Off-field woes 'seeping through' to the field, admits Wigan Athletic chief

Latics slipped a place to second-bottom of League One - with the worst goal difference in the third tier - after being blown away by a side they thrashed 8-0 only seven months ago.

Since then, of course, everything has changed for Richardson and Latics.

And despite a promising opening quarter, when they were unfortunate not to lead, they had no answer as Mallik Wilks (3), Josh Magennis and Keane Lewis-Potter netted for the Tigers.

"I thought for the first half an hour we were good value, but the first goal knocked the stuffing out of us," said Richardson.

"It reflects where we're at just now...ball into the box, shot goes through your goalkeeper's legs, you're a goal down...and you're scratching your head.

"It's been my job and our job to try to keep matters off the pitch away from the pitch.

"But you're very conscious that a few of them are maybe seeping through at the moment.

"It's well documented what's happened here over the last few months...since Stoke at home last year all we've been doing is taking punches.

"Everybody's energy levels are dipping by the day, and it's up to me to keep everyone going.

"Having said that, we're an experienced group now - albeit not in terms of games played recently - and there's enough in there to ensure results like tonight don't happen.

Latics' cause wasn't helped by losing centre-back Scott Wootton at half-time.

"His missus is in hospital, they're expecting a baby, and we wish them well," Richardson added.

"I'm led to believe everything's okay, so that's obviously the most important thing."

Richardson also confirmed left-back Luke Robinson was dropped to the bench and forward Thelo Aasgaard left out of the 18 to avoid them suffering burn-out due to the hectic schedule.

Latics are next in action at home against League One leaders Lincoln on Saturday.

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