Captain Peter Clarke is looking forward to tomorrow’s local derby clash against Rochdale.
The defender, who has been an ever present in the league this season, knows a win against the Dale tomorrow can secure safety for another season and he is excited for the encounter.
He said: “There is that final hurdle still but from where we have come from, the lads have done brilliantly.
"The supporters have been fantastic and have stuck with us when it’s not gone swimmingly.
“The manager has come in and given the lads the freedom and confidence to go and play so hopefully over the next couple of games we will have maintained our position in the league.
"There is local pride at stake. We are still playing for something and they are still playing for a play off place so both teams will want to win the game.
Hopefully by 5pm on Saturday we are leaving with all three points and they are going home with nothing.
"I love any game. I’m a little bit older than some perhaps and I’m used to more fiery games and more physical games that are played now.
“When games are coming thick and fast and there is plenty at stake and it has a good edge of physicality with tackles going in, it’s always one that I enjoy and have a little smile about.”
The captain also wants to finish the season strongly as it provides optimism for next season.
“It gives people reason to be positive and the lads within the club a reason to be positive,” he admitted.
“We still have a lot of work to do but we feel we can do that, build and move forward."
The 36-year-old also spoke about young defender Jamie Stott who made his debut against Bolton Wanderers last week.
“He was absolutely first class,” commented Clarke. “He came in and his performance in that game and away at Bristol Rovers he can be very pleased with.
"He has set his level and standard now and hopefully he can put in a few more performances like that before the end of the season. He can be very pleased with himself.”
Watch the full interview on Latics PlayerHD.