DAVID Wheater says Latics players are doing what they can to stay in shape while English football remains in complete lockdown.

It is 19 days and counting since Oldham Athletic last took to the pitch at Crawley and there is no end in sight for Dino Maamria’s men as they wait for news on when and how the EFL intend to resume the rest of the League Two campaign.

Currently, the league aim to review their options on April 30, and though all authorities are committed to completing the fixture schedule, there is no telling how that will be accomplished with the COVID-19 pandemic yet to reach its peak in the UK.

Right now, Wheater and the rest of the squad are taking direction from medical staff at the club, receiving regular updates from Maamria on what is expected of them.

Speaking to The Oldham Times, the centre-back likened the hiatus to pre-season, only without the benefit of being able to let loose.

“It really does feel like the end of the season,” he said. “And normally you’d do what you want for a couple of weeks and unwind. But obviously at the moment we’re having to be very careful and do exactly what the club is telling us to do.

“For all we know we could be called in to start next week. It could change just like that. But the medical staff and the gaffer have been good with us, kept us informed with what is going on and what things they need us to do.”

Each player has been set an individual training programme which, under the current government guidelines, is still achievable despite the widespread lockdown.

“I’m not big on running around the streets,” Wheater said. “I would much rather be out on my bike up in the hills and getting some fresh air.

“I’m doing all the exercise they have asked me to do and I think if they said we were playing again next week we’d be okay – even though I doubt they will be doing that.”

Wheater also admits he has missed the camaraderie on the training ground during the time in exile.

“It’s not so bad when you’ve got phones and what not to keep in touch with people – it would have been a lot worse a good few years ago,” he said. “But I do miss going in and seeing the lads because I’ve always said that is one of the most enjoyable parts of being a footballer, having that bond in the dressing room.”