Caldwell: Durability will be key

Gary Caldwell is hoping tomorrow's derby against Blackburn can provide the launchpad for history to repeat itself.
Gary CaldwellGary Caldwell
Gary Caldwell

Latics have lost their opening two games this season, both 2-1, to Bristol in the Championship and Oldham in the League Cup.

But last season started in a similar fashion - and Latics went on to win League One in style.

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“We had this situation last year where we lost the first two games and we were successful so I’m hoping that history can repeat itself,” the Latics

manager said.

Blackburn arrive at the DW Stadium with ex-Latics manager Owen Coyle in charge.

And Caldwell is expecting fans of both Blackburn and Wigan to turn out in force for this season’s first Championship game at the DW Stadium.

Coyle’s Rovers are reeling from a 4-1 defeat to Norwich on the opening day of the season, though they went some way to making amends for that on Tuesday night with a 3-1 Cup win over Mansfield.

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Looking ahead to tomorrow, Caldwell says clashes against Blackburn stick in his mind from his days as a player.

“I’m looking forward to it and looking forward to getting back at the DW,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to getting our home fans behind us. I’ve played in games against Blackburn and they’re always a good atmosphere.

“Away fans come in numbers and our fans will be out in force too so it should be a great afternoon.”

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The Latics manager made six changes to his starting XI for Tuesday’s Cup visit to Oldham, and with the club’s emphasis being placed on a successful Championship campaign, he says being able to rotate a healthy squad will be vital in such a demanding competition.

“The payers have to be durable and be ready for that,” he explained.

“And we as a club have to be up for every game because every game is so important.”