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Dickov to players: the ball’s in your court
Reporter: KEITH McHUGH
Date online: 18 January 2013
ATHLETIC boss Paul Dickov has challenged his young guns to show they have the ambition and drive to be successful.
As the squad prepared for tomorrow’s tough test at Coventry, Dickov admitted the absence of regular midfield pair Dean Furman and James Wesolowski had left Athletic struggling in the middle of the park.
Their absence last weekend against Brentford gave an opportunity to Youssouf Mchangama and one of the club’s promising youngsters, Carl Winchester, to make their mark.
Dickov said: “Youssouf worked his socks off and Carl grew into the game before his knock.
“I’ve said all along that the younger kids have to show me that they want to play and not just go through the motions. They need to show me the right application and I will give them their chance.”
Dickov could give last week’s midfield pair another opportunity, or switch Robbie Simpson into the middle.
Tomorrow’s opponents, Coventry, have thrived since Chadderton-raised Mark Robins took charge.
The Sky Blues were in the relegation zone when Robins became boss but are now mid-table, only three points outside the promotion play-off places.
Dickov added: “Mark has them playing good football. They had a good result the other night, but we have to go there and be positive and really go for it.
“To be fair to the boys, away from home especially, we have looked a threat, but we need to start picking up points.”
ATHLETIC skipper Dean Furman is expected to be in the South Africa team which will take on Cape Verde in the opening game of the African Cup of Nations tomorrow.
Dickov said: “It’s great for him and I hope he does well. He deserves it.”
Comments
“I’ve said all along that the younger kids have to show me that they want to play...and I will give them their chance.”
Ah, so that's why the kids don't get a chance. They don't want to play.
Why isn't Mellor getting into the team? He is more physical than Winchester who was brushed aside last week. He can hit a good pass and has a good shot on him. Obviously something must be going on behind the scenes. Tomorrow is a very important game for Latics and though I wish them all the best I don't expect any return from this game nor the next against Notts County. Still no one brought in to help Dickov and no new players!
The sooner Dickov goes the better. Is his contract up in the summer? I hope so - then we can employ a decent manager to get us out of League 2 next season...
I find it hard to believe that OAFC have not brought a single player into the club prior to a very difficult looking week ahead. The midfield must be amongst the weakest in L1 with not a single ball winner amongst the group. The Brentford game showed just how poor they were and Winchester in particular is far too easily pushed off the ball. Where is the new assistant for Dickov and just who is going to come into this squad to strengthen such? It just beggars belief as to where we are going....
Good luck to Dean Furman. Next 2 fixtures biggest in PD's career? If we are in bottom 4 forget Liverpool, 8 home defeats already, it can't go on much longer. C'Mon Latics!
Crewe & Walsall both have rookie managers, both with 11 wins so far this year, both scored more goals than us this season, Both have a good core of decent young players wanting to improve.If you look at the Crewe managers win per game ratio it would make PD wear a Dick Turpin mask !!!!! They Won at wembley last year & maybe there again this year ! Not blowing it like we did with Chesterfield.PD you gave me a great day at Forest but another injury time loss is criminal - Something has to change !
Have Your Say
So what is the problem with Mellor ? ..left sided player, in your own words.."Sweet Left foot" obviously his face is not right and no longer fits.
So you field Robbie Simpson as a left winger of sorts, with the result that Brentford stopped Lee Croft and we had nothing at all that could be called a threat to them.
I have to say that I'm having to agree with those fans who state you don't know what you're doing Paul.
Play you best side and with balance and give these youngsters a fair crack !
By Latics Observer @ 18/01/2013 16:03:45