Championship preparation '˜off the scale,' admits Wigan Athletic ace

Gavin Massey insists every single minute of pre-season work being done by Wigan Athletic's players will count when they lock horns with the Championship's big boys.
Gavin MasseyGavin Massey
Gavin Massey

The Latics squad are back from La Cala, Spain, where they were put through their paces on a warm-weather camp.

With the new campaign kicking off on Saturday week, Massey says the players are embracing the hard work knowing the huge challenge that lies ahead.

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“The first couple of weeks were really tough, but we’ve got a fit group of lads here to be fair,” he told the Wigan Post.

“Everyone’s passed the tests we’ve had, and while we were in Spain it was upping that level further.

“Obviously we’re going in to a better league with better players and better teams, and we’ve got to do what we can to match that.

“There were a few big teams in League One, with big turn-outs, but it’s going to be off the scale with some of the massive clubs.

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“As a player you don’t get to play in front of crowds of 30,000-plus every week, and that’s a big incentive for us to have a good crack.”

Massey also says the benefits of the week-long training camp will prove invaluable.

“Back home we’d be spending a lot of time together, but when you’re physically living in each other’s pockets it brings you even closer,” he added.

“Hopefully we can use that bond during the season when things are sent to test us.”