Rallying call from Wigan Athletic boss after Coventry disruption

The scheduled fixture has been called off due to the playing surface at the Coventry Building Society Arena being deemed 'unsafe'.

And the Latics boss admits it's something Latics will just have to take on the chin.

"Listen, that's obviously a disappointment, with the fixture being cancelled," he said.

"Nobody wanted that, but I'm sure Coventry have a lot of issues they need to iron out, and it won't be for the want of trying.

"There will be a lot of people working very hard behind the scenes to try and rectify what's going on, but it's one of those things.

"We just have to adapt, we'll overcome and we'll move on."

Richardson also says the possibility of switching the fixture to the DW Stadium was a non-starter due to the time constraints.

"I think it was looked at slightly," he said. "But with the logistics...the policing, the rugby - we certainly don't want to see our pitch looking the same - selling tickets so late...it's a tough one.

"That conversation is above my grade - when somebody tells me there's a game to prepare for, that's what I'll be focusing on."

The decision came after Coventry's opening home game of the campaign against Rotherham was postponed, and their home Carabao Cup tie against Bristol City was switched to Burton's Pirelli Stadium.

An EFL statement read: “The decision follows the commissioning of an independent report by an internationally established group of sports turf experts to fully examine the current condition of the pitch.

“After a full and thorough evaluation, the league has been advised that playing on the surface in its existing state would pose a risk to players and match officials.

“In addition, the report confirmed that there is no maintenance work possible that would make the pitch safe in time for Tuesday’s game.

“The league will now consider the circumstances of both postponements before determining what course of action could be taken in accordance with the regulations and will also remain in regular dialogue with the club over the work required to make the pitch safe and playable as soon as is practically possible.”