Wigan Athletic starlets 'mustn't allow fear to creep in'

That’s according to acting manager Leam Richardson, who admits his ‘hardest task’ has been to shield the youngsters from the pressures of first-team football.

Latics have been forced to fast-track many of their Academy starlets into EFL action, with virtually all of the senior players having been shipped out in recent months.

And Richardson is hoping the ‘sink or swim’ nature of the situation has not had too adverse an effect on their personal development – as players and young people.

“The mantra from us to the young lads is to try to get them to play with no fear,” he said.

“We don’t want them going out there with a fear of failure, a fear of not performing.

“What we want them to give us is that fearless energy, that youthful exuberance.

“Obviously the situation is always there in the background, and it is a thankless task at the minute.

“But what we’re trying to do as management is to take all the worries, all the pressure, all the criticism, and hope the young lads can just go out there and do their best.”

Latics travel to Lincoln City tonight rooted to the foot of the League One table, without a win in 12 matches.

But the performances of the young players – in huge adversity – has been the one spot of light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.

“Some of the young lads have taken to it very well, some have taken time to adjust,” Richardson acknowledged.

“And in some cases you can see that pressure seeping through and affecting them.

“It’s probably the hardest task of all for us (the management), certainly the most frustrating. All we can do is be there for them, and just encourage them to be themselves out there on the pitch.

“They’ve had to learn on the job, but hopefully it will stand them all in good stead in the long run.”

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