Latics hold fire on new number two

Bunn tipped for right-hand man role

ATHLETIC will wait until soon-to-be boss Paul Dickov has his feet under the table before his assistant is named.

Currently out of the country on a family holiday, 37-year-old Dickov has agreed a deal to take charge of the club in what will be his first managerial role and is expected to tie up formalities on the deal in the middle of next week.

Athletic legend Frank Bunn, who was working with Manchester City’s youth team at the same time as Dickov was knocking in the goals at Maine Road, has been tipped to land the job as the Scot’s number two.

But, as is the case with officially naming Dickov, the club are keeping quiet until an official press conference takes place.

“The new manager coming in needs to assess things and a decision will be made from there,” said Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy.

One man definitely out of the running to be Dickov’s right-hand man is former caretaker manager Martin Gray.

The departure of ex-manager Dave Penney’s assistant ends ties to the previous coaching regime that had arrived at Boundary Park before the start of last season, with goalkeeping coach Andy Collett already having left.

Gray had applied for the vacant manager’s job.

“Martin has worked tirelessly throughout his short time with us, and I know he was extremely keen to take on the manager’s role,” added Hardy.

“Unfortunately, he has not been successful, but I would like to pay tribute to Martin and thank him for all his efforts.

“It has been a pleasure to work with him over the last 12 months and, on behalf of everyone at the club, would like to wish him all the best for the future.”


FORMER Athletic star Andy Liddell has been released by League Two outfit Rotherham following their play-off final defeat to Dagenham and Redbridge.

The 36-year-old winger only made five appearances under manager Ronnie Moore last season and is one of six men to be let go by the South Yorkshire club.


ATHLETIC hold their annual laundry sale on Saturday at Boundary Park.

It gives fans a chance to buy training kit and shorts worn by players during the 2009-10 season and items are available to buy at knockdown prices between 9am and 3pm in the club shop.