Players spend three days in Army
Latics' squad today become squadies as they began a three-day trip to the Army's Altcar Training Camp.And it was a baptism of fire as they will be burning the midnight oil.
They won't be completing today's sessions in Southport until late as night time navigation manoeuvres are taking places after darkness.
And after a few hours sleep in dormitory-style accommodation, the players will receive a 6am call to resume duties.
Today began with a 1.5mile run and physical tests with Army PT instructors which was followed by combat training and tackling an assault course.
Tomorrow and Thursday will see more accustomed football training along with other activities aimed at improving fitness and also team building.
Manager Lee Johnson has set his goals from three days of intense activity.
He said: "It will be hard, but there will also be fun things to do.
"I want the lads to push themselves 100-per-cent.
"I also want them to appreciate what soldiers do for us and how hard they train and put bodies and lives on the line, something we can become blase about.
"We also have a lot of newcomers and it will be a chance for them to bond so they can look their team mates in the eye and trust them to give everything to win a football match."