Wigan Athletic has begun preparations for the 2026-27 League One season with a structured and data-driven pre-season programme at their Christopher Park training ground. Head coach Gary Caldwell, who took charge in February, set the tone from the outset, emphasising a “team first” approach as the club aims to build cohesion and performance over the next 10 months leading up to the season opener on August 14.
The pre-season sees a blend of tactical discussions, physical conditioning, and teamwork exercises designed to optimise player performance and reduce injury risk. Caldwell, joined by first-team coach David Perkins and head of performance analysis Lauren Jones—who transitioned from Exeter City earlier this year—uses a developing video “best practice bank” to illustrate key points, prioritising footage of Wigan players executing the desired tactics.
Physical conditioning is underpinned by precise data collection and individualisation. The squad recently completed baseline body composition and strength tests, with few players showing signs of excess weight, reflecting improved off-season preparation standards. Strength and conditioning lead Matthew Barrow and sports scientist Jack Craigie utilise time trials to determine each player’s maximum aerobic speed, enabling personalised running workloads throughout pre-season.
Training days include a mixture of endurance runs, drills focused on out-of-possession positioning, and gym sessions targeting hypertrophy. Early morning workouts at partner gyms incorporate Hyrox-style team exercises to evaluate individual responses under fatigue and pressure, promoting leadership qualities and mutual support in line with Caldwell’s team ethos.
Wigan’s facilities are modest but functional, with rules in place to maintain focus—such as fines for using phones or showing negative behaviour during sessions. The club’s approach to integrating technology is evident, with drones and GPS systems monitoring training intensity in real-time, enabling staff to adjust drills dynamically to maintain optimal workload and build toward a fitness peak.
On the pitch, training drills emphasise problem-solving and composure under pressure. Experienced players like Max Power, returning for a third spell with the club, set examples by encouraging younger teammates and maintaining positive communication during exercises.
Wigan’s recent history reveals a club seeking stability and progression after fluctuating fortunes since their FA Cup triumph in 2013. Following a series of relegations and promotions, the club secured promotion from League Two in 2015-16 under Caldwell’s previous management tenure and narrowly avoided relegation from League One last season. The current pre-season work aims to underpin improved performances and long-term consistency.
As the new campaign approaches, the club’s staff and players remain committed to a methodical and collective approach that balances physical demands, tactical development, and team spirit. The results of this carefully constructed pre-season regime will be assessed over the coming months, with supporters hopeful of a return to higher divisions.