Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is determined to bolster his squad
in all areas of the park when the transfer window reopens next
month.
Martinez, who arrived in the summer from Swansea, wants a
deeper pool to call on in a bid to move into the top half of the
table.
Wigan face Blackburn at the DW Stadium on Boxing Day on the
back of only one win in seven games.
Martinez said: "We are looking for players in every position
during the window.
"I have been delighted with the attitude and approach of my
players. We just need extra numbers and an extra bit of
competition.
"Should we get injuries and suspensions it could leave us
exposed and we do not want that to happen."
It has been an up and down season for Wigan after Martinez
made a host of new signings when he arrived.
He has enjoyed beating Chelsea and Aston Villa but suffered
dejection at Tottenham where his side were thumped 9-1 at White
Hart Lane.
Martinez is hoping things settle down in the new year and
said: "We are inconsistent because it is a new group of players, so
you expect it in a way.
"We have to try and eradicate that. That is where the
challenge lies. The positive thing is when we play well we can
compete against anyone.
"We are looking forward to the second half of the season,
knowing we need to turn things around."
It has been a frustrating week for Martinez after their home
match against Bolton was postponed because of bad weather.
He knows they now have a stiff test when they face Sam
Allardyce's Blackburn even though the visitors have struggled on
the road.
Martinez said: "You feel empty when a game is postponed.
Every home fixture is massive for us.
"When you get a Lancashire derby like this it is a game to
look forward to.
"It will be competitive because Blackburn make life difficult
for everyone. They are very strong in dead ball situations.
"Sam Allardyce always gets his teams up for the occasion. But
we are at home, so we have to take that responsibility."
Martinez has mixed feelings about a winter shutdown, given
the snow that is sweeping the country.
"When you look at it from a weather point of view, a break
would be the right thing, " he said.
"People don't enjoy the football as much.
"On the other hand they are special fixtures over Christmas
period and part of the programme."
Martinez may be tempted to freshen things up after a poor run
and confirmed his players will train tomorrow.
He added: "You need the right preparation if you are playing
on Boxing Day."
