Latics manager Paul Dickov has lifted the lid on the unrealistic personal demands of out-of-work footballers wanting to move to Boundary Park.

Dickov also believes many will price themselves out of the game unless they lower their monetary sights.

He said: "There are more players than ever who are out of contract. We have spoken to some pre-season but we couldn't get anywhere near what they were asking for.

"I am sure some of those who have priced themselves out previously will probably be thinking they will need a reality check.

"They need to be more realistic as we have seen here with the likes of Warren Feeney and Ritchie Jones who have come here for less money because they wanted to play for us and it was important they enjoyed their football."

Dickov disclosed that one un-named player told him he was desperate to play for Latics and then demanded £5,000 per week adding that is not untypical of what some players are looking to earn.

While that is a drop in the ocean in terms of the salaries of Premier League footballers, Dickov says it is a fortune for a club like Latics to pay.

Now the season has kicked off, Dickov added that he is being inundated with calls from desperate agents who have players without clubs and wanting Latics to give them trials.

He added they are often from the same agents who previously rejected his moves to take players of trial saying that was "disrespectful" to the individiual.

"I need to have a look at players in training because there is no way I am going to sign anybody after watching them on a DVD," he explained.