Wigan boss on Bolton date and hopes for 'special' atmosphere

Wigan boss Shaun Maloney doesn’t see it as a negative that his side will host Wanderers on a week night.

The initial match at the Toughsheet Community Stadium is set for Saturday, December 14 but the return fixture at the Brick Community Stadium will take place on Tuesday, April 1.

Of course, all fixtures are subject to change due to TV selections, with Sky Sports set to broadcast more live games than ever before.

Maloney hopes the Latics can make the most of the scheduling and create a “special” atmosphere under the lights when the Whites come to town.

"I've only seen the fixtures with everyone else, but I also like these big games being played under the lights," he told Wigan Today.

"We had Manchester United last year under the lights, also Bolton, the biggest games for our supporters.

"And when you have big games here, under the lights, it does make for an atmosphere that's even more special.

“I understand moving it to Tuesday might make it difficult for some supporters, but personally I don't see it as a negative on the fixture list."

Wigan are aiming to build on last season’s 12th-place finish in League One, which would have been higher if not for points deductions.

Maloney also commented on the likelihood of games being postponed due to international call-ups throughout the season, which could see three home fixtures moved to midweek slots.

The Wigan chief insisted: "It's not just us, it affects the other teams as well, and it's just a sign of how strong League One is at the moment.

"The resources of some of the other clubs, the quality of young players coming through into the Under-21 squads, as well as those in the Irish and Scottish national sides - it's inevitable fixtures will have to move.”

He added: "Although we'll lose out in terms of revenue, that won't correlate in terms of the budget for this season or anything like how we'll travel this year. That's already been set.

“So while it's not ideal, there's no solution to be had and there are a lot of clubs in the same boat."