Emmerson Boyce is hopeful Roberto Martinez will continue as Wigan manager and help the club make an immediate return to the Premier League.
Wigan's 2012-13 campaign came to a bittersweet conclusion, with victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final being followed by the disappointment of relegation to the Championship.
Martinez has subsequently been linked with succeeding David Moyes at Everton after the Scot joined Manchester United, but Boyce is eager for the Spaniard to stay put.
"Everyone at Wigan is hoping he is going to stay," he told Sky Sports.
"He's done a fantastic job since he has been there. The football that we play and the entertainment value has been excellent.
"As a coach we learn so many things from him. People can say we are fighting at the bottom of table but for the size of a club like Wigan to survive this long is a fantastic achievement and to win the cup is a dream come true.
"I know he is an ambitious manager and he will manage one of the better teams but from my point of view I hope he stays because I think next year will be a really, really good season for us.
"Fingers crossed we can keep most of our players together, keep our manager and hopefully challenge for the title next year."
Meanwhile, Manchester United striker Angelo Henriquez has refused to rule out a return to Wigan on loan next season.
The Chilean striker made just four appearances after joining the club on a temporary deal in January, but is open to the possibility of a second stint.
"I didn't play a lot of football, which was obviously the target when I arrived in January," Henriquez told the Wigan Evening Post.
"But just being involved with a Premier League team, living the experience of first-team football and learning from other players and other teams has been very good.
"I have enjoyed my time here and I wouldn't rule out coming here again if that is a possibility. Who knows?
"You always improve and pick up new things from new managers and new players. That was the point of the whole exercise, and I hope to show what I've learned when I return to Old Trafford."
