Liddell speaks out

He said: "We've stepped up a level and we all know that we need to strengthen our squad. We haven't got enough players right now but the manager has told us he's actively seeking to bring people in. That's fine by us but it means that we'll all have to fight even harder for our places.

"Last year there was good competition between myself, 'Duke' and 'Robbo' and the chances are that we'll have someone new to fight against this time round. It'll make getting into the team even harder and it's up to us all to work hard in training to get in the team and then to come up with goals in the matches to keep ourselves there.

"I'm fit and raring to go and am hoping for a little more luck injury wise this year. I've aimed for 20 goals in each of the last two seasons and feel I'd have probably got there last year if I hadn't missed so many games. First of all I have to get myself in the starting eleven and it's then a case of doing enough to keep hold of the shirt.

"No-one likes to watch from the sidelines and I'm no different. Therefore it's up to me to make it impossible for the manager to leave me out by performing on the pitch and by playing an important part in a successful Wigan Athletic team."

Liddell who is out of contract next year also spoke about his worry over the number of players out of work in football at the moment.

"There are a lot of players out of work at the moment desperately waiting for a phone call - including mates of mine - and it's up to us all not to find ourselves in their position.

"This will be the last year of my current contract here at Wigan and I want another one so it's up to me to prove I'm worth it. If I can play a big part in another good season for Wigan Athletic then there's a chance that will happen and that is certainly my aim. I want to get in the team and to continue to score goals as my record over the last two seasons has been pretty good.

"If I continue to produce I'll hopefully earn myself a future here but if that's not possible a good season would certainly make me more attractive to other clubs if the worst comes to the worst. All our focuses are on the season ahead here though, as it's a very exciting time and it's what this place is geared up for.

He told the official site about his aspirations for the upcoming season and how he expects it to be a big step up in standard.

"Last season has made us all hungry for more success and so we're going to give it a really good go this year. Let's face it, the Chairman isn't the sort of man who'll settle for just making up the numbers and the manager and players think along exactly the same lines."

"We'll give it a go that's for sure but there's a big step up and people have to realise that it'll be a lot more difficult for us this season. You only have to look at the fixture list to realise the difference and we are now playing the sort of clubs that we all came to this club to compete against.

"However, we have to be realistic enough to realise that if the likes of West Ham, Sunderland and West Brom keep hold of most of their players then they're going to better than most sides in this Division.

"That's not to say we can't compete against them but we have to keep expectations in check and not get carried away with what we might achieve. No one wants success more than we all do here but we know that we're going to have to work even harder for it. With the manager looking to make the right additions we'll certainly be difficult to play against and to be honest every single one of us can't wait to get started."

(Source: wiganathletic.tv)