Johnson demands the wins Latics deserve

Reporter: Matthew Chambers
Date published: 27 January 2015


LEE Johnson is keen to shake off Athletic's tag as unlucky losers.

After seeing his side again dominate swathes of the general play only to fall to defeat at Gillingham, the manager aims to bring in at least one new player before the home game against Notts County on Saturday.

And Johnson - whose side is still only three points off the league play-off positions with two games in hand on sixth-placed Fleetwood - wants to find the right mix to gain the results his side's dominance merits.

“It’s a recurring theme and something I have to address as a manager,” said Johnson of the 3-2 loss at Gillingham - sustained despite Athletic’s 14 attempts on goal against the home side's five.

“We bring in players because they are talented but often, within the genetic make-up of our footballers, there is something that isn't quite right.

“If you look at someone like James Wilson, his clean-up play using his pace is of a higher level, but there are flaws too.

“It’s about how to break the mould, to become winners and deliver something extraordinary - that’s the challenge we face. Performances have been good but we have been up and down in terms of results.”

Jacob Mellis arrived on loan for the remainder of the season from Blackpool last week, and Johnson plans new signings in the forthcoming transfer windows.

“I would definitely hope to get one in and we might get two - hopefully three,” he added.