Wigan chief executive Brenda Spencer has described the visit of Chelsea on the opening day of the Barclays Premiership season as "absolutely fantastic".

The Latics, who secured automatic promotion after finishing second behind Sunderland last season, are scheduled to host the Premiership champions on August 13 at the JJB Stadium after the fixtures were published on Thursday.

They then visit Charlton before travelling to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Spencer told Sky Sports News: "It is absolutely fantastic.

"We are in the Premiership and we kick off against Chelsea at home.

"It was a build-up of nerves coming into work this morning and then when we found out we had Chelsea at home it was like all our Christmases had come at once.

"I have spoken to (manager) Paul (Jewell) and told him our first game and last game and I can't repeat his reply."

Following promotion Wigan chairman Dave Whelan promised Jewell considerable funds to purchase new players as the Latics look to consolidate in the top flight.

However, Jewell has been unable to attract players to the JJB and Spencer acknowledged the club have their work cut out ahead of the new season.

She added: "We just have to prepare ourselves.

"Paul has a lot of work to do, he is trying to bring a couple of players in."

Wigan have found it difficult to attract supporters to the JJB in a town more famed for its rugby league heritage.

Despite their success last season there average crowd was only 11,000 but Spencer believes there will be a marked rise now the Latics are in the top flight.

She said: "It will be a full house on August 13.

"I think we are going to have certain games that will be a sell-out and we expect to have average gates of about 18,000."

Striker Jason Roberts had no illusions about the size of the task facing Wigan - both on the first day and the campaign as a whole.

The 27-year-old formed a devastating strike partnership last season in the Coca Cola Championship with Nathan Ellington which yielded 45 goals with Roberts claiming 21.

Although it will be difficult for the pair to repeat that feat, their efforts will be vital for the Latics as they look to bridge the gap between the top flight and the Football League.

He told Sky Sports: "It is going to be a hard game but it is going to be a hard league.

"They are the champions so we are going to get them out of the way but at least it's at home.

"It feels good to be in the Premier League - it's going to be really tough but that is what we signed up for.

"When we came up we knew we were going to be up against the best.

"But you can't be scared of that.

"It's an exciting time but we are here on merit to compete against these teams.

"I'm a Spurs fan but I will look forward to beating them as much as anyone else."

Roberts, who has found success at the JJB since his £1.4million from West Brom in January 2004, will be able to measure himself against the best when he comes up against John Terry on the first day of the season.

Terry's form as well as injury to Sol Campbell has seen the 24-year-old consolidate his place in the England back four but Roberts preferred to concentrate on the team's fortunes, rather than focus on himself.

He said: "I've played against him before - he is a very good player but it is not just about me.

"It is about us being in the Premier League next year and the year after that and after that."

Roberts' celebrations at the end of last season were muted after he fractured his fibia during the promotion-clinching victory against Reading.

However, he revealed he was happy with the progress he is making although he did not give a firm prediction of when he expects to return.

He said: "I am going to see the physios today but it is moving forward really well.

"There is not much you can do with a broken leg but rest it but God willing it will be fine."

Chief executive Spencer, meanwhile, believed the Manchester United game - Wigan's third of the season - could well be affected by the Red Devils' participation in the Champions League and would have to be rescheduled.