Philliskirk jnr will have to earn it that little bit more
Lee Johnson can appreciate the unique challenges confronted by new-signing Danny Philliskirk as he bids to become a hit with Latics where father Tony is Academy Manager.Latics' manager knows only too well from personal experience what it is like to play at a club where his father is at.
Johnson, who had his father Gary as his manager at Yeovil and Bristol City, said: "It is really hard to come into a club where your dad is at because it is human nature that everybody will chuck the nepotism line at you.
"That is why I have gone the other way to tell Danny he is really going to have to earn a place in the side.
"It is hard for the dad and also hard for the son. The important thing is that the dad says what everybody else is thinking, good and bad.
"That is the key and something my dad was good at."
Johnson has been impressed by the way Philliskirk jnr (pictured), who has signed non-contract terms, has integrated into the squad.
He has scored four goals in the last two reserve-team matches, including a hat trick against Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday.
Johnson said: "Danny has done well scoring four goals in two games. He has certainly knocked on the door and I would like to sign him permanently.
"He has trained really well, is a good lad and has fitted into the group well.
"Danny is different to any other player, though, as he has to earn it that little bit more which is good as far as I am concerned."
He has scored four goals in the last two reserve-team matches, including a hat trick against Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday.
Johnson said: "Danny has done well scoring four goals in two games. He has certainly knocked on the door and I would like to sign him permanently.
"He has trained really well, is a good lad and has fitted into the group well.
"Danny is different to any other player, though, as he has to earn it that little bit more which is good as far as I am concerned."