Ellington targets new Wigan deal

Wigan sharp-shooter Nathan Ellington is ready to commit his future to the Premiership newcomers.

The former Bristol Rovers striker netted his 24th goal of an incredible campaign when he wrapped up the 3-1 win over Reading which sealed Wigan’s fairytale rise to the top-flight.

Ellington, a Manchester United fan, admits the reality of what has been achieved at the JJB Stadium will not fully sink in until he scans the fixture list when it is published at the end of June.

By then, Ellington hopes to have followed manager Paul Jewell by penning a new contract, the reward for his 66 goals in 144 appearances since joining in March 2002.

“I think we are going to start talking about a new contract very soon,” the 23-year-old frontman told BBC GMR.

“I am booked in for a shoulder operation next week which will prevent me from training for six weeks or so but once that is out of the way, hopefully negotiations will start.

“The whole reason I came to the club in the first place was because I felt we could get to the Premiership. At the time, Paul Jewell said he had big plans and we have got there in three years, which is really good.”

Wigan officials are already bracing themselves for a deluge of season-ticket applications as the prospect of hosting United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal looms.

And for Ellington, promotion brings the potential for playing on a ground where his boyhood heroes still strut their stuff.

“I support Manchester United,” admitted the Bradford-born star.

“To get the chance to play at Old Trafford would be fantastic. The whole thing is a little bit daunting but at the same time it is very exciting.

“I am so happy the work is done and we do not have to go into the play-offs. It really is the best feeling in the world.”