RICHIE Wellens looks set to stay on as Latics manager despite the club’s relegation to League Two.

The Athletic boss has already held discussions with out-of-contract players – seven have been released so far – and insists he is determined to launch a promotion assault next season.

He said: “We will be a big club in League Two and want to try and win promotion straight away.

“The feel-good factor can come back pretty quickly. Hopefully, we can win a lot of football matches, take confidence from it and make next season a successful one.

“Relegation is a massive disappointment and we can only apologise to the supporters. We all take responsibility as a club, myself included – I’m the manager and I make the decisions.”

Of the seven players to depart the club this week, the biggest names are versatile defender Brian Wilson and forward Tope Obadeyi.

The others include Ollie Banks, Paul Green and Abdelhakim Omrani, along with youngsters Mason Fawns and Kallum Mantack.

Fresh deals have been offered to Ryan McLaughlin and Jamie Stott and options taken on Cameron Dummigan and Ousmane Fane, who, it has been confirmed, was suspended from the club because of a disciplinary matter two weeks ago.

Wellens added: “Ossie was disciplined for an internal affair and myself and the owner had to take action. What happened will remain internal to the club.

“We have spoken to the players we want to keep and to the ones we are letting go. It’s important we act quickly so we can bring in the players we want.”

Wellens remains in discussions with Wilfried Moimbe, Gevaro Nepomuceno and Jonathan Benteke.