Thanks, but no Yanks

NEW Athletic manager Paul Dickov turned down the chance to play in Major League Soccer.

Boundary Park or Central Park? For Paul Dickov, there was only one option.

The 37-year-old was installed as Athletic’s new player-boss this week, but had plenty of other choices..

The club have confirmed that there was significant interest in his signature from Major League Soccer, where Dickov could have gone for any of Toronto FC, LA Galaxy or the New York Red Bulls.

Had he plumped for the latter, the Scot could have found himself lining up alongside French star Thierry Henry, who is rumoured to be set to leave Barcelona to cross the Atlantic.

Instead, Dickov has signed a 12-month rolling contract with Athletic to start life as a manager.

“He was originally going over to play in the MLS, but wanted to have his chance at management and we were more than happy to give him that opportunity,” said chief executive Alan Hardy.

Dickov has also been given the thumbs-up by a former colleague at Manchester City.

coaching career

Shaun Goater, who is himself keen on a coaching career, says that his ex-strik partner has all the attributes necessary to be a success at Athletic.

“What Paul has is the ability to make harsh decisions with no emotions attached,” Goater told City’s official website.

“He will be able to say to a player ‘you’re dropped, it’s nothing personal but we’re moving on and someone else has to come in’.

“He was a very fiery and honest player, and that’s the least he will expect from his players.”

Stuart Pearce also gave the new boss a welcome message from England’s World Cup camp in South Africa.

Dickov played for the former England left-back in his second spell with City.

Meanwhile, defenders Joe Jacobson (groin/pelvis) and Andy Holdsworth (knee) are expected to be ready for the start of the season.

The long-term injury victims have undergone treatment and are working hard on their fitness.


THE DISCOUNT period for season tickets expires tonight at 5 o’clock.

The Boundary Park ticket office is shut tomorrow morning due to a technical upgrade to the ticketing system, but the club shop will operate as normal.