Caldwell won't rush into making additions to squad

Gary Caldwell admits patience has been the buzzword for Wigan Athletic's recruitment this summer.
Gary Caldwell is preparing for his second full season in charge at LaticsGary Caldwell is preparing for his second full season in charge at Latics
Gary Caldwell is preparing for his second full season in charge at Latics

The Latics chief has so far brought in three new players - Stephen Warnock, Alex Gilbey and Dan Burn - as he bolsters his squad for the Championship.

And he is still actively seeking reinforcements in defence, midfield and attack with the new season just over five weeks away. Caldwell had wanted as many pieces in place ahead of the squad’s departure for a warm-weather training camp in Portugal next week.

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But he says there will be no panic if certain deals end up taking a little longer than had been anticipated.

“We’re happy with what we’ve done so far, but the key word is patience,” Caldwell told the Evening Post.

“There’s no point signing a player just to get another body in, if we don’t think he’ll improve the squad.

“If we genuinely think a player would improve the squad then we’ll try and sign him. If not, then we’ll be patient and wait and see later in the window.

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“Last summer I wanted to get the group together as quickly as possible.

“But as I’m learning, it never happens as quickly as you’d like it to!”

Former Latics favourite Jordi Gomez continues to be linked with a return to the DW, with Barnsley captain Conor Hourihane and Everton stalwart Leon Osman also mentioned in dispatches.

Caldwell is also understood to be looking to bring in at least one new striker, to ease the burden on 28-goal hotshot Will Grigg.

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“There’s a lot of names getting thrown about and a lot of decisions that will have to be made,” Caldwell added.

“We’ll keep working hard - not just myself, but the chairman - to try to bring in the best players we can to make this squad better.

“That’s going to be the difficult thing this summer - making this group better.