Busy Dickov is having a ball

ACTION MAN . . . Paul Dickov is planning to play a part in Athletic’s first two friendlies. PHOTO: Press Association

LIKE watching a duck making its way across a pond, all seems quiet and serene for Athletic at present — but under the surface, there is plenty of frantic activity going on.

Away from the public spotlight, new manager Paul Dickov has been busy putting together a tough pre-season training programme for his players.

And he has also been inundated with calls from agents representing players keen to stake a claim for a contract at Boundary Park.

But with the feelgood factor at the club still lingering following his unexpected appointment, the Scot is not in the mood to shirk anything.

"I have loved it," said Dickov, who has now been in charge for a little over two weeks.

"It has been mad busy and I wouldn't have expected anything else.

"It is certainly different to when I was just a player. Instead of going home at 1.30pm after training, now I am working long days.

"But I am not complaining as this is a great chance.

"The feedback has been very positive from the supporters I have spoken to and I have had lots of messages of support.

"Hopefully when things quieten down a bit I will have the chance to respond.

"But I am also under no illusions that I need to produce results on the field and we will be working hard to do just that."

Dickov, who has watched most of the match DVDs from a disappointing 2009-10 campaign, says he will not read too much into what has gone before in order to give his squad a fresh start.

With two sessions a day scheduled for next week — fitness activities in the morning followed by ball work in the afternoon — the 37-year-old will soon get the chance to see what his players are made of.

New additions are a possibility and Dickov is planning to have a run-out himself in the first two friendlies of the summer.

"We will be looking to bring in a few triallists soon so we can take a look at them in training and possibly in games," he added.

"What we don't want is for people to play 90 minutes straight away, but we will structure it so that in those two games everyone gets at least 45 minutes so that they have a chance to impress."


ATHLETIC'S home derby clash with Rochdale WILL go ahead as planned on Bank Holiday Monday, January 3, 2011.

Clubs had seven days following the issuing of the original npower League One fixtures to make alterations.

And though Athletic officials did indicate they would investigate moving the game due to policing costs, the decision has been taken to hold to the original date.