Hutchings happy with spirit
23 Jul 2007 - 09:55:47
Wigan Athletic manager Chris Hutchings is satisfied with the way his new signings have settled into life at the JJB Stadium after watching his side beat Den Bosch 2-0 in their latest pre-season friendly.
The Latics boss has brought in Jason Koumas, Carlo Nash, Andreas Granqvist, Mario Melchiot, Antoine Sibierski and Titus Bramble already this summer, and is pleased with their progress.
Hutchings told the club's official website: "It's always hard coming into a new club, especially if you don't know any of the other players.
"But one of the things that has always been true of my time at Wigan is that the team has bonded well and thrived on being closely-knit.
"Team spirit will always be something which makes a difference here, and I know that the new guys have been welcomed into the group.
"I know it's a bit of a cliche but results are not particularly significant at this stage of the season, except that no manager is ever happy unless his side wins.
"This week was always going to be about fitness levels, seeing the lads in a match situation and really stepping up the pre-season programme.
"Next week we come back to England and the pace of the games against the likes of Blackpool and Halifax will be that much quicker.
"Both of those sides will feel there is something to play for against a Premiership side and I hope there is a bit more bite to the games, which will do us good."