Latics TV | Paul Cook pre-Luton Town.
Latics host Luton Town in the Sky Bet Championship at the DW Stadium on Saturday.
The gaffer's message of belief with 10 games to go.

Speaking on Latics TV ahead of Saturday's return to the DW Stadium in the Sky Bet Championship against Luton Town, the gaffer sent out a strong message of belief, as we approach the final stages of the 2019-20 season.

"The countdown begins when there are 10 games to go and everyone within the league has got something to fight for, that just shows how equal it can be in our league.

"There are still play-off places being played for and certainly, at the bottom end, there are more teams involved through our good form, Luton's good form and Barnsley's good form.

"There are teams being dragged in now that probably didn't expect to be involved in it and I think that's good for the league.

"The support has been excellent for us. We're full of belief at the minute and that's very important for any team, you must believe.

"We're in for a tough game tomorrow. It's going to be a really competitive game and we're looking forward to it, and the crowd really do have a big part to play."

Former Latics striker and still a record holder at the club for his 31 goals during the 1996-97 Third Division title win, Graeme Jones brings his Hatters side to the DW Stadium battling alongside Latics to stay in the Championship.

On the former assistant manager to Roberto Martinez, the gaffer continued:

"In my opinion, Graeme (Jones) has done a fantastic job at Luton. As you can see now, when teams get promoted from League One, you can genuinely see the difficulties they have, it's a brutal league.

"Within that, Luton have had results, beating Middlesbrough, Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday. They're big results.

"I think a lot of people expected Luton, Barnsley and possibly ourselves to just lay down and be relegated. I think it's great credit to all three clubs, as we speak at the minute, that none of us have done that.

"Graeme will get a great reception, and rightly so. Graeme's years here, especially under Roberto, will be remembered forever and very, very fondly, epitomised by the Premier League days and the FA Cup victory.

"I'm sure Graeme will get the fantastic ovation he deserves, because he really does deserve that."

And finally, on his squad, the gaffer focused on the positivity created around his injured defender Chey Dunkley.

"We've no new bodies coming back into the squad. Chey's had his operation and like everyone, we just wish him well. He's such a popular guy and I'm sure everyone's wishes at Wigan Athletic have gone to Chey and will continue to go to him as he's on his road to recovery.

"There are so many people we want to do well for, Chey being one of those who's right at the top of the tree.

"We're all in touch with Chey on a daily basis. He'll be kicking every ball from his bed and I'm sure the lads will have that in their minds going into every game."

Paul Cook | "We're full of belief and that's very important for every team."