Wigan Athletic manager Gary Caldwell praised the youthful energy of his squad after they secured their first League One points of the season with a 3-0 victory over MK Dons this week. The win ended a run of three consecutive defeats and lifted the Tics off the bottom of the table.
Jensen Weir scored twice, with captain Max Power adding a spectacular volley to complete the scoring. Fraser Murray also hit the post and had another effort cleared off the line in a dominant display. The result leaves Wigan Athletic 24th in League One with 3 points from five games, having scored 5 goals and conceded 11 so far this season.
What did the young players contribute?
Summer signings Charlie Gray, aged 20, and 18-year-old Brad Burrowes both made their senior debuts in the match. Seventeen-year-old Reggie Walsh also impressed after coming off the bench, demonstrating the club's commitment to integrating academy talent. Caldwell highlighted this approach as central to the team's identity moving forward. "I think you can see already, we want to be a young, free-flowing team," the manager said.
The injection of youth wasn't limited to outfield players. Deadline day signing Joe Whitworth, a goalkeeper brought in from Crystal Palace, was included in the matchday squad. Veteran goalkeeper Joe Walsh reportedly took the new arrival's inclusion incredibly well, showcasing a positive squad atmosphere. You can view the full squad details on our squad page.
How important was this first win?
Getting points on the board was vital for a team that had started the campaign with three losses. Caldwell acknowledged the significance while focusing on the bigger picture. "It's obviously important to get your first points on the board," he stated. "But it's also important when you're a new team that you build an identity that you think will last for 46 games."
The victory provides a platform ahead of a daunting next fixture. Wigan Athletic travel to face league leaders Sheffield Wednesday on September 12th. The gap to the top is currently 9 points, making the upcoming match a significant challenge. Fans can follow the team's progress in the standings.
What are the immediate challenges ahead?
The defensive solidity shown against MK Dons, resulting in a clean sheet, will need to be replicated against stronger opposition. The team's recent form reads LWLLL, highlighting the inconsistency they must address. With a negative goal difference of -6, tightening up at the back remains a priority.
Building on this performance is the immediate task. The manager believes the exuberance of the younger players is a positive sign for the long season ahead. The next test comes quickly, with the away trip to Sheffield Wednesday offering a chance to measure progress against the division's best. The full schedule is available on our fixtures page. Wigan Athletic face Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on September 12, 2026.
