Wigan Athletic suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at home to Stockport County, prompting manager Gary Caldwell to issue a rallying cry for his young squad. The loss leaves the Latics 24th in the League One table with just three points from five matches, a full nine points behind leaders Sheffield Wednesday.
What happened in the match against Stockport?
Stockport County delivered a devastating first-half performance at the DW Stadium, scoring three times within the opening 21 minutes. Wigan Athletic were unable to recover from that early onslaught and conceded a fourth goal in the final minute of the game. The home side did manage to hit the post during the second half, but it was a rare positive moment in a difficult afternoon. This result adds to a concerning start to the season, with the team having scored only five goals while conceding eleven.
What did Gary Caldwell say after the game?
Speaking to Wigan Today, the manager was frank in his assessment. "It's never nice to lose, it's never nice to lose at home, it's never nice to lose to that margin," Gary Caldwell said. He described his team as "a young group that is developing" and stressed the importance of the learning process. Caldwell's central message was one of resilience and application. "If everyone learns from moments like this, then that's the only way this team, this club, is going to get better," he stated. He urged his players to leave the stadium with their heads held high and return to work determined to improve.
Why did the tactical change fail?
Caldwell took responsibility for a formation switch that backfired. He changed the system from a 3-5-2 to a 4-2-3-1 setup, aiming for greater attacking pressure. The plan required the front four to be "really aggressive," but the energy levels were not there. "We didn't have the energy to press," Caldwell admitted, labeling the change one that "did not work." He pointed to the demanding schedule for younger players like 17-year-old Reggie Walsh, who had played Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday for the first time. "He just didn't have the energy," Caldwell explained, highlighting the physical demands on a developing squad. You can view the full squad details, including ages and appearances, on our dedicated page.
What is the reality for Wigan Athletic now?
The manager called for acceptance of "the reality of League One" following this setback. With the team positioned at the foot of the standings, the need for rapid improvement is clear. Caldwell emphasized that the players must be "desperate for the opportunity to do something about it." The immediate focus shifts to a daunting next fixture: an away trip to face league leaders Sheffield Wednesday on September 12th. This match presents a formidable challenge but also a chance for a statement response. Fans can follow the build-up to that game and the rest of the season's fixtures on our site. The final whistle at the DW Stadium marked a low point, but the work to climb the table begins now.
