Former player, Paul Jewell took charge at Wigan in 2001 and the 2002-03 campaign was an incredible adventure for all Latics supporters as their club finished the season off as second division champions, in turn resulting in promotion to the second tier of English football for the first time in the clubs history. The club also enjoyed a fine run in the league cup as they finished the competition off in the forth round, losing against Blackburn Rovers. The Wigan players were in outstanding form through out the campaign including Jason Roberts and Nathan Ellington. Jimmy Bullard arrived at the club mid way through the season and his determination was breath taking.
The 2003-04 season clearly underlined Wigan’s intentions as a football club, they narrowly missed out on a place in the play offs in their first ever season playing football in the second tier of English football. Jason Roberts was prolific in front of goal for the Latics and Alan Mahon was also outstanding in his midfield position.
Wigan and Jason Roberts were outstanding during the 2004-05 season as they earned automatic promotion to the premier league. Wigan finished the season off in second place only behind Sunderland.