Dickov has got Boundary Park buzzing — Corney

SIMON Corney says he can’t wait for the new campaign to get going, despite the recent upheaval behind the scenes.

Former chairman Simon Blitz and director Danny Gazal — the two main money-men of ‘The Three Amigos’ who rode to the club’s rescue by taking it over seven years ago — left this summer, following director Mike Newton out of the boardroom exit door.

Corney, who has now assumed the chairman’s role on a board also comprising Ian Hill, fans’ representative Barry Owen and chief executive Alan Hardy, has vowed to battle on at Boundary Park.

How long for? Well, for this season at least — beyond which, though the goal of a new Failsworth stadium which would hopefully make the club self-sufficient remains in place, nobody really knows what will happen in terms of the club’s ownership.

For now, Corney has overseen the appointment of new manager Paul Dickov, which has proven to be a popular choice with Athletic supporters.

And he believes that despite a cut in playing budget as a result of dwindling attendances, the players taking to the field in 2010-11 will at the very least be highly motivated.

“Things are good,” Corney told the Chronicle.

“There are one or two challenges, but in general we are looking forward to the season starting.

“It is great to have Paul (Dickov) on board. The players love him and everyone is excited.

“It has been well-documented that Simon (Blitz) and Danny (Gazal) have decided to call it a day for various reasons.

“It is not ideal — far from it. But we push on. I have made a commitment to the club and we will keep going for as long as we possibly can.

“I am excited now, just as I am at the beginning of every season.

“That excitement is also tempered by reality. But what I do know is that the effort will be greater this year, there is no doubt about that. The determination, too.

“I think we have got a lot to look forward to.”

Corney was the main driving force behind the recruitment of Dickov. He met with the 37-year-old last season in a failed attempt to bring him to Boundary Park as a player. He subsequently recommended him as someone the board should speak to when the time came to search for a new manager.

When unveiling the new boss, Corney admitted the club had taken a “gamble” by handing the job to someone with no previous experience in the role. But up to this point, he is delighted with what the new man has produced.

“I can’t ask for any more,” Corney added. “Paul has lit the place up and has got the players very enthusiastic.

“You can tell in their training and the way they are around the club that they are a happier bunch.

“And I think a happier bunch leads to a more successful team.

“I would like to see everyone enjoy their football this season and for me, that is as important as anything else.”