Leam Richardson reacts to Wigan Athletic's victory over Preston North End

Leam Richardson is keeping his feet firmly on the ground - despite Wigan Athletic's 100 per cent pre-season concluded with a second victory over Championship opposition in the space of three days.
Stephen Humphrys scored Latics' second goal against PrestonStephen Humphrys scored Latics' second goal against Preston
Stephen Humphrys scored Latics' second goal against Preston

Goals from Will Keane, Stephen Humphrys and Callum Lang gave Latics a 3-2 victory over Preston at the DW.

Despite the five wins from five in practice matches, however, Richardson prefers to look at the bigger picture - with a week to go to the big League One opener at Sunderland.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Pre-season's always tough, but I've really enjoyed it to be honest," he said.

"There was the hard work that needed to come to fruition, and you forget but this group's only been together for four and half weeks.

"Last month we had very few staff and very few players, and it's been a very testing time for everyone.

"Everyone - the board, the management, the staff - has been working so hard to get some good people into the football club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Initially we've managed to do that but, as you know, for us to have a positive, competitive campaign, we're going to need four, five, six more bodies in."

The home fans have certainly enjoyed their return to the DW - on the back of the most turbulent year in the club's history - with back-to-back victories over Stoke and now local rivals North End.

Richardson, though, was desperate to nip any giddy thoughts in the bud.

"Listen, Stoke fielded a mixed team, Preston fielded a mixed team," he added.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"And although it is pre-season, obviously winning is much better than losing!

"But the main thing is looking for those signs, the continuity in relationships, and how the training ground work is transported on to the pitch.

"Again, we're seeing small signs, but you know me...I won't get carried away.

"We have a huge task to be competitive in every game this year, with probably more than 50 games in all competitions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It's a task we're very much looking forward to, and we're working tirelessly hard to ensure we have the depth to cope with it."

Get 20% off our sports subscription package and stay up to date with all the latest Wigan Athletic news with a year’s subscription to WiganToday for less than 9p a day. Use promo code TRANSFER20