Curle warns his Latics players ahead of final game of the season

Latics boss Keith Curle has warned his players not to let their standards slip ahead of tomorrow’s final game of the 2020/21 campaign at home against Forest Green.

The hosts have little to play for other than professionalism and pride as they look to secure a win which could potentially lift them to a 15th placed finish, dependant on other results going their way.

It’s a different story for Rovers, though, as they are still in need of a positive result in order to seal their berth in the end-of-season play-offs.

Curle said: "The guidelines that we have set out here are not to get relaxed just because it's the last game of the season.

“There are professional standards that are there to be adhered to, and ultimately they benefit the players because it's their environment and it's educating them in how professional environments work.

“That doesn't matter what division you are in. I won't change.

“I want people to come up to the level of expectations that I have for them.”

Latics could still finish the season as low as 19th in the bottom tier if they lose and Walsall win at Carlisle.

It’s been another largely inconsistent campaign, though everyone at Boundary Park will hopefully gain a huge lift from the start of next season when supporters will hopefully be allowed back in the stadium.

Meanwhile, Alfie McCalmont is reported to be heading out of Leeds United on loan to a League One club next season, after his exploits in League Two with Latics this term.

Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League opened the door for McCalmont to go out on loan, with the Whites trusting the Boundary Park outfit with the midfielder’s development.

A decent season in the fourth tier has caught the eye, with Leeds said to be planning a hike up in standard for McCalmont.

The 21-year-old Northern Irish international has impressed on loan this season, scoring eight goals and registering five assists in the league, as well as notching another two goals in the cup.

* Players and staff will once again remember those members of the extended Latics family who have sadly passed away during the last two campaigns ahead of tomorrow’s fixture.

A video will be shared online as supporters are unfortunately still unable to pay their respects at Boundary Park.

Players will also observe a minute's silence on the pitch before kick-off.

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