Assistant manager Tommy Wright (pictured) has explained to Latics World that the player will have to work hard to get fit and fight for a first team place as training resumes for the new season. Training began last Friday at the new synthetic pitch on Chapel Road. The weather was bad but it didn't dampen any enthusiasm, in fact it was better than the usual searing temperatures for getting back into shape. The existing players were joined by newcomers Mark Crossley, Craig Davies, John Thompson and Mark Allott. JP Kalala will be flying in to join the squad on Monday.Wright said, "We've got them in for a while just to get their legs going. The weather's been difficult as it's usually red hot when you start back, but they've just been doing a bit of jogging to get them ready for the hard work which starts on Monday."
"Obviously our main plan is to play football, but sometimes you've got to mix it up at this level. Craig Davies' pace gives us that extra option of pace which we lacked last year. He gives us that choice of the ball over the top and I think we've missed that at times. We'd still like a few more players but I think things are shaping up nicely. We're happy with the players we've got so far. We were caught on the counter-attack a lot last year, and I think that was obvious in the play-off games. Players like Mark Allott are disciplined and will give the back four a little more protection, while JP Kalala will give us energy, put his foot in and keep the ball moving."