"When we've got a DVD in our pocket of us taking on Man United in a full house its certainly going to help attract players here." Bruce stated, showing the aspiration and positive attitude which hopefully will help Wigan flourish under his management.

Bruce has apparently been busy sorting out transfers immediately after the end of the season, with African flop duo Julius Aghahowa and Saloman Olembe joining Turkish club Kayserispor and aging Ozzie midfielder Josip Skoko being released.

Replacements, including hopefully an answer to our goal scoring problem, have also been lined up with the loan of Egyptian striker Amr Zaki rumoured to be announced as Bruce's first summer signing following his impressive winner in an Egyptian Cup final that is almost certain to be his last contribution to the club.

Hamburg's Peruvian striker Jose Paolo Guerrero has also been rumoured to have had talks with Assistant manager Eric Black. The pair have both got great goal scoring records in their respective leagues with Amr Zaky having a 1 in 2 goal to match ratio and Guerrero finishing this season with 14 goals.

Although there is no concrete evidence of Wigan attracting bigger names the rumour mill has been churning out reports linking better players to the club than in the past.

It is hoped this week that Wigan beat Portuguese giants Benfica to the signing of Lens midfielder Hassan Yebda. Early reports have suggested that Yebda was more likely to sign for the Latics after his dream move to Benfica was held up whilst they wait for a new manager. Unfortunately over a week has passed since then and news of Yebda's choice has died down.

Wigan have also been linked with two international defenders; Ghanaian and Rennes centre half John Mensah who is likely to be available for a price of £7m and 19 year old Greek prospect Sokratis Papastathopoulos. The latter certainly filling the criteria for 'big name signings'.

Such moves have confused a number of Latics supporters as such high profile players could possibly force 'Outstanding Contributor' Emmerson Boyce out of the starting line up. After Wigan's defensive record since Boyce has come into the starting team I feel it would be a harsh and unnecessary act to replace him.

Despite this, such rumours show the progression and aspirations of the club in the short time since Steve Bruce's arrival.

Hopefully some of these rumours will materialise and help Wigan to establish ourselves in the upcoming season, despite the early thoughts from the media that we will, once again, be fighting off relegation.