Pump up the volume

Last updated : 17 January 2003 By Paul Farrington
Ellington and Roberts - the likely front two
The JJB Stadium has at times been on the quiet side this season despite Latics' surge to the top of the Second Division.

And de Vos believes an increase in noise from the stands would greatly assist the players as they push for promotion.

"It would nice if there was a louder atmosphere for home games," said the centre-half who hopes Latics can make it 21 league games unbeaten tomorrow.

"During the cup games this season, the fans have shown what a great atmosphere we can have here.

"Hopefully it can be the same for league games because we are in a great position and want to kick on further.

"The supporters who do come are fantastic and that can been seen by the backing we get at away games.

"The travelling support is magnificent and they get right behind the team which gives everyone a boost.

"I think that is why we have such a good record of results away from home."

Latics go into tomorrow's game nine points clear of second placed Oldham following 10 consecutive league victories and 20 unbeaten.

And de Vos says there will be no let-up from the squad as they aim to stay well clear of the chasing pack.

The Canadian said: "We know that if we win the rest of our games, we will get promoted, simple as that. It is up to everyone else to catch us, and we have to carry on doing what we have done so far.

"We are not going to start setting ourselves targets because something like that could come back on us."

Latics are expected to be unchanged tomorrow with Nathan Ellington recovered from a shoulder injury which has hindered him in the last couple of games.

Visitors Colchester were the last team to triumph over the table toppers in league action and manager Paul Jewell believes that fact adds a little more spice to the proceedings.

He said: "If I was Steve Whitton (Colchester manager) I would be telling my team we have played three times in the last year and won two of them and drawn the other.

"They are a bit of a bogey team for us, but we have laid similar bogey teams to rest this season with wins against Port Vale and Blackpool.

"Hopefully we can do it again with Colchester, although anyone who thinks it will be easy can think again.

"People might say it is a home banker but plenty of those have gone bust in the past.

"We will drum it into the players that for the remaining 20 games, they have to produce more often than not what they have done for the last 26."
"Complacency isn't a problem although it is part of life.

"It is my job and the job of my staff to make sure we don't get complacent."
Jewell says he wouldn't be surprised if Colchester adopt a defensive policy tomorrow to try and stop Latics.

He said: "If they come here and get a point, it's a great result for them. So I don't expect them to come and attack us, instead they'll try and frustrate us like many teams do and get people behind the ball."

Article from the Wigan Evening Post.