Contacts are vital — Hardy

ATHLETIC midfielder Jon Worthington (far right) has taken part in voluntary training at Boundary Park this week.

Latics reveal key part of criteria

ATHLETIC chief executive Alan Hardy has revealed some of the thinking behind the impending appointment of the club’s new manager.

Former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Paul Dickov is set to be unveiled in the middle of next week as Dave Penney’s successor in the Boundary Park hot seat.

And although Athletic still remain tight-lipped on the identity of their man, Hardy has explained one of the reasons for making the choice.

He said: “The man we’ve chosen has excellent contacts in the game.

“That was important to us and one of the key parts of the criteria we set out when we started interviewing people.”

Frank Bunn, who was on City’s coaching staff when Dickov was leading the line for the Citizens, has been tipped to become Athletic’s No 2.

Former caretaker manager Martin Gray’s departure from Boundary Park ends all links to the previous regime, clearing the way for the new boss to stamp his own authority on the club.

Gray was one of 10 people interviewed for the top job.

While Hardy acknowledged Penney’s replacement will come with his own ideas and a likely list of transfer targets, as well as a preferred right-hand man, he said such discussions won’t start until a contract has been penned.

He added: “The new manager will be keen to start that process at pace when he arrives, but nothing has been mentioned yet.

“He will want to get on with it when he takes charge.”

Athletic’s current crop of players will be keen to impress their new boss ahead of the new campaign.

Midfielders Djeny Bembo-Leta and Jon Worthington joined striker Lewis Alessandra in voluntary training at the club this week.

The trio aim to be in tip-top condition before pre-season kicks off on Monday, June 28.

Fans have until Friday, June 11 to buy discounted season tickets.

The deadline was extended due to the managerial situation.

Hardy said sales are currently “ticking over” but hopes more are snapped up tomorrow, when the ticket office is open from 9am until noon.

The annual laundry sale starts at the same time but continues in the club shop until 3pm.

Supporters can get their hands on training kit and shorts sported by the squad last season, at knockdown prices.