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The name in the frame

by Gavin Browne
6/ 8/2008

KELVIN Lomax is set to start at left-back when Latics begin their Coca-Cola League One campaign against Millwall on Saturday.

With John Sheridan apparently no nearer to bringing in a full-back, Lomax appears to be the front runner to play on the left-hand side.

Chris Taylor, Demar Phillips, Lomax and trialist John Hills have all been tried at left-back during pre-season but when asked, Sheridan refused to be drawn on who he would choose to face Kenny Jackett’s visitors on Saturday.

He said: "Everyone knows I’m looking at the left-back position. I wouldn’t say it’s a big problem but I’d still like someone to give us balance. I just think a left-footed player would give a bit more shape to our team. At the moment, there’s only one player who’s going to play left-back (against Millwall) and you know who it is."

Latics will be looking to buck the trend of recent years when they start the season on Saturday.

Sheridan’s two seasons in charge to date have seen the club struggle in the early part of the campaign before steadily progressing up the table during autumn and winter.

In a bid to change that, new physios and new training regimes have come in to try and avoid the club playing catch-up early on. A bigger squad also means there is pressure to perform on the players named in Saturday’s matchday squad.

Sheridan said: "I feel we’ve got everyone fit which is a plus point. I feel as if we’ve got people who want to play in the team and push each other – if someone plays poorly, there’s someone there to step into his shoes. The last two seasons, we haven’t got off to a good start, then for some reason we kick on and go on a good run so I’d like to get off to a winning start against Millwall.  The main thing is we get off to a good start and get three points, which gives everyone a lift. It’s important we get off to a winning start."

Last season’s well documented injury problems meant the likes of Lewis Alessandra and Deane Smalley played more games than they would have anticipated at this stage of their careers.

With a year’s experience behind them, Sheridan is looking for them to kick on with the help of his more senior players.

He said: "I think we’ve got some very good young players but because they’re young, they’re always going to have inconsistency in their game and you’ve got to repeat yourself lots of times. I’m sure they get fed up listening to my voice which is where the more experienced players come in. If I see them doing it on the pitch, it makes my job easier and I’m sure they’ll benefit from hearing a different voice."