SB: Absolutely no problem. I think everyone's played their part this season, and that goes for all you supporters. I hope it's not been too much edge of the seats stuff, but I want to say myself and the players really do appreciate the support we get. We know we're not the biggest club in the world, and that there are clubs out there with more supporters and bigger traditions. But that's what makes this such a great place to be, because it's this generation of players and the supporters who are making history. Every year we stay in the Premier League is another brilliant story.
WIGANER.net: So how long can the fairytale go on?
SB: Well the longer it goes on, it stops being a fairy tale and it becomes reality, and that's what we all want isn't it? We want to be in the Premier League for the next generation, we want to build something lasting, don't we? The players have been just so professional. They have done everything we asked and they have responded to the challenge magnificently.
WIGANER.net: How does this season rate among your achievements?
SB: I really think it's up there. When I came to the club, the confidence was so low. When I drove away from The Reebok Stadium in my second week having just lost 4-1 I thought, 'what the hell have you done, Steve?' So to go from there to be able to secure our Premier League status with a game to go, and with a victory away at UEFA Cup contenders Aston Villa, really is a fantastic achievement by the players.
WIGANER.net: What's been the key?
SB: Well, the old cliché is that if you win your home games you stay up, and if you add in some away victories in there as well, you move up the league. And really, that's come true for us. From the Everton game in January to the Manchester United game, we were undefeated at home, four wins and three draws, and that was a fantastic achievement. If you add to that the points we got at Derby and Aston Villa and the points at Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, that's the same as another win.
WIGANER.net: You talk about those big games, what's been the difference this season? Three points off the Big Four and we pushed United all the way.
SB: Yes, I'm proud of the way they played today. I can't talk about what happened before. All I know is that we go into every game with the belief that we can get something. Yes you need a bit of luck along the way, but a lot of it boils down to ability and great team spirit.
WIGANER.net: And having a great goalkeeper…?
SB: You're right, but it's not just about Chris, because that would suggest the rest of the team haven't played their par. But he has been excellent. He has been fit all season and I think that proves that what he needs in order to show his potential is games.
WIGANER.net: Anybody else you would single out?
SB: I know you'll say I'm bottling it but I think it's really been about the team. Sometimes when you get a set of good players together, you just need to make them all pull in the same direction and get the team spirit. I think everyone knows who's done well and to be honest I would say they've all put in a shift this season.
WIGANER.net: We were very impressed with Maynor Figueroa today.
SB: He did well, didn't he? It was a perfect opportunity for him to show us what he's made of. He's been patient and waited for his chance and I'm pleased for him. Anyway, I thought I'd throw him in for a nice easy debut.
WIGANER.net: I know you're not going to tell us too much but can we expect a busy summer on the transfer market?
SB: Well, the first thing I'll say is that I want to try and keep my best players, and I'll do everything I can to do that.
On the arrivals side, I think everyone will agree that we need some new blood. I don't want to give away too much but we have targeted several areas we want to strengthen, we've got players in mind, and we'll be trying to improve the squad.
You've already heard about the Honduran lad, Hendry Thomas, who comes from the same team as Wilson and Maynor and from what we hear is a real prospect. That is one strong possibility.
Other than that, I really don't want to say too much apart from to say watch this space. What I will say is that there's a really special team spirit here and you need the right sort of characters in there.
WIGANER.net: Have you got a message for the fans?
SB: Like I said before, I speak for all of us at the club when I say we really appreciate your support. You saw here today what a stadium full of blue and white shirts looks and feels like and it would be amazing if we can get that level of support every week.
It shows us that the people are here and do support this club. To everyone who does come week in week out, I say thanks, keep cheering us one, to the others, I say, come and support your team, we need you.
For a town the size of Wigan to be taking on all the big City clubs is absolutely fantastic, the chairman has built something very special and occasions like today shows the potential is there for it to keep getting bigger.
WIGANER.net: Good luck for next season and keep waving back to us when we shout your name!
SB: I will so long as you keep asking!
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