'I've told them, in no uncertain terms' - Wigan Athletic chief outlines January window priority

Latics surrendered their 10-match unbeaten record at the weekend as struggling Blackpool ran out 2-0 winners at the Brick Community Stadium.

Not for the first time this season, Latics were unable to take the chances that came their way, and they were punished at the other end as old-boys Ashley Fletcher and Dale Taylor netted on their return in enemy colours.

Lowe has spoken many times this season about the need for Latics to raise their game in front of goal, and he revealed that will be at the forefront of his mind heading into the mid-season market.

"Yes, we need more quality, we need more resources, the lads need some help, I need some help," he said.

"You can all see what we're trying to do here, it's evident...and all through the team, the metrics are good.

"We need a goalscorer, first and foremost, we need another creative player, who is going to put chances on a plate for someone, and maybe a maverick who can do something out of nothing.

"I am trying to do that...and it's pointless shouting at me, or shouting at the lads, because we're all trying. We just need a little bit of help and a little bit more quality in and around the team.

"We just haven't had that quality in front of goal, and someone needs to stand up and be counted for. That's our Achilles heel at the moment.

"We know we need to be better in certain moments, but I can't do any more, we can't do any more. The players have to take responsibility in those areas and convert the chances."

Latics struggles in front of goal this term were put into stark contrast at the weekend.

With Fletcher netting his 13th goals of the season for Blackpool, that figure is now three more than all four of Latics’ senior strikers – Christian Saydee, Dara Costelloe, Paul Mullin and Maleace Asamoah Jnr – put together.

And Lowe has already confirmed Latics will be looking to do business sooner rather than later with the need for more goals a pressing priority.

"I'll leave all that to the recruitment team, and see what they come up with," he added. "But I've told them, in no uncertain terms, we need help, we need goals.

"We're creating chances, and if we can get a goalscorer - or two - to help us, and push the other lads who are here...it will help us shoot up the table.

"They're all trying, they're all working their socks off, but we're getting no luck at the moment.

"You can only play the hand you've been dealt, and we need a little bit more to help us get where we want to get to.

"I don't do excuses, I don't do grey areas...I am black and white, I say it how it is.

"What we need in January is some players to help the group, and if we can do that, it will help us all."