LATICS assistant boss Andy Rhodes has called for hard work, attitude and pride as the pre-season friendly programme continues at Curzon Ashton tomorrow (3pm).

More trialists are likely to feature following the 3-1 victory at Ashton United on Tuesday when 32-year-old former Chesterfield midfielder Giles Coke made an appearance along with ex-Blackpool full back Andy Taylor (also 32) and striker Jonathan Benteke.

The former Athletic goalkeeper — part of Joe Royle’s unfashionable but all-conquering team of cup giant-killers in 1989/90 — reckons he knows what it takes to get the best out of individuals and craft them into a team of winners.

Rhodes, who along with manager Frankie Bunn, helped Latics to their only Wembley final back then, wants to instil some fundamental values which put the club on the map all those years ago.

Rhodes said: “Hard work and proper values are things we hold very high.

“We want attitude, discipline and pride.

“They’re the values that we’re remembered from here.

“It’s easy for us because we care about this club. We know what this club is all about and values, attitude, and pride in this place are massive for us.”

Latics’ opening warm-up game at Hurst Cross was a chance for Bunn and Rhodes to get a first glimpse of the squad in match action.

Goals from Peter Clarke, Benteke and Jose Baxter sent Athletic on their way before the Robins pulled one back from the penalty spot in the closing stages.

The squad remains light in attack having lost the services of Craig Davies – at the centre of controversy over his Twitter blast at owner Abdallah Lemsagam (more on that to follow), Duckens Nazon and Eoin Doyle, with Aaron Amadi-Holloway the only recognised out-and-out frontman officially on the books after the decision to allow Courtney Duffus to rejoin League of Ireland side Waterford on loan.

With only teenage defender Sam Graham — signed on a season-long loan from Sheffield United late last week and midfielder Johan Branger, brought in on a one-year deal from FC Dieppe — captured so far along with Baxter, it’s clear Bunn has a fair amount of business still to do before the League Two season kicks-off at home to MK Dons on Saturday, August 4.

Graham, 17, will be handed his first shot at league football following impressive displays for the Blades’ under-23s side last season.

The centre-back spent time out on loan with Halifax in the National League but is highly regarded at Bramall Lane having signed a contract earlier this year which ties him to the club until 2020.

Bunn said: “He has pace, power and height. He is a young boy and has a willingness to learn.

“He is a talented player and has huge potential. He is a good character, person, and has excellent values.”

Sheffield United described Graham as “tough, athletic and strong” and someone who “enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough season with the U18s in 2016/17, in addition to featuring regularly for the U23s.”

Latics travel to FC United of Manchester on Tuesday (7.45pm) after tomorrow’s fixture at the Tameside Stadium.