Manager looks to turn performances into points
Lee Johnson is confident Latics will halt their losing run tomorrow when Port Vale visit Boundary Park in Sky Bet League 1.Latics' manager has been encouraged by recent displays admitting the margins between success and failure are minute.
"Fact don't lie - we have not won for the last three matches - but we have had some good performances," explained Johnson whose side suffered one-goal losses against Derby, Walsall and Peterborough.
Johnson continued: "If we perform against Port Vale as we did against Peterborough, we won't be far off.
"We have trained well and everything has been good and positive. We have to go out and perform like it means something.
"I genuinely believe we are going in the right direction and I am looking forward to climbing up the league."
Johnson believes newly-promoted Vale will be a threat and was impressed watching the DVD of their win against Bradford City.
He says they are direct in their game which will present obstacles for them to overcome.
Johnson explained they statistical data has shown his team have dominated every game, but they just need to be a touch more savvy in both boxes.
"It is frustrating because I feel we ought to have a few more points than we have, but it is early days," he continued.
Johnson added he is looking for winners explaining he has analysed the points return of the players who have appeared in 20 games or more over the last 18 months.
He said: "It showed exactly who had a good points ratio per game, and it is not high enough.
"Sometimes winners don't have the best games, but they find a way to win which is the key.
"It was interesting to look at the group and find quite a few of the players have a relegation mentality.
He said: "It showed exactly who had a good points ratio per game, and it is not high enough.
"Sometimes winners don't have the best games, but they find a way to win which is the key.
"It was interesting to look at the group and find quite a few of the players have a relegation mentality.
"I have shown them the data and they have to prove to me they don't have a relegation mentality, but a promotion mentality."
And looking ahead, Johnson sees nothing but good believing if he can keep the group together for two years, and add to it, they will be "phenomenal."
And looking ahead, Johnson sees nothing but good believing if he can keep the group together for two years, and add to it, they will be "phenomenal."
LAST MEETING
League One
November 17th, 2007: Latics 1, Port Vale 1
March 1st, 2008: Port Vale 0, Latics 3
LAST MATCH
Sky Bet League 1
September 17th, 2013: Peterborough 2, Latics 1
September 17th, 2013: Port Vale 2, Bradford City 1
TEAM NEWS
Latics welcome back Jonson Clarke-Harris and David Mellor after injury with Carl Winchester the only absentee. For Vale, Rob Taylor is out long term while Joe Davis is unlikely to feature, even though he is back in light training after a knee injury.
MAN TO WATCH
MAN TO WATCH
Defender Chris Robertson was signed from Preston North End in the summer and has produced some eye-catching performances and struck up a great partnership with Carl Dickinson.
TOP SCORERS
Jose Baxter (2) for Latics. Doug Loft (2) for Vale.
CONNECTIONS
Micky Adams was the manager who handed Lee Johnson his first competitive match in professional football for Brighton. Valiants' striker Lee Hughes, now aged 37, needs no introduction as he played at Latics between 2007/09 while Daniel Jones is a former Latics' loanee.
TICKET PRICES
Jose Baxter (2) for Latics. Doug Loft (2) for Vale.
CONNECTIONS
Micky Adams was the manager who handed Lee Johnson his first competitive match in professional football for Brighton. Valiants' striker Lee Hughes, now aged 37, needs no introduction as he played at Latics between 2007/09 while Daniel Jones is a former Latics' loanee.
TICKET PRICES
George Hill Main Stand Upper: Adults £20, concessions £10
George Hill Main Stand Lower: Adults £19, concessions £9
The Verlin Stand: Adults £20, concessions £10, under-12's £5.
Zen Office Chaddy End: Adults £20, concessions £10, under-12's £5.
Ambulant disabled and wheelchair users are £20 with free carer.
Zen Office Chaddy End: Adults £20, concessions £10, under-12's £5.
Ambulant disabled and wheelchair users are £20 with free carer.