Let's do this together - Joyce

Joyce was back on pre-game media duties on Friday, just over a week since undergoing eye surgery, ahead of Saturday’s visit of Bristol City.

And he hopes his swifter-than-expected return to the fort will inspire his side to even greater efforts in the first of 10 matches that will decide their fate.

“We’re all in it as a group aren’t we?” said Joyce.

“There’s good people in all departments of this club.

“It’s important we’ve got everyone together, fighting for the same cause.”

Sir Alex Ferguson famously used to create a siege mentality at Manchester United, something Joyce witnessed at close quarters as part of the backroom staff.

“It’s got to be like that – you against the world, taking on all-comers,” the Latics boss acknowledged.

“Whatever comes at you, you take on the fight and keep battling.

“And that’s what life’s about – not just football.

“It’s also basic principles, taking one game at a time.

“If you look further ahead than the next game, you come unstuck.

“You can only do it one game at a time, and not be too high, or too low.

“You’ve got to have consistency in your approach, consistency in how you view things, consistency in how you talk to players, and the way they think about games.

“Otherwise you get the yo-yo effect, and that breeds inconsistency in performances.”