Furman free to make his mark

DANGER MAN . . . Lee Hughes will pose a big goal threat on his return to Boundary Park.

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FREEDOM and teamwork are the keys to Athletic's improved performances this season.

That is the verdict of Dean Furman, whose central partnership with Dale Stephens, the two-goal hero at Tranmere last week, has been impressive so far.

The pair were barely separated in pre-season fixtures and continued their good work in the competitive sphere against Rovers and at Scunthorpe.

Manager Paul Dickov clearly sees them as a potent combination, with hard-running hustle married to technical ability.

And, no longer tied to the constraints placed on him in last season's less flexible set-up, Furman is now aiming to bring about a few imprints of his name in the next day's newspapers.

"There is a togetherness with the lads at the moment that is obvious for all to see," said the 22-year-old, who will again partner Stephens in the team's engine room for tomorrow's first home game of the season against Notts County.

"Hopefully it can continue. We showed in pre-season that we are willing to work hard for each other, on and off the ball.

"Personally, I have worked really hard in pre-season and feel very fit.

"We have more freedom as players this season and it has shown. Dale scored two goals at Tranmere and I am trying to get forward more and hopefully get on the score sheet.

"Hopefully we will get more goals, not necessarily just from midfield but from all over the team, as this is something we have struggled with.

"It is important we don't just look to the strikers for goals, as we over-relied on Pav (Abbott) last season."

Furman is likely to find himself up against three former Athletic players in County's line-up tomorrow.

Defender John Thompson had an unhappy injury-plagued spell three seasons ago, while up front the imposing figure of Ben Burgess — a former team-mate of Dickov's at Blackpool — made seven appearances on loan at Boundary Park in 2003.

One man who needs little introduction to home fans is Lee Hughes.

Last season's top scorer in League Two was rested for County's 1-0 Carling Cup win at Plymouth, but Dickov reckons there won't be any stopping him turning out tomorrow against his old club.

Magpies boss Craig Short is a good friend of Dickov's and, as a fellow rookie manager, is searching for the first league points of his career after joining the club from Hungarian second division side Ferencvaros.

"They had a good result in midweek and will be hurting after losing 3-0 at home to Huddersfield a week ago," Dickov said.

"I know 'Shorty' really well from playing against him and also with him at Blackburn.

“He is a great guy, one of the best I have met in 21 years of football.

"It is a bit bizarre that his first away game as manager is my first at home.

"It will certainly be a test for us. They are a big strong side and will be up for it."