Oldham boss Paul Dickov spoke to the official Latics website ahead of his side's Carling Cup First Round tie at home to Carlisle this evening, Dickov understandably disappointed after his side lost their opening game of the season 2-0 at Boundary Park against Sheffield United :
"We were all disappointed by Saturday's defeat, but we have to make sure we don't get too downbeat about it. I believe we are a good team and are better than we were last season. I just want the players to realise that. There were a lot of positives to take from the game and we were beaten on the day by a good team which will be up at the top by the end of the season.
"I was disappointed for my players because I know we are a better side than we showed on Saturday. I firmly believe that had we played as I know we can, we could have taken something from the game. I have assessed what happened a lot over the weekend and for 50 minutes we more than matched the Blades and I don't think any team played particularly well in that time.
"Once they went ahead, we switched off for 15/20 minutes during which time we showed naivety and our heads went. But in the last quarter of an hour we were the better side and had the better chances. We talk to the players about game management and managing different situations during different times of the game, and we didn't do that on Saturday after conceding the first goal. When you look at the Sheffield side they have players who have made 200, 300, 400 and 500 appearances and, after they scored, the difference in experience showed.
"We want to win the Carlisle game for lots of reasons, one of which is the fact we have not won a cup game for three years, so we want to win to end that statistic, as well as for the financial boost that a cup run brings. I’ll be playing my strongest team. I know that Greg Abbott will be saying the same as me to his players, Saturday's result has gone, it is a long season and hopefully we can get in the hat for the next round.
"Everybody keeps telling me we have not won a cup game for years so a cup win in any competition is long overdue and it would be nice to book a place in the second round. It will be another tough game for us and I don’t want players feeling sorry for themselves. They have got to realise they are not kids any more — they have got to be men.
"What I like about James Wesolowski is that he is a winner as well as being a very good footballer, and I am delighted to have signed him. He may only be aged 23, but he has a lot of experience and last season was a regular in Peterborough's promotion winning campaign. James is a quality player and he leads by example both on and off the pitch. We believe he will be another good addition to his squad."