Dickov is the man

NEW MAN AT THE HELM: Paul Dickov (right), alongside club chief executive Alan Hardy, is introduced as Athletic’s new manager at a press conference at Boundary Park this morning.

THE WORST-KEPT secret in football is out . . . Paul Dickov is the new manager of Oldham Athletic.

The 37-year-old former Arsenal, Manchester City and Leicester City striker has signed a 12-month rolling contract at Boundary Park to take the reins in his first ever managerial role from next season.

Dickov has still not confirmed whether he will carry on playing as he looks to improve Athletic’s dismal goals tally of a mere 39 in 46 Coca-Cola League One matches last season under previous boss Dave Penney.

Athletic’s owners hope the appointment of the former Scotland international will help boost season ticket sales at Boundary Park.

And despite a cut in the playing budget which puts Athletic very much up against it in terms of the chances of challenging in the top half of the table, Dickov can’t wait to get started in his first managerial role.

Speaking at this morning’s press conference, Dickov said: “It’s a tough challenge, but that’s exactly what I wanted.

“I’ve faced challenges throughout my career, but that is when I tend to be at my best.

“I’m under no illusions as to what the task ahead is. I’m just glad the board chose me.

“I’m confident that I have the knowledge to succeed in this division, I’ve played in it for Leicester.”

It is not yet known who will come in as Dickov’s assistant, with that decision set for a later date.

But former Northern Ireland centre-back Gerry Taggart, who has spent the last three years working as a coach at Leicester City, is believed to be in the frame for the role as assistant

Dickov becomes the fifth permanent manager installed at Boundary Park under the tenure of the club’s America-based owners, following in the footsteps of Brian Talbot, Ronnie Moore, Johns Sheridan and Penney.

While he faces an uphill struggle in terms of competing with the bigger spending clubs in League One, the hope is that he can use his extensive contacts to attract bright young talent to Boundary Park.

Dickov started what is now a 17-year career in the professional game as a trainee at Arsenal, moving to Manchester City in 1996 for a fee of around £1million.

Three years into his Maine Road stint he scored a famous equaliser against Gillingham in the fifth minute of added time in a play-off final at Wembley which sealed his legendary status.

The Scot — nicknamed ‘The Wasp’ by his manager Joe Royle when the pair worked together at City — went on to enjoy two spells with Leicester City and another at the club’s new Eastlands home. He has also turned out in recent years for Blackburn, Crystal Palace, Blackpool, Derby County and Leeds United, where he ended last season working under former Foxes team-mate Simon Grayson.

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