Former Ipswich Town skipper Jason De Vos has nailed his colours to the mast ahead of Saturday’s Championship match between the Blues and another of his former clubs, Wigan Athletic.

The inspirational Canadian centre-back helped the Latics get promoted to the second tier in 2003, but then left the Lancashire club, after they narrowly missed out on a play-off spot, to join Championship rivals Ipswich on a Bosman free transfer.

Wigan went on to secure promotion to the Premier League in 2005, while Ipswich faltered on the finishing straight that year.

“I have no regrets about that,” said Toronto-based De Vos, 41, who now combines a full-time media punditry role with an assistant coaching role with the Canadian women’s national side.

“Arguably the most successful period of my career was with Wigan, but the most enjoyable time was at Ipswich – no doubt. My only regret really is that I didn’t have longer at Ipswich.

“The Town result is the first one I always look out for, it’s a club that will always have a special place in my heart and I’m delighted to see them doing so well this season. I’m actually gutted that I haven’t been able to be at Portman Road.

“If there is a promotion party I’ll make sure I get back over there.”

While Ipswich are third in the Championship table and in with their best shot at promotion in a decade, Wigan are facing the very real prospect of suffering a second relegation in three seasons.

One win in the last 13 games across all competitions means Malky Mackay’s side are second-bottom and five points adrift of safety.

And their cause has not been helped this week by the departures of Callum McManaman (West Brom), Shaun Maloney (Chicago Fire), Adam Forshaw (Middlesbrough) and Ben Watson (Watford).

“I hope Ipswich can keep putting points on the board and go up automatically, avoiding the nervousness and potential pain of the play-offs,” said De Vos, who was part of the Joe Royle team that lost to West Ham in the play-off semi-finals of 2004/05.

“As for Wigan, they are yet more proof of how difficult it can be for teams to adapt after relegation. The industry and doggedness required for the Championship is a world away from the glitz and glamour of the Premier League.

“I don’t want to see them slide down the leagues, but they look to be on a slippery slope right now.”