This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Fan Perspective’ series, this content strand is where we deliver an opinion-based outlook from the perspective of a certain club's fanbase on the matter at hand…

When Sunderland A.F.C. announced the news of Jack Ross’ sacking last week, Wigan Athletic fans will of been braced for an approach for manager Paul Cook.

Cook has the all important experience of winning promotion with three different clubs in the EFL, Wigan, Portsmouth and Chesterfield. On top of that, Peter Reid is a part of the coaching staff at Latics, someone who is a legend on Wearside and would be welcomed back with open arms. Finally, Cook would be re-united with former players Will Grigg and Max Power.

However, fresh reports today are suggesting Sunderland will pick between Phil Parkinson and Gareth Ainsworth to be their new manager. This will be a bonus to Wigan fans, who can breathe a sigh of relief now their manager is safe from Sunderland.

The former Portsmouth manager has done an outstanding job at Wigan. In his first season at the club, he guided the Latics to a first placed finish in League One, amassing 98 points and also reaching the FA Cup quarter-final, which included a win over Manchester City.

It was the manner of how Wigan played during that promotion winning season that pleased their fans the most. The Latics scored 89 league goals that season, Grigg getting 19, Nick Powell 15 and Michael Jacobs 11. Throughout the campaign, Wigan were  challenging at the top of the league, and were deserved winners in the end. Results like winning 0-7 away at Oxford United, highlighted their superiority.

In the Championship, Wigan maintained their brilliant home form, winning 41 points at home, seeing them finish in a comfortable 18th place. A criticism would be that Wigan only managed two away wins all season, although the 1-2 win at Elland Road was the three points that saw Wigan safe from relegation. Avoiding the drop was a success for the club, considering they had been relegated in their two previous Championship campaigns.

Their fans are content with sustaining themselves in this division. Again, they’ve started the season well, particularly at home, with wins over Cardiff City and Charlton Athletic. There is still work to do on finding a winning formula away from home, however it’s a work in progress. Cook is building a project at Wigan. Creating a young squad that plays an attractive, attacking brand of football.

Although not all Wigan fans are huge fans of Cook - because of their poor away form - the large majority are behind him and trust him to take the club forward over time. To lose him at this stage would be a huge play, Wigan are in a transitional period and Cook is at the very heart of it.

Cook’s side will be looking to improve their home record furthermore, as they host Nottingham Forest on Sunday, whilst Sunderland seemingly settle elsewhere.