Spirits high as we look to rebuild

ATHLETIC goalkeeper Paul Rachubka’s exclusive weekly column.

WE were out as a squad training on Clayton playing fields this week when we were given a reminder what the game is all about.

It was a freezing cold day after the snow over the weekend and the session was later than usual to give the ice time to thaw. It was certainly a day to get body armour on underneath our kit.

In spite of the cold, I spotted a familiar face going through drills with his father. The dedication of eight-year-old Finlay Brogan, a goalkeeper for Latics under-nines, was very impressive.

I recognised him from his place in the Chaddy End; so it was good to get him involved in goalkeeping training with me, goalkeeper coach Anthony White, Joel Coleman and Chris Renshaw. His dad said it was the highlight of his school holidays.

Our festive period hasn’t been so good results-wise and the Crewe game was very frustrating.

We created 15 good chances to their three and we were back to playing the sort of football we can put our name to. The changes we need to make in the New Year are tweaks really. Not a lot is needed.

On a personal front, while glad to be back in the side I was disappointed not to keep a clean sheet against Crewe — especially now there is a long wait for the next game against Doncaster on January 10.

The whole ethos at the club is about being positive, so we will use the gap between games as productively as we possibly can.

A happy New Year for 2015. Let’s hope it is a big one for the club.