Pride in the Wigan Athletic shirt is what we're about, says Leam Richardson

It’s been a difficult few months for Latics, who kick-off against Plymouth this afternoon in the League One relegation zone.

But even taking to the field and fighting for the badge represents a huge achievement given the events of this summer that plunged the club into crisis.

Which is why Richardson is rightly remaining positive despite four defeats in a row.

“We knew we had a tough start looking at the fixtures, and we know Plymouth will give us another good test,” he said.

“But we will be prepared for it, we’ve had all the stuff through from the analysts, and we’ll be as professional as we can with the tools we have to work with.

“We approach every game trying to win, and trying to give a good account of ourselves.

“But we’ve all got an opportunity to be part of a football club that the town can be proud of, albeit even if results will be indifferent for a time.

“We’ve still only got maybe six or seven senior registered players who are our own at the minute.

“Some are on short-term contracts, some are on loan, and there’s a lot of young lads who are experiencing this maybe 12 months too early.

“All we can do is be as professional as possible and try to represent Wigan as best we can.”

In the opposition technical area is Ryan Lowe, who Richardson – and Paul Cook, a close friend – are more than familiar with.

“I know Lowey well, he was on Pro-Licence with myself,” revealed Richardson.

“He’s an up-and-coming manager who’s had a couple of good years with Bury and now Plymouth.

“We’ll be expecting a good, engaging game from them - but they will also be expecting the same from ourselves.”