LIAM Hogan is ready for Latics to ramp up their pre-season programme, ahead of their first home friendly.

Oldham entertain Championship newcomers Wigan Athletic at Boundary Park tomorrow (kick-off 1pm).

And after making a tentative start in their first of six friendlies, playing out a goalless draw with Northern Premier League side Bamber Bridge, Hogan is keen for the squad to shift through the gears after a full week on the training ground, and prove they can be a force to be reckoned with in the National League.

“I think we need to step up again in terms of where we’re at,” said the defender, who arrived on a free transfer from National League champions Stockport County in the summer.

“We’ve recruited quite well in terms of the numbers we’ve brought in. There could be a couple more, I’m not too sure. But it’s making sure everyone’s at a level playing field and not missed anything so that we get all the details that we need going forward.

“You work hard on and off the ball. I think we could have done a lot more (at Bamber Bridge) when we were on the ball, especially in a game that was half slow-paced. There were a lot of spaces that we got into and at times I’ll be critical of myself as well, technique let us down, so that’s early stages.

“I said to the lads you can’t get too hung up on stuff like that. There will be times this season where that will happen and you need your mate to dig you out.

“We want to build something that’s solid, strong, competitive and the support we received, I can only imagine that against some of the great sides you come up against in the National League, they’re going to be right behind us.”

Looking ahead to the Wigan friendly, Hogan added: “It’s a different environment in the next game and each week will be a different test so hopefully there’ll be time where we can tweak those little bits.

“It’s not being a perfect rounded circle at the start, it’s about building up and making sure of the identity and that all the lads understand.

“The gaffer’s given us a great feeling around the group that it’s going to be a build.

“And in terms of the lads they just have to be responsible for how they go about the day to day stuff and that’s why the intensity’s straight up in training and the standard’s going to be high.

“We need to be hard to beat and get back to enjoying winning games.”

Entry for both sets of supporters is through cash only turnstiles, priced £10 for adults and £5 for under 21s and over 65s. Tickets cannot be bought in advance for this fixture so all fans are encouraged to arrive in plenty of time for the 1pm kick-off.

Only the Jimmy Frizzell Stand (Rochdale Road End) and Main Stand will be open for home supporters, with turnstiles operating from 12 noon.

The Chadderton Road End will be open for away fans, with turnstiles also operating from midday.

Car parking is available at the Rochdale Road End car park, directly behind the Jimmy Frizzell Stand, with charges starting from £5 for cars and motorcycles. Disabled car parking spaces are also available in this area for home fans.

The car park behind the Joe Royle Stand (North Stand) is for both sets of supporters to access. The NHS car park located on Westhulme Avenue will not be in use for this fixture.

For anyone unable to attend the fixture, a live stream will be available and hosted on Wigan’s website. A match pass to watch the full game is available for £5. The ticket office is closed tomorrow, but the club shop is open.