Dickov to face the fans

ALAN Hardy . . . New manager Paul Dickov is “up for the idea”.

Club keen to build bond with the supporters

ATHLETIC supporters will get their first chance to grill new boss Paul Dickov next month.

A ‘meet the manager’ fans’ forum takes place at the White Hart, Lydgate, on Thursday, July 15, when Dickov’s yet-to-be-appointed assistant and at least two players are likely to join the Scot.

Athletic are keen to build a bond between the dugout and the stands following a disappointing season which culminated in Dave Penney leaving the club.

Chief executive Alan Hardy said: “We want to get the manager out there with the fans as soon as possible.

“I’m sure they will have a lot of questions about his plans for the club, so this is their first proper chance to ask them directly.”

The Boundary Park outfit remain tight-lipped on the situation surrounding the appointment of Dickov’s right-hand man, although Leicester City’s Gerry Taggart is still the hot favourite to land the post.

Hardy added: “The new assistant should obviously be in place by the time the forum comes around, so he will go along with the manager, and we’re hoping to send a couple of players as well.

“Paul is up for it. He likes the idea of meeting the fans and jumped at the opportunity when he heard about it.

“He is only too happy to spend time with supporters and talk about the new season.”

The event gets under way at 7.30pm in the Oak Room, with doors opening at 7pm.

Tickets, which went on sale today, cost £5 each and are available from the ticket office.

This includes a meat and potato pie supper and entrance into a free draw for the new shirt, which will be signed by Athletic’s representatives on the night.

The capacity is 140, so tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Plans are also in place for an open training day at the ground, in another attempt to forge crucial ties with the playing squad and the paying public.

A date is yet to be confirmed, but it will take place some time in July.

The Carling Cup first round draw takes place tomorrow.

Hardy said: “Hopefully we will either get a favourable home draw or an exciting away tie.

“We are hoping for a decent run in at least one of the cups because of the revenue and excitement it brings.”

Dickov is also eyeing a fairytale ending.

“The manager has played at Wembley on more than one occasion so he has a taste for the cups. He wants to go as far as possible,” Hardy added.

Athletic have announced they will face Falkirk in a pre-season friendly at Northwich Victoria on Saturday, July 17.