WIGAN believe they have the perfect recipe for success in Paul Cook.

The manager’s last four seasons have seen two promotions and two play-off finishes – and the Latics are confident he will be celebrating again at the end of the current campaign.

Wigan are most people’s tip to win League One, Stuart McCall included, and are beginning to motor.

They are unbeaten in the last seven games and have won eight out of 11 to close to within a point of surprise pace-setters Shrewsbury.

The driving force behind their bid for an instant return to the Championship is the former Wigan player they lured back north to take charge, just three weeks after he had guided Portsmouth to the League Two title.

“We went into the season having not spent a penny in the transfer market,” said chief executive Jonathan Jackson, “but having brought in a new manager with a proven track record at this level.

“Paul knows this division and he aspires to work at a higher level, which we all do. He’s certainly made an excellent start to his career at Wigan Athletic and the players have responded.”

Wigan’s run of form earned Cook the manager of the month award for October and they are yet to lose in the league at home this season.

Former City loan midfielder Lee Evans is likely to be on the bench on Saturday despite making his senior Welsh debut this week in their friendly against Panama.

Evans has dropped down the pecking order following a red card at Scunthorpe last month.

But he gave Cook a prod with a superb long-range strike against Crawley in the FA Cup last weekend.

Team-mate Nathan Byrne said: “Lee’s shown us a couple of time this season he’s got that long strike from distance in his locker.

“Lee’s been very patient but he’s shown what he can do and he’ll be looking to keep that going. Everyone’s going to get the chance to contribute.”