiff. Personally I think it is best for him to go, and from our point of view we would like to get the money and get cracking with our other plans."