Wigan Athletic chief calls for 'some reality' ahead of expected deadline-day drama
Gary Caldwell was spending the last few hours of the summer transfer window desperately trying to bolster his Wigan Athletic squad - while appealing for 'some reality' regarding the disappointing start to the season.
Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Wimbledon means Latics remain pointless after three league games, in addition to being dumped out of the Carabao Cup in the first round at Barnsley.
The Latics boss was pleased with most aspects of the performance against the Dons, but the team was left to count the cost of some woeful finishing before conceding another poor goal with two minutes left.
While some sections of the fanbase are already reaching for the panic button, Caldwell instead called for calm.
"We're only three games into the season, and I think we need some reality here," he said. "We need an understanding of where we are as a football club.
"This is not a sprint, it's a marathon. We know we need to win more games, but we also know it's a new group and certain things are going against us.
"We can't be standing here after every defeat saying everything's rubbish, the same as when we win I will never pretend that everything is perfect.
"Of course I understand the fans' frustration, but they need to stick with us and keep believing in what they're seeing.
"We need them to try to suck that ball into the net because, at the moment, we need something to go right for us. It's a harsh lesson, but we have to learn quickly."
Caldwell hoped to be busy leading up to Tuesday's 11pm deadline, with Latics hopeful of concluding a permanent deal for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Joe Whitworth.
His search for striking reinforcements threw up the name of Aston Villa youngster Bradley Burrowes, amid reports of a season-long loan.
And Latics are also in for Exeter City defender Luca Woodhouse, who was left out of the Grecians' squad at the weekend following 'interest from another club'.
Morgan Fox was another left out at the weekend, with MK Dons and Luton Town rumoured to be eyeing a late move for the Latics defender, while midfielder Ronan Darcy has been available for transfer since the end of last term.