English FA Premiership: Wigan Athletic supporters still pinching themselves at their club's elevation to the Premiership were handed a glorious reality check yesterday with confirmation that the Latics will begin life among the elite with a visit from the champions, Chelsea.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, whose first game in charge of the club attracted 1,452 fans to Springfield Park for a basement-division fixture against Hartlepool a decade ago, expects a crowd of more than 25,000 at the JJB Stadium for this match.

He hopes to persuade the visiting chairman, Roman Abramovich, to try some local delicacies at the game on the weekend of August 13th-14th.

"I'll offer Mr Abramovich use of my helicopter pad, which is 400 yards away from the stadium," said Whelan, whose side will end their first top-flight season by visiting Arsenal.

"He can also help himself to some of our local delicacies if he likes. We'll have one or two pies lined up for him and he can help himself.

"He can also take away a bag of Uncle Joe's Mint Balls with him. They are made in Wigan and are part of the history of Wigan. It'll be interesting to see what he makes of the pies.

"It's sensational to be playing Chelsea on the opening day. It's amazing to see how far we've come, to be hosting the champions of England 10 years after that game against Hartlepool. It's history and that's fantastic.

"Roman Abramovich might not know much about Wigan but he's going to. My Russian isn't very good but I can promise him a friendly reception - I hope he goes away with a nice feeling."

Chelsea's defence of their title will be tested by early fixtures against Arsenal, at home on the second weekend, and at Tottenham Hotspur on August 27th.

The champions' relations with their London rivals have been strained by tapping-up allegations over Ashley Cole and Frank Arnesen.

In the Championship, Glenn Hoddle will return to Southampton - a club he left in acrimonious circumstances in 2001 - on the opening weekend with his much-fancied Wolverhampton Wanderers side.

"It's not about individuals, it's about taking a team there to get a result," insisted Hoddle, whose side enjoyed an 18-match unbeaten run at the end of last season.

Norwich have agreed to reverse their first fixture, against Coventry City, and stage the game at Carrow Road because building delays will postpone the opening of the Ricoh Arena.

"We were more than happy to come to Coventry's assistance," said the Norwich chief executive Neil Doncaster.

The Football League is expected to sanction the switch this month.

Nottingham Forest begin life in the third tier for the first time in 51 years with a home game against Huddersfield.

Guardian Service