Hunt for new blood continues - Wigan Athletic boss

Paul Cook says Wigan Athletic's return for pre-season training has been made so much easier due to the professionalism of his players.
Paul CookPaul Cook
Paul Cook

The Latics squad are currently over in La Cala, Spain for warm-weather training, with just over a fortnight to go until the season-opener against Sheffield Wednesday.

While the pre-season slog normally causes players to wince at the mention, Cook says his squad have been able to make the adjustment back to work with the minimum of fuss thanks to their good habits during their down time over summer.

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“These days the modern-day players generally turn up in good condition,” Cook told the Wigan Post.

“Players these days look after themselves a lot better than maybe they did in the past. This lot are very conscious of body fat, weight, diet, how they look and so on.

“Pre-season as it was is probably something that’s going out the window. It’s now more of a re-conditioning period, because of good habits.

“As for the management team...well let’s just say we all had a very good summer, thank you very much!”

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The Latics players will resume their work today after resting up yesterday, Cook sticking with his pre-season rule of two intense days on, and then one relaxing day off.

Free agents Darron Gibson, Ross Wallace and James Perch will continue to try to persuade the boss they are worthy of a permanent deal.

Not among the party over in Spain are Ryan Colclough, Devante Cole, Jordan Flores and Josh Laurent, who have remained at home.

Cook, meanwhile, insists his efforts to bring in new blood is continuing as normal despite being on the continent.

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“I know the supporters are always wanting a good signing, the players are, and even the managers are...it’s how football clubs work,” he added.

“To make that happen, all the circumstances have to be right, and we’re continuing to work hard behind the scenes.”