Latics back to it

AFTER recharging their batteries on holidays all over the world, Athletic’s players get back to the down-and-dirty business of pre-season training next week.

The 2012-13 campaign begins later than is usually the case — leaving exactly six weeks of preparation time before Sheffield Wednesday visit Boundary Park in a televised Capital One Cup first-round tie on Monday, August 13.

“It has been a long eight weeks off and everyone is looking forward to getting stuck in and seeing where we are at,” said Athletic’s assistant manager Gerry Taggart.

The npower League One action starts the following Saturday, August 18, as Athletic travel to MK Dons.

Taggart believes that going down the route of untested talent is a must for a club with Athletic’s resources.

He also says the division holds fewer fears than last season.

“What we do know is we have brought in young lads with potential — and that is the road we have to go in now,” Taggart added.

“There are quite a few clubs in our division who are struggling, money-wise.

“Last season you had clubs with a lot of money; this time teams from the Championship will have as much to spend as promoted sides Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton and Huddersfield did. It’s a lot more open.”




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