It's vital we stay in this division, says Dean
Dean Furman returned to training today and issued a rallying cry as Latics enter the final third of the season in the relegation places in npower League One.Latics' captain has been away for the last month at the African Cup of Nations where he helped hosts South Africa reach the semi finals.
Furman said: "It is not nice to look at the league table and we have to put things right in the next 16 matches. We know the task ahead of us, and it is a difficult one.
"We have good players and, whoever is picked, must put in good performances so we can get the wins we need.
"It is vital for the football club we stay in the division."
Furman revealed he kept up to date with events at Boundary Park during his absence by regularly logging on to the official website.
It was from the website he learned Latics had signed Chris Iwelumo, Lee Barnard, Jordan Obita and Paul Murray.
He said: "We have added four players and hopefully they will add experience to the squad.
"I am looking forward to playing and training with them.
"Lee scored on his debut which is a good sign. Hopefully that is the first of many goals."
Caretaker manager Tony Philliskirk hopes to have Furman available for Saturday's home game against Milton Keynes Dons.
He said: "Dean has played a lot of games in difficult weather conditions and also done a lot of travelling.
"We will monitor him in training and see how he is in the next 24/48 hours before deciding on his involvement in Saturday's game."