Manager reflects on Carabao Cup progress as Latics secure penalty shootout victory over Hull City.

Leam Richardson | “We’re making small steps and that was encouraging”
Latics manager on penalty shootout victory over Hull City
Richardson: “I thought the lads were fantastic; we asked the lads to be versatile and play in various positions and I thought a few of them were excellent tonight within that role.”

Wigan Athletic manager Leam Richardson was pleased to see his side make “small steps” in the right direction as Latics defeated Hull City 8-7 on penalties to progress into the Second Round of the Carabao Cup.

Reflecting post-match with Latics TV, Richardson said:

“I thought the lads were fantastic; we asked the lads to be versatile and play in various positions and I thought a few of them were excellent tonight within that role.

“First and foremost, we’re made up with the result with the lads having to fill in, in different positions.

“We’re still learning, we’re still in the infancy of everything we’re trying to do and over the last eight weeks we have had to put 14, 15 lads out there – who are training hard every day – to try and learn a new system and each other’s emotional reactions to things, they’re making small steps and that was encouraging tonight.

“That was the second game these lads have played together tonight, competitively, and the more games we play, more games we can iron out and adjust and get used to, then there will be more to come.”

Leam handed late debuts to James Carragher and Kieran Lloyd – both Latics academy graduates – having given a debut and first start to Wiganer Scott Smith, with the U23 captain shining at the KCOM Stadium.

“It was a great experience for some of the young lads; congratulations to James Carragher and Kieran Lloyd on their debuts,” Richardson said.

“Scott was excellent; these young lads are supporting a newly-formed, small squad at the minute and they’re supporting it really well and working tirelessly.”

Leam Richardson | “We’re making small steps and that was encouraging”