Steve Thompson would have the backing of the Boundary Park dressing room if his caretaker spell as manager was made permanent, according to experienced midfielder Dan Gardner.

Thompson has remained unbeaten in his five games in interim charge after getting a reaction from the players following a poor start to the season that led to the sacking of David Unsworth after one win from the opening nine games.

While there has been an element of frustration in back-to-back 1-1 draws at Wealdstone at the weekend and at home to Maidenhead on Tuesday night, a return of points from a possible 15 has lifted Latics out of the relegation zone and into the top half of the table.

And Gardner, whose absence with a hamstring injury has been felt in the last two fixtures, says Thompson would be a popular choice if he was given the job full-time.

Latics remain active in the recruitment process to find Unsworth's successor, with work continuing on the shortlist behind the scenes.

But Gardner feels they have been left in good hands with Thommo, for however long his tenure lasts.

"Thommo came in and brought some new ideas, the lads have bought in to what he's trying to do, front foot football, positivity, working hard in training, and it's come off," said the former Wigan and Chesterfield midfielder, who has not featured since limping off at Kidderminster last week.

"He's simplified things.

"He's been a breath of fresh air, he's a great guy.

"He's brought Muzza (Paul Murray) and Neil Redfearn in and they've been brilliant, some fresh ideas and you can see that Neil's got a wealth of experience.

"Hopefully it continues and if he gets the job that would be brilliant.

"If not then we just have to carry on this run that he's got us on and keep going."

Gardner added: "We've worked a lot more in training on retaining the ball, playing out from the back and a lot of other things and it's paying off.

"All the lads have taken to him. It's just about all the lads sticking together and keeping the positive results going.

"It is a quality squad and we should be nowhere near where we were. Obviously we're picking up a bit and going up the table but it is a squad that should be higher up the league."