At the end of the 2011–12 Premier League, Wigan Athletic finished in 15th place, two points below 14th-placed Stoke City.

Wigan's last game of the Premier League season was a 3–2 victory against already-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers.

They started to improve afterwards, accumulating some points during the Christmas period, but returned to losing ways with four-straight losses, all in January.

After winning against fellow strugglers Wanderers, Wigan remained bottom on goal difference.

In March, Wigan greatly improved, first losing against Swansea City but earning draws against Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion.