Wigan chairman Dave Whelan reckons the best Latics can ever hope to achieve is establishing themselves as a top-10 Premier League club.While proud of the fact they have maintained their top flight status after progressing from the old fourth division, Whelan is calling for change.

He believes there has to be an equal distribution of wealth in television revenue and prize money - worth £750 million a season - among England's top 20 to make the competition more competitive.

He said: "I am a realistic person and we cannot get into the top six clubs, never mind the top four.

"We do not have a big enough ground and we do not have enough support.

"My ambition is to finish in the top half of the league, year-in, year-out.

"If we could sneak into Europe one year it would be marvellous for an underdog that has come from the fourth division."

While Whelan does not agree with Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan that the Premier League is "boring", he is pressing for the rules to be altered.

He wants all clubs to get the same cash from TV and prize money.

"I understand what Kevin is getting at," said the Wigan supremo.

"We know next year one of the top four is going to win the title.

"Is that sport? No, you need some excitement in sport and expectations.

"I am constantly fighting with the Premier League to get the money distributed more evenly and we all get the same share.

"If the club in the top four get extra money for going into the Champions League good luck to them.

"They deserve it but the money in the Premier League should be split equally between the 20 teams.

"I would urge other clubs to vote at meetings to change how the cash is distributed."

Whelan is thrilled at the prospect of going head-to-head with leaders Manchester United on Sunday.

Should Sir Alex Ferguson's side triumph they will almost certainly retain their title even if Chelsea beat Bolton, given their superior goal difference.

However Wigan, managed by former Old Trafford favourite Steve Bruce, go into the game with quiet confidence after defeating Aston Villa.

Whelan said: "From being a small club in the fourth division we are facing Manchester United, knowing they could win the league.

"Wigan are going out worldwide and I am proud of what we are doing - it is a fantastic achievement."

Bruce has turned things around after Whelan paid Birmingham £3million to secure his services earlier in the season.

He replaced Chris Hutchings, who paid the price from a string of poor results following the sudden departure of Paul Jewell.

Whelan insists it was money well spent.

"Steve is the same type as Paul as he brings confidence to the players and puts the fight into them," he said.

"You can feel the difference he has brought to the team when you walk into the dressing room."

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