Dickov can deliver – Joe

Jacobson backs new boss to transform Latics

JOE JACOBSON believes new Athletic boss Paul Dickov can follow in the footsteps of another of League One's bright young bosses.

The 23-year-old Welsh left-back begins pre-season training next Monday when the squad convenes for the first time under the rule of the former Manchester City striker.

And Jacobson's view is that managerial rookie Dickov can have a similar galvanising effect at Boundary Park as Paul Trollope did at his previous club, Bristol Rovers.

"I have worked under a young manager in Paul Trollope and sometimes with people who are just finishing playing, they can bring along fresh ideas with them," said Jacobson, who had his first year with Athletic ruined by a persistent pelvic injury which required two post-season operations.

"Obviously he [Dickov] is someone who has played under top managers and who has played at the highest level.

"I have watched him on TV growing up and it is good that the club has attracted someone of his calibre."

Trollope (38) is only five months older than Dickov, but has already had a long stint at the Memorial Stadium.

Taking charge of team affairs in 2005, former Wales international Trollope led the Pirates to a Johnstone's Paint Trophy final and promotion via the play-offs two years later, and has since comfortably kept the team in League One.

Jacobson hopes that Dickov — yet to officially appoint his assistant, who is expected to be Gerry Taggart once loose ends are tied up — can oversee a similar progression at Athletic, lifting the spirits of the club and its fans alike.

"He has shown in his career that he has what it takes to play at the top and hopefully he can help us all improve as players," Jacobson added.

"It happens at a lot of clubs that getting someone fresh in can help and I think we are all excited as players for next season.

"Last year we didn't give the fans too much to sing about so this time, once we have got players back fully fit with the possible additions of some new faces, we can hopefully get off to a good start."

Jacobson has worked hard to get himself fit in the close season and with the likes of Andy Holdsworth, Rob Purdie and Jon Worthington all having recovered from long-term injuries to return to the training field on Monday, only Deane Smalley is set to be missing.




ATHLETIC have finalised arrangements for their Carling Cup, first-round tie at Championship club Scunthorpe United.



The match takes place at Glanford Park on Tuesday, August 10 (7.45pm kick-off). Tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £8 senior citizens and under-21s and £5 for under-16s.