BRUCE STARTS WITH HIGH HOPES

Bruce - wants to meet fans' expectations.

Manager Steve Bruce is eager for Wigan to pick up from where they left off last season and maintain the feel-good factor at the JJB Stadium.

The Latics open their new Barclays Premier League campaign at West Ham on Saturday after Bruce steered them to survival last term.

Wigan ultimately finished 14th, and with Bruce looking to have made some astute signings in the off-season, there are high hopes for the Latics as they head into their fourth straight season in the top flight.

The promise of a successful Premier League campaign has boosted season-ticket sales this summer and Bruce believes the Wigan faithful should be anticipating bigger and better things this time around.

"The fans have got bigger expectations and rightly so," he said.

"It's good to see that the ticket sales have gone extremely well because they play their part.

"It's quite a remarkable story that we're on course for record sales considering where the club was in 1995 when Dave Whelan took over as chairman. To be in your fourth year in the Premier League nearly 15 years later is fantastic to see.

"We always hope for a few more supporters and if we can keep doing the stuff on the pitch, it gives you that feel-good factor."

Wigan secured safety last season with a run of just one defeat in their last six games - and that came against Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson's team clinched the title on the final day.

Bruce has since bolstered his squad, with midfielders Lee Cattermole, Daniel de Ridder and Olivier Kapo all coming on board, while striker Amr Zaki has arrived on a season-long loan deal.

The Latics have impressed in pre-season by winning their final four friendlies, scoring 12 goals in the process, and Bruce is hoping they can carry that form into their league campaign.

And although the Wigan boss reckons the Premier League is now at its strongest, he has his sights set on a top-half finish.

"The Premier League is as tough now as it's ever been," said Bruce.

"Clubs have had huge outlays to put a team on the pitch, and that's why it's the best and the toughest league in the world.

"So if we can improve on last season, finish above 14th and push towards the top 10, that would be a marvellous achievement.

"I think everybody here at Wigan is trying to keep their feet on the ground because, after all, I believe we're playing in the best league in the world.

"But we're delighted with what we've done over the summer and we think the squad is stronger.

"We finished the season off fantastically well, and if you look at the teams in there, it was a remarkable run.

"Our one defeat was against Man United at the death, and even then we gave them a hell of a run for their money."

Cattermole, De Ridder and Kapo are set to battle it out with Michael Brown, Kevin Kilbane, Wilson Palacios and Antonio Valencia for a starting berth at Upton Park.

The preparations of fellow midfielders Jason Koumas (knee) and Ryan Taylor (shin) have been hit by injury, while talismanic defender Paul Scharner (ankle) is doubtful for the big kick-off.

However Wigan's England internationals Chris Kirkland (back) and Emile Heskey (groin) have been passed fit following their injuries in pre-season, with Heskey poised to partner Zaki up front.