Caldwell: We need more new blood

Gary Caldwell watches from the sideline on Saturday

Goals from Tammy Abraham and Bobby Reid inside the last 10 minutes gave City a thoroughly-deserved 2-1 win over Latics, who had led at the break through Alex Gilbey.

And the Latics manager’s thoughts immediately switched to the job of bringing in ‘a few’ new players as quickly as possible.

“We always knew the substitutions weren’t going to be ideal,” Caldwell told the Evening Post.

“When you’ve got Ryan Colclough coming on as a striker, it’s not ideal.

“We need a bit of help in terms of numbers and squad depth, and I’m sure we’ll get that.”

When asked whether any of the incomings were imminent, Caldwell replied: “I’m not sure.

“But we are working hard, the club is working very hard, to make that happen.

“There’s a lot of players we’re trying to sign at the minute.

“We need good quality players that are ready for this level, and hopefully we’ll get that soon.”

Liverpool midfielder Cameron Brannagan, 20, is understood to be the first arrival on a season-long loan, while Billinge-born Leon Osman, 35, has been strongly linked after being released by Everton this summer.

Millwall striker Lee Gregory, 27, is also believed to be right at the top of Caldwell’s wishlist, although Latics would have to splash out a significant seven-figure sum to bring the Yorkshireman back north.

However, Caldwell is desperate for attacking options, with Will Grigg - whose pre-season was badly affected by the Euros - the only available striker at present.

Craig Davies, who picked up an injury at Chorley last month, looks to be on his way out, while Nick Powell again missed out on Saturday with a groin problem.

“Nick’s still carrying the groin problem he picked up at Oldham (in pre-season),” revealed Caldwell.

“We felt it was probably best for him to do some physical work.

“He probably could have been involved, but we felt we want to get him back up to 100 per cent before we get him back on the pitch.”

Caldwell elected to play Yanic Wildschut in a free role just off Grigg at Ashton Gate, and the Dutchman responded by laying on the goal for Gilbey with a trademark driving run down the left.

“I thought the two strikers worked very hard,” added Caldwell.

“They caused them problems in the first half and worked hard defensively as well, they put in a great shift for the team.

“It’s understandable they were going to tire near the end.”