After considerable investment into the team, Wigan won promotion to the second tier of English football by winning the Second Division with 100 points, 14 clear of runners-up Crewe. It was their highest-ever finish in the Football League.
In the Carling Cup, Wigan reached the quarter-finals with wins over Premiership sides West Bromwich Albion (3–1 at home, second round), Manchester City (1–0 at home, third round) and Fulham (2–1 at home, fourth round) before being knocked out by Blackburn Rovers after a 2–0 home loss.
Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.