Dickov’s praise for players

Photo: PICTURES by ANTHONY MILLER

STRETCH THIS WAY: Athletic players are put through their paces on the first day of pre-season training.

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ATHLETIC manager Paul Dickov praised the response of his players on the first day of pre-season training.

The 37-year-old Scot played his part at the Lancaster Club, but also took a step back to cast his eye over his new charges on their return from the summer break.

Dickov said: “I was delighted. It was a good session and I got a great reaction from the players.

“We also had a good chat and they took on board what was said.

“After a few weeks of making ’phone calls and being behind a desk, it was good to be out on the pitch. It was exciting and I enjoyed it.”

The session included six triallists, who will be at Boundary Park for a fortnight in the hope of impressing Dickov. The hopefuls could also feature in the first two pre-season friendlies.

But Deane Smalley was absent from training after undergoing a minor groin-muscle operation.

The striker was instead working with physio Marc Czuczman.