BP1960

Don't discount the late signing of a striker who is eligible to play.

There's nothing like a bit of TLC

They're alreading driving him round the bend.

Or see if Jim Fryatt is available, he must still be good in the air

Looks useful, but at 5ft 9ins not the big centre forward/target man needed.

Big Leon Constantine must now be surplus to requirements at Leeds, unfortunately he's out with a broken arm at the moment, but maybe he's still worth considering in the long term.

Strike Showumni off the list. Showumni signing for .....

Remember, when Latics get a draw it also takes 2 points away out of a possible 3 from the opposition.

It's worth a bet that without Hughes in team on Saturday Davies scores the first goal.

Hopefully, composure will come with age.

I'll take that as a yes for McCammon

Don't underestimate fans knowledge of the game, many have a good eye for a player and can make shrewd assessments of tactics after watching matches at all levels over several years. In fact having worked in the game I can say for certain some are more knowledgeable than so called professionals. Another fact is many clubs often aren't aware of good players on their own doorstep never mind out of the area. Here' an insight into one managers remarks to his chief scout; Manager (desperate for a midfield general): Do you know any ball artists ? Scout (in jest): The Dutchman Van Gogh was an artist. Manager (serious): Ok, go see him play and give me a full report. Scout: He's dead now boss. Manager(storms off): You're useless..why didn't you tell me about him earlier !

Anyone fancy one of these big centre forwards at Latics, none it seems are catching their respective first teams at the moment ? Kim Christensen Enoch Showunmi Mark Mc Cammon

Maybe a swap + cash for Andy Welsh.

Shez should have played and Slade would have had to say that twice

Watching Latics over the years is like being on the big dipper, some can't stand the bumps and prefer a nice armchair TV ride, but others take the the ups and downs in their stride and keep coming back for more live action.

If they were young men today they would have been playing for Grays Athletic in the Conference... and Gillingham would sign them all.

No matter how many signings are made there's no guarantee of success, bringing in quality rather than quantity is the best option IMO.

I don't know about Latics, but a lot of clubs now sign players on agents recommendations. That's not a scouting policy IMO.

It would be interesting to know how many make it after coming from non league to the football league in ratio to football league clubs youth team players drifting into non league ?

Unfortunately many of the better non league players are in the South...mainly due to the number of Southern based teams dominating the Conference. However, they can still be found in the North West, they need to be given a chance, even if it's only on a trial basis. I remember recommending Simon Hackney to one of the clubs I scouted for when he was playing for Woodley Sports, but they said no. He's now shining for Carlisle United and could be a Championship player next season. Ironically, Latics could now do with a left winger just like him.

It's current on the field displays now that count for me, many players have underachieved with previous clubs only to come good later (Fitz Hall for example). Oli is not an out and out goalscorer, but very mobile and dangerous....certainly not a southern softie. Denis Oli

Has anyone noticed how promising young players from Manchester United and Manchester City move either on loan or permanently far and wide throughout the country ? The latest is Febian Brandy of Man U to Swansea..what's wrong with Latics, Brandy won't be on big wages surely ? Brandy

I see Gillingham have signed on a permanent basis another from non League..striker Denis Oli from Grays Athletic. I've seen him this season, he's big and quick, a real handful for defences - so watch out on Tuesday Latics. A very good capture IMO..and he won't be on £7,000 a week.

Although Latics are my first love I have never actually scouted for them. The reason is I have connections in the Midlands and worked for clubs which required scouts outside their local areas for player and match assessments. The current crop of youngsters are fine and next season should see a marked improvement as long as they are willing to improve their skills and show a determination to succeed. That is the key.