Gregor Rioch | "The break in games has been a good opportunity for us to reset."
Gregor discusses Latics' clash with Oxford United, the latest team news updates and sharing his pride at how the club's young players have taken on first team responsibilities.
Rioch: “The players have been buoyant and happy and looking forward to playing football after the break.”

Wigan Athletic academy manager Gregor Rioch told Latics TV that the opportunity to press the reset button following a break in the fixture programme has been refreshing for Latics ahead of their Sky Bet League One clash with Oxford United on Saturday.

Working with Leam Richardson and Frankie Bunn, Gregor has prepared the team for Saturday’s clash with Karl Robinson’s side and he says there has been a good energy about training this week.

“It’s been a very good week after an extra few days break from our last game against Tranmere and it was a good opportunity to have a reset really,” Gregor said.

“We came in on Monday morning and the players and staff had a good discussion together about what we wanted going forwards as a group.

“We have felt the energy all week and I think each day has been great; the players have been buoyant and happy and looking forward to playing football after the break.

“We have had a heavy period of games and I think with some of the results that come with it, it makes things a little tougher but having the break has given some a bit of family time and a chance to reflect on where we are and get on with working towards three points on Saturday.”

And Gregor and the staff have been boosted by the return to fitness of a number of senior players ahead of the clash with Oxford.

“Matty Palmer was cup tied so he is available and Curtis Tilt, Joe Garner, Gavin Massey, Jamie Jones and Dan Gardner are available for selection,” Gregor explained. “That gives us strength and experience in the group.

“Lee Evans and Kal Naismith are working hard and doing well; the medical staff are doing overtime with them to get them back fit and available as soon as possible. This weekend will probably come too soon for them but we will be looking forward to getting them back in the near future.

“Will Keane will be out for a few weeks and that’s a real shame because he popped up with a goal and a good performance against Tranmere, so he’ll be missed.”

Oxford sit two points ahead of Latics having played a game fewer after losing 2-0 to Crewe Alexandra in midweek and Gregor added that Karl Robinson’s side will be coming to the DW looking for a reaction, something he and the players will be wary of.

“Karl Robinson is a very good manager and he has great experience,” Gregor continued. “His teams have always played good football and they’ll be disappointed with the result against Crewe earlier in the week.

“They’ll be looking for a big reaction and we’ll have to be prepared for that.”

It’s the first time Latics TV has caught up with Gregor this season and the academy manager spoke with great pride about how many of his young players have adapted to being handed their first team opportunities this season.

“It has been unbelievable for myself as the academy manager and for all of the coaches who work relentlessly through the evenings, both part time and full time, it’s been a great period to see the young players turning into young men,” Gregor said.

“They have been sent in the deep end at times but that is where we are; they always crave opportunity and they’ve had that and they’re grabbing that.

“With good guidance from some of our senior professionals, they are grasping and understanding the difference between academy football and the 23s and the first team.”

Gregor Rioch | "The break in games has been a good opportunity for us to reset."