Micky Mellon says Latics need more squad depth for the upcoming season and hopes the club can get further signings through the door.

Five fresh faces have arrived at Boundary Park so far this summer in Reagan Ogle, Manny Monthe, Josh Kay, Harry Charsley and Jes Uchegbulam.

However, the likes of Josh Kay, James Norwood and Joe Garner are currently unavailable through injury.

Mellon was pleased with the performance for the first hour at Warrington Town on Tuesday night, but the home side came back from 3-0 down after a host of substitutions.

“We are going to need more to back up the first team group who did very well and were very comfortable,” he said.

“They got into a three-goal lead but were only ever going to play an hour because they will go again on Saturday (against Shrewsbury).

“I'm really pleased with the first group, I thought they did really well. I'm disappointed for the second group, but then again there's a lot of youth in there.

“I want to give the young ones a go like young Will (Sutton), I've got a trialist in there. Magnus needs to get himself going, I don't know what's happened with him.

“Young Kofi (Moore) and Mo (Doro), I think it's important that we try to expose them to this kind of thing if we're going to develop players.

“Then of course, it is important that the other experienced ones like (Alex) Reid, (Liam) Hogan and (Josh) Lundstram get some match time.”

The boss was particularly pleased with the performances of Uchegbulam and Oli Hammond at Cantilever Park.

"I think Jes and Oli did their shift in the first hour, I thought they were really good,” he continued.

“But I'm afraid if we are going to have the squad to go through a really tough season like we're going to face, we are going to have to try to get some more players if that is possible. I'm working on it, I think everyone has seen why.”

When asked about the lack of depth, Mellon replied: "I have got a wee bit of budget left, we still have to be careful with it. I've always said I would like to get a few out but that's proved to be difficult.

"I have got to go with what we've got, I am not making excuses. You have seen what is behind that group that has been built.

“We have still got Norwood and Joe - who are maybe a couple of weeks away - and we've still got Kay, who will be a big part of what we want to do.”

Mellon had called for more of a clinical edge in front of goal after the defeat at Radcliffe last weekend. Mike Fondop bagged a brace at Cantilever Park and also had a big role in Peter Clarke’s own goal.

"I thought we scored some cracking goals,” said Mellon. “Some really good goals and some really good build-up play as well - everything that we've been working on with that group, so I'm happy with them.

“We look ready. Another couple of days to tune us up, a tough game against Shrewsbury at home on Saturday, and then a good week's preparation for the first game of the season and we will be good to go.”