I think we have been unlucky - Latics' manager
Lee Johnson believes a change of fortune is long overdue as Latics prepare for tomorrow’s home Sky Bet League 1 match against Crewe Alexandra.
Latics' manager has been frustrated by the hard-luck stories in the opening part of the 2013/14 campaign.
Johnson said: "I think we have been unlucky in the decisions which have gone against us in recent weeks.
"We hope that turns – perhaps fans ought to bring a candle to the game to get rid of that hoodoo.
"We have a good bunch of players who I believe in and I know we are only going to get better. They are young, hungry and mobile players who are good footballers and it is exciting times.
"We get these little turn in fortunes, but I am sure we will soon put a run together."
Latics' manager believes it is rare that a new team hits the ground running and puts together a run like Leyton Orient who have won their first seven league games.
He continued: "It is blending and we know it is a project.
"Of course I hoped we had more points at this stage and I think we probably deserve more.
"What we have to do is create a good environment which is conducive to improvement which we are getting on well with that from the backroom staff, office staff to the media.
"We all believe we are heading in the right direction and look at the long-term picture of what good health the club is in."
Johnson believes tomorrow has the ingredients of being an interesting match involving two teams which play football the right way, but who have both made disappointing starts.
He said: "It is going to be an intense game as both teams are desperate to get the three points.
"Both teams will feel they have been unlucky and deserve more points than they have."
Latics' manager got a close-up look at Crewe earlier this year when he trained at the club for a spell following his departure from Kilmarnock.
Johnson added Crewe manager Steve Davis, who is a neighbour of him in Cheshire, helped Latics last season.
He said: "Steve helped the club a lot last season which I am appreciative. He provided scouting reports at a time when we didn’t have scouts.
"I leaned on him and there is a lot of respect so there won’t be a Steve Evans moment with someone like Steve Davis because there is a lot of respect for him.”
LAST MEETINGSLAST MATCHES
December 29th, 2012: Latics 1, Crewe 2
October 2nd, 2012: Crewe 0, Latics 2
League One
Saturday, September 14th: Crewe 0, Walsall 3
Saturday, September 14th: Rotherham 3, Latics 2
League One
TEAM NEWSTICKET PRICES
Crewe midfield man Anthony Grant is a former Latics’ loanee while Latics’ manager Lee Johnson had a spell training with the Railwaymen earlier this year after leaving Kilmarnock.
CONNECTIONS
Adam Rooney (3) for Latics. Harry Davis (2), Chuks Aneke (2) and Ryan Colclough (2) for Crewe.
TOP SCORERS
Ryan Colclough, Crewe’s young attacking midfield player, has produced some eye-catching displays.
MAN TO WATCH
Latics have James Tarkowski and James Dayton back after injury while David Mellor starts a three-match ban. Crewe’s Mathias Pogba is out long term while Ryan Colclough is an injury doubt.
George Hill Main Stand Upper: Adults £20, concessions £10
George Hill Main Stand Lower: Adults £19, concessions £9
Ambulant disabled and wheelchair users are £20 with free carer.
Zen Office Chaddy End: Adults £20, concessions £10, under-12's £5.
The Verlin Stand: Adults £20, concessions £10, under-12's £5.