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We have to move on: Dickov
Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date online: 02 January 2013
ATHLETIC manager Paul Dickov hopes to be able to appoint a new right-hand man next week.
Youth team chief Tony Philliskirk and centre of excellence manager Mick Priest took up vacant spots in the coaching ranks at Scunthorpe following the club’s decision to jettison Dickov’s assistant Gerry Taggart, sports science man Paul Butler and first-team coach Lee Duxbury at the start of the week.
Goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard, whose own position is under review, also lent a hand to the manager in the Glanford Park draw.
Dickov chose not to comment publicly on his feelings on the enforced loss of his backroom team, which came after summit meetings were held with chairman Simon Corney and the board across the weekend — other than to deny he feels undermined. No one has yet been lined up to join the Athletic backroom team.
“I think we have got to draw a line under it,” said Dickov. “The club has made the statement and we have to move on. We have a few days before the Nottingham Forest game and a week after that.
“I would like to think that by the Brentford game, somebody will be in — but as I said, I have not had time to think about it.”
Dickov, who said any appointment will be his responsibility, paid tribute to the staff placed on “gardening leave”.
“Dux has been at the club a long time and I’ve worked with him every day for the last two-and-a-half years,” he added. “Gerry and Paul Butler are some of my best friends. They have taken it well and understand that that is football.
“They don’t hold any grudges against the club and in fact, went round the club and thanked everyone for the last two and a half years — which after what’s happened shows a lot of integrity.”
Dickov is hopeful of restoring striker Matt Derbyshire on loan now the transfer window has reopened.
But he said there are no plans to bring in anyone else — despite losing Dean Furman to the African Cup of Nations after the Forest FA Cup tie on Saturday, Cristian Montano to a thigh injury and James Wesolowski to suspension.
“We need bodies,” Dickov admitted.
Reece Wabara's current loan runs out after the Forest game and Jose Baxter is out of contract on January 14.
“With Jose (Baxter) and Reece (Wabara) hopefully we can keep them and we are still speaking about Matt Derbyshire. It all depends on whether I am allowed to do that or not,” the manager said.
Comments
We most certainly do.... we'd sold 1,800+ tickets for Forest when I picked mine up from the office.... must be at least 2,000 now. I expect to lose to a higher division side.... no shame in that.... but a committed performance wouldn't go amiss in front of a big following. Lets get behind them.... they (players and management) need us supporters to support them! Come on Oldham!
A good point at Scunthorpe after a disastrous opening when another walkabout by a static defence and some shocking defending allowed a poor Scunthorpe team a huge advantage. Where Dickov plus the club are going is the big question. No midfield with Wesolowski,Furman & Montano out for some time, Baxter and Wabara possibly leaving the club and of course the 64,000 dollar question, who is the man replacing the sacked trio and will he be able to ignite and mould this failing squad?? Major doubts! \
we need a new manager ASAP cheers.
there had to go sadly.
We have to move on says Dickov.Yes you do Paul bye bye.
still baffled why dickov is still the manager here, he may have been half decent player but he aint management material, you only need look at the position in the division and past results, just not up to the job.
All oafc fans should boycott BP if Dickov is not sacked after the forest game. Need to go for Sean o Driscoll or I recken another good one to go for is Sean Keane..
maybe the club can move on now andwithout the friendships behind the scenes we may well see a rapid improvement on the pitch.we know no one is safe but if PD was to go how could we replace him when we are financially devoid? the only way is for someone with money to come in and I can't see tat happening in the near future.What the club needs now is the fans to get behind the team and to get some decent results before the end of the season and Baxter to sign a long term contract I live in hope
I suspect the reason Gerrard has been kept on is that he was the contact that enabled Latics to get Baxter. If Baxter goes then so will Gerrard. Amazing to me that Dickov couldn't see that the standard of coaching has been woeful - his days are numbered!
Wonder what Bill Shankly would have thought about having a sports scientist in the club with him? He would have sent Tommy Smith out to him. Probably the best move OAFC have made this season!
Who is Sean Keane?
Have Your Say
I think the clue is in the comment "depends on whether I am allowed etc".
Quite clearly S.C. has reached the end of his patience level watching some pathetic performances by well paid players.
Clearly many of whom are and remain unfit, which is a disgrace and has to be rectified NOW !
The future of OAFC is now in the balance after this latest turmoil and I seriously cannot see any decisions being left in the sole control of P.D. anymore.
Managers need to manage, not remain "one of the boys".
By Latics Observer @ 02/01/2013 13:43:30