How does manager mark his team?
Lee Johnson has given a brutally honest assessment of the opening third of Latics' campaign in Sky Bet League 1.
"If I was writing a school report, if I were being fair and honest, it would be 'C' and could do better," explained Latics' manager.
Despite the disappointing setback at Notts County in midweek, Johnson (pictured) still believes Latics can look upwards as opposed to beneath them in the table.
Johnson, whose side plays its 15th league game at Bristol City on Saturday, said: "I thought before the Notts County game we had turned the corner, and still believe we have done so.
"A win at Notts County would have proved that and moved us within five points of the play offs.
"I still believe we can chase the play offs if we can get a couple of wins.
"I want to be challenging, though there has to be realism in there when you look at the injuries we have had and our small squad."
Johnson added the main pressure is what he puts on himself.
He explained: "I am a winner and it hurts when we lose and even draw. That's the biggest pressure.
"I don't feel pressure as far as the job is concerned, but my own pressure to be the best I can be and get my group of players to be the best they can be."
Johnson says the potential of his group of players excites him and is convinced he is on the right lines with his blueprint.
He said: "We must all do better because this great town deserves to have a successful football team.
"I want to be the man to deliver that success, and I will given time and support."
"If I was writing a school report, if I were being fair and honest, it would be 'C' and could do better," explained Latics' manager.
Despite the disappointing setback at Notts County in midweek, Johnson (pictured) still believes Latics can look upwards as opposed to beneath them in the table.
Johnson, whose side plays its 15th league game at Bristol City on Saturday, said: "I thought before the Notts County game we had turned the corner, and still believe we have done so.
"A win at Notts County would have proved that and moved us within five points of the play offs.
"I still believe we can chase the play offs if we can get a couple of wins.
"I want to be challenging, though there has to be realism in there when you look at the injuries we have had and our small squad."
Johnson added the main pressure is what he puts on himself.
He explained: "I am a winner and it hurts when we lose and even draw. That's the biggest pressure.
"I don't feel pressure as far as the job is concerned, but my own pressure to be the best I can be and get my group of players to be the best they can be."
Johnson says the potential of his group of players excites him and is convinced he is on the right lines with his blueprint.
He said: "We must all do better because this great town deserves to have a successful football team.
"I want to be the man to deliver that success, and I will given time and support."