Mike Newton has been clocking up the Air Miles since becoming a Latics director last July.

The New York-based hedge fund trader in the financial markets makes every effort to get to watch Latics play every six weeks.

"Sometimes it is for a week, sometimes for a weekend. I come as often as I can though, obviously, work has to come first," explained Mike who admitted Latics has become like a "drug" over the last eight months.

Mike added that it has also been a steep learning curve to become acquainted with the operational side of a football club.

He says he can concentrated his efforts on providing support to manager Dave Penney on the playing side.

And despite being based 3,000 miles away, he says that is no obstacle thanks to modern communications.

Mike explained: "It is easy these days to keep in touch with what is happening at the club.

"I have a good lines of communication and speak to Dave Penney, Martin Gray and Lee Duxbury after every game.

"I am also in almost daily contact with Simon Corney and also regular talk to Simon Blitz who I also see as we are both based in New York."

Mike, who makes a point of attending every training session on his visits, admitted it has been a "horrible" season  but believes Latics will emerge stronger.

He said: "You have to remember we have a new manager and a lot of new players and it takes time for things to gel and the injuries have not helped.

"In some ways you learn more from adversity and when your backs are to the wall rather than if everything was running smoothly."

Mike also believes Latics are moving in the right direction despite the teams lowly standing in Coca-Cola League One.

He said: "I have been impressed with our management team which is extremely professional in the way it goes about things.

"The training sessions I have attended have been conducted in a professional manner and also been well organised. They are designed to correct mistakes and also to instruct.

"We have been unfortunate with injuries and there are also constraints with the budget on the playing side when you look at what some of the big clubs in our division have to spend..

"I have full confidence that our management team is doing the right things and we have a good platform on which to build for next season."

Mike is convinced Latics will stay up and believes they have the core of a team which can prosper, though he admitted they will need to reinforce on the playing side for next season.