Daniels eyeing up a blockbusting start

Latics kick-off their summer schedule on Wednesday when they make the short trip to Chester.

Next up is a block-busting double-header against Manchester United and Liverpool next weekend, before north-west derbies against Macclesfield, Rochdale, Oldham and Fleetwood.

And Daniels reckons a few positive results – and a good showing against the two most successful English teams – will set the players, and the fans, up for the new campaign.

“Obviously the fans are going to be behind us, like they were last year,” Daniels told the Evening Post.

“We’ve just got to keep going from our end and give them something to cheer about.

“The Liverpool and Manchester United games in pre-season are going to bring out the fans in force.

“Hopefully we can put on a show for them – and keep them with us for the season.”