Dickov: Door still open for players

Paul Dickov

PAUL Dickov admits he has suddenly found management a tough business.

In the past week, Athletic’s rookie player-boss has had to inform six players that they can find new clubs.

The latest men to get the news are goalkeeper Greg Fleming and full-back Kelvin Lomax, both transfer-listed to add to a list also comprising Jon Worthington, Rob Purdie, Joe Jacobson and Joe Colbeck.

However, the former Manchester City striker stressed that no doors have been shut in terms of any of the players’ Boundary Park futures.

“As I have said to them, they have got an opportunity to prove me wrong,” said Dickov (pictured).

“It is nothing personal, just that circumstances sometimes dictate what I can and can’t do.

“I have brought in Warren (Feeney) and Ritchie Jones. This squad was maybe a little bit top-heavy to start off with and while I have loved every minute of the job, it is one of the hardest things to tell players they can go and find a new club.

“That is because their attitude towards me and what we are trying to do — since they have been told as well, I may add — has been fantastic.”