Magnus Norman believes Latics need to aim high, but not underestimate the challenge ahead, as the squad prepares for Torquay United on Saturday.
The 25-year-old, who joined Latics from Carlisle United after rejecting the option of a contract extension, says he’s settled in well and is happy to be working with Steve Collis again.
“I came in just over a month ago and I’ve got on really well with everyone.”
“I’ve been made to feel really welcome, and it always helps when you know a few of the players already. I worked with Steve (Collis) at Carlisle, so it’s good to be working with him again.”
Having played the vast majority of minutes during pre-season, Magnus was delighted to be back on the pitch.
“I’ve really enjoyed being out there, getting games and minutes under my belt has been great.
“Playing games is vital for me as no player wants to be sat on the bench and I’m no different.
“We haven’t had the results we would have wanted, but I think we’ve seen some good parts of our game, and we’ve definitely improved each game, so I’m looking forward to the season.”
As a player who’s played in the National League before, with Southport in 2016, Magnus knows what this league is about, and thinks Latics have what it takes to compete.
“It’ll be a tough league, there’s no doubt about that.
“There are some really good teams, and some really good players in this league, and the quality improves each year.
“I think we’ve got to be ready for a fight and battle each week. Set pieces are going to be massive, as are throw-ins and second balls.
“I don’t think it’ll be as easy as some people might think, but I think the lads will stand up to the challenge.
“When you’re a newly-relegated side, you can’t look anywhere other than being in and around the play-offs, that’s the way you’ve got to look at it.
“You’ve got to aim as high as you can and hopefully get a bit of luck. The aim obviously is to be at the right end of the table and get promoted.”
As Latics travel to Devon on Saturday to take on Torquay United, Norman thinks it’ll be a tough opening fixture.
“I’m looking forward to Saturday, it should be a nice day down by the seaside.
“Seriously though, the game will be tough, it’ll be our first game at this level and we need to be ready for it. Teams in this league will be looking to get a result against us so we have to be at our best.
“They’re a good team, and it should be a good test for us, hopefully we’ll get a positive result and we can kick on from there.”