What the managers thought

Last updated : 20 May 2007 By The Chairman
John Sheridan was proud of his players and felt that did all they could in the play-off semi-finals. He told Latics World, "We can take a lot of positives out of this season as a whole. It was a great achievement to get in the play-offs, but I'm disappointed to have lost as I like winning and would have loved to have taken this club and the players to Wembley. I was very happy with the lads' commitment today, and I'm very proud of them. We had a real go at Blackpool and took the game to them in the first half. At the end of the day a sloppy first goal has cost us, and then you're always left with a mountain to climb. We still had a go after that, but I just think it was a little too much to chase."

"I haven't seen the decisions properly so I can't comment on them, but I believe one or two of the decisions were a bit dodgy. If they are I'll be having a word with the referee. People are telling me that Andy's goal was onside, and if that one had been allowed I think it would've been a different game. We've had an excellent season, and it's great to have made the play-offs at the end of my first one in charge. Obviously I'd have loved to win and I don't like losing. I thought we were in with a great chance of promotion to the Championship but it just wasn't to be. The supporters have been brilliant this season and have got right behind us. I'd love to give them something to shout about and take this club further."

Shez's counterpart, Simon Grayson said, "We've proved this season by taking 4,000 to Oldham, 3,000 to Huddersfield and 1,000 to Yeovil that we've got some good support. It's a good catchment area all waiting for some success and we've given the fans something to cheer about this year, they've backed us and hopefully by next weekend we're back in the Championship where we belong. It's a fantastic achievement by everybody connected at the club, the fans, the players, it's been a big task for everybody. We'll all have a drink, back to work Tuesday and try and finish the job off on Sunday."