Paper Talk: Roberts is ready this time

Latics will hope he produces similar form next season despite his tally of only four goals during two spells at the higher level with West Brom and Portsmouth.

And Roberts, currently recovering from a fractured leg, sees no reason why he won't come up with the goods.

Roberts:"I'm a better player than I was then"

Three years ago, he helped the Baggies to promotion but then managed just three goals in the Premiership.

Then prior to joining Latics, Roberts spent four months on loan at Pompey, but scored only once against Everton.

He said: "I admit it was tough at West Brom but I feel that was a different situation as the club never had the scope to spend and strengthen.

"I've moved on from a couple of seasons ago and I think I'm a better player than I was then, although you still need players around you to help.

"A confident Jason Roberts and a Jason Roberts lacking confidence are two different animals."

Roberts says it will be interesting to see who Latics sign this summer and is already looking forward to working with whoever comes in.

"The chairman has said there is money to spend and that can only help," said the 27-year-old.

"Hopefully that money will be used to invest in new players who will help us ensure we stay in the Premiership.

"We don't want to say we're going to do this or that next season, we're just going to get out there and give it our best.

"If you look at Birmingham, Charlton and Bolton, they were promoted and went on to stamp their mark on the league. If they can do it, then so can we."

Roberts will spend much of the summer on crutches after fracturing his left fibula in the final-day win over Reading.

But he should be ready to start rehabilitation work in the middle of June so shouldn't fall too far behind in pre-season training.

Meanwhile, Paul Jewell's desire to bolster his backroom staff for next season has seen a number of possible candidates linked with the club.

Jewell wants someone to handle contract and transfer negotiations to free him up for time on the training ground.

One interesting name thrown into the mix is former boss John Benson, who held a variety of roles at the club before moving to Birmingham in December 2001.

While Benson was never a popular figure with supporters, he still commands a great deal of respect inside the club.

At the moment, though, the link is nothing more than speculation and he is still contracted to Birmingham.