Gary Caldwell hopes the tragic passing of goalkeeping coach Kevin Miller can bring Wigan Athletic together in the long term.
The manager reflected on the 57-year-old's sudden loss, which came after Miller joined the club from Exeter City over the summer.
"Football is the most important thing of the least important things in life," Caldwell said.
He added, "I think, in time, this will bring us even more together."
The club paid tribute to Miller before and during their recent home defeat to Wycombe Wanderers, a 1-0 loss on September 19. The team has since responded with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Blackpool, moving them off the bottom of the table.
Wigan Athletic currently sit 24th in League One with 4 points from 7 games. Their next challenge is a home fixture against 17th-placed Mansfield Town on October 3, a side they beat 2-1 in their last meeting in April.
The goalkeeping department, which Miller was brought in to oversee, includes first-choice Joe Whitworth and experienced deputy Joe Walsh. Youngsters Tom Watson and Matteo Spinelli are also part of the group developing under the club's guidance.
Caldwell's immediate focus is on channeling the collective emotion into their on-field performances. The recent win over Blackpool, which featured goals from Connor Barrett, Scott Hogan and Fraser Murray, showed a fighting spirit the manager will want to sustain.
The squad faces Mansfield Town at the DW Stadium in their next league outing.
Read the full report at Wigan Today
