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Club News

Johnson and Harkins on Walsall and Vale

16 January 2014

Club News

Johnson and Harkins on Walsall and Vale

16 January 2014

Lee Johnson held a press conference this morning at Boundary Park prior to Saturday's visit to Port Vale.

The Latics gaffer and attacking midfielder Gary Harkins also spoke about Tuesday's defeat at Walsall. 

Johnson on Tuesday's defeat:

"We conceded what wasn't a very good goal and then failed to take our chances. Having looked back at the game we played very well and lost, but we have said this four or five times this season and we need to look into why this is. Maybe we just need to add a little more urgency into the early part of the game.

"The real problem is that we need to finish when have the chances, it's as simple as that. We have defended well against both Stevenage and Walsall but we all know that you need to punish teams when you are on top" 

On Port Vale:

"We have no additional injury issues after Tuesday plus we have the possibility that David Worrall is back in training and could be an option. We are hopeful that he will at least be in the squad.

"Vale are a good side with a good manager, especially at this level, having won promotion several times. I expect them to be a mixture of our last two opponents. They can be physical and direct but they can also play. We will have to compete with that and make sure we play our game too.

On Player movement:

"Cliff Byrne went up to Ross County earlier in the week but he is back now. We are keeping a close tab on the availability of players but at this time there is nobody coming in or going out. There are a lot of free agents out there but there are also players that are hanging on. What normally happens is that the real activity starts towards the end of the transfer window"

Gary Harkins also spoke to Latics Player:

"I am really enjoying being here, the lads have really made me welcome, the three games have shown that we can play good football and playing in my favoured position as attacking midfielder has made it more enjoyable.

"It was a good start for me making my debut at Anfield where I believe that we should have had a penalty when Jordan Henderson pushed me over in the box. I think we have been unlucky in the games we haven't won, especially the other night when we should have had three points, not to get a draw was hard, but to lose the game was even worse. But there a lot of positives to take from the way we have played.

"Vale will be tough, they are a good side, but we are confident that we can go there and get the three points"

The Press Conference videos will be on Latics Player later today and our Port Vale v Latics match preview will be on the website tomorrow.


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