Dickov a hit with the fans

NEW Athletic manager Paul Dickov is already providing an impact on the club's supporters, with the upcoming fans' forum now completely sold out.

The event, which takes place on Thursday, July 15, at the White Hart, Lydgate, will give 140 fans the opportunity to meet the former Manchester City and Leicester striker.

Before then, Dickov will have put his players through their paces in pre-season matches on Saturday, July 10 (3pm kick-off), away at Barrow — managed by Darren Sheridan, younger brother of ex-Athletic boss John — and at home to Burnley, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

The latter game takes place on Monday, July 12, at Boundary Park (7pm).

It is hoped that Dickov will have a full squad to pick from for those fixtures.

At present, only Deane Smalley is set to miss Monday's first training session as a result of a minor groin operation.

But Dickov does not expect it will rule the winger out for long, having had similar surgery himself after which he was back playing within nine days.