Masterstroke substitutions do the trick

Last updated : 11 August 2008 By The Chairman
John Sheridan played a masterstroke on Saturday to bring his team back from a 1-3 deficit to win the remarkable season opening game against Millwall. The introduction of Danny Whitaker, Lee Hughes and Lewis Alessandra had the desired effect and earned the Latics all three points in a 4-3 victory.

He commented, "I bet it was great for the neutrals. We've been working hard for seven or so weeks and then concede goals which were really, really pembarassing. Millwall weren't a better side than us and we didn't play well, but to keep it short and sweet the subs changed the game. To come back from 3-1 down was excellent and the three subs gave us the lift we needed. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes I wonder why I am a manager because it just ages you!"

"When their third goal went in you think the game's all but over, but the penalty came at the right time and Danny Whitaker was excellent for us when he came on. When Danny came on he got us going and we really started moving the ball quickly. All of a sudden we were taking care of the ball and causing them problems - the three subs should take the thanks for that. We've shown a lot of character in coming back but we can't switch on and off because most of the time teams don't get back in the game at 3-1 down."