Steve Robinson was pleased with the first 60 minutes of yesterday’s game against Huddersfield Town but admits there is a lot more work to do in terms of fitness before the big kick off in August.
Two goals in the final 20 minutes from Huddersfield Town’s Harry Bunn and Jack Payne won the game for the Terriers and Robinson admits there is long way to go for his team.
“In terms of the performance in the first half, we were organised and they bought into what we have done, albeit in three days work, so there were pleasing aspects.
“Their work rate and energy in terms of where they are with fitness was very good and we know Huddersfield are a couple of weeks ahead of us in games and fitness.
“It was pleasing for 60 minutes, obviously we didn’t want to lose the game but there were lots of learning curves for the youngsters on the pitch at the end and we’ll work on that."
There were plenty of new faces in the Oldham Athletic team, but the manager felt they performed well despite little training.
“I thought all the new signings did well,” Robinson admitted. “The goalkeeper, Jamie Reckord and Marc Klok were very good considering they have only trained for two days.
"Ryan Flynn has trained for two days without doing any pre-season, Josh Law has trained for four days but that’s where we are in terms of fitness. We are pleased with the side.
“Billy Mckay has done well and he looked sharper than anyone else because he’s already trained at Wigan for two weeks and Lee Erwin has only had three days under his belt so we’ll keep getting better, keep improving and I can assure you they will get fitter.”
One man who put in an excellent shift in the second half was Lee Croft: “Lee came on and did really well,” said the gaffer.
“Lee is on a month-to-month contract at the moment and we have asked him to play our way and work hard and that’s what he is doing so that’s so far, so good."
Watch the full interview on Latics PlayerHD.