WIGAN ATHLETIC
Today, Kick-Off: 3pm
Wigan Athletic manager Gary Caldwell has pleaded for patience after a disastrous start to the season.
Defeats to Cambridge United and Leyton Orient in their opening two games mean the Latics head into this afternoon’s clash at AFC Wimbledon rock bottom of the standings.
But with nine permanent signings and five loans still finding their feet after a hectic summer in the transfer market, Caldwell says it will take time for his team to show their full potential.
“We have to understand it’s early days for this team that is still coming together,” said the Scot, who returned to the club in February, a decade after leading the Latics to the League One title.
Process
“We knew this process was going to be difficult in terms of the transition this summer, with the amount of players we had to bring in and the amount of changes behind the scenes as well.
“It’s important we stay really calm, stick to our principles, stick to our beliefs and processes, see that through and start winning games.
“Last week, we saw recent additions make a huge improvement to certain aspects of how we play the game.
“There are clearly other areas that we have to get better at, and we have been working on those in training.
“The exciting thing is we can see a team that is performing well – a young, really exciting team – that has the potential in the short-term to be successful, but also in the long-term to grow and achieve anything it wants.”
With a full programme of matches elsewhere today, fans can also check out selected football predictions for games taking place around the world.
SLOW OPENING: Wigan Athletic boss Gary Caldwell.
PICTURES: Alamy
Injury
Wimbledon, who bowed out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 defeat to Fulham, are just a point better off than today’s opponents.
Manager Johnnie Jackson is sweating on the fitness of midfielder Marcus Browne and defender Ryan Johnson after the pair missed the trip to Craven Cottage with minor knocks.
Jackson said: “It wasn’t a tactical decision to leave them out, they were unavailable through injury.
“They both had knocks, and I’m not sure if they’ll be available for Wigan yet.”
Key Man: Max Power (Wigan Athletic)