He continued his leading role the next season, again battling relegation with Wigan. He started for much of the first half of the season, scoring two goals in an away-tie against Everton, receiving five yellow cards in that half of the season. Injury kept him off the field for much of the second half, returning not until the 30th round in a match against Fulham. he collected four yellow cards this time around and scored one goal in the last game of the season, a 1–2 away-win against Sheffield United. This one goal proved to be crucial that season, as his performance in the game safed Wigan from relegation at the final day of play, sending their opponent to The Championship instead, by a goal difference of just one.