Dickov backs Latics to end mini drought
Reporter: CHRIS LYNHAM
Date published: 03 September 2010
PAUL Dickov is backing his misfiring strikers to resume normal goalscoring service in tomorrow’s npower League One clash with Bristol Rovers at Boundary Park.
And that means the player-manager will resist calls to introduce himself into the forward line despite two home games in which Athletic have failed to score a goal.
A goalless draw against Yeovil last Saturday was followed by a midweek 1-0 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy reverse at the hands of Shrewsbury.
But the former Arsenal and Manchester City hitman will not be shaking the dust off his boots for tomorrow’s match, insisting he is not in good enough shape to feature - and stating that the decision is out of his hands.
He said: “Even when I was a regular starter for my clubs years ago, I was one of those players who needed to train every day of the week just to be ready for a Saturday match.
“So as things stand, I am not fit enough to contemplate playing for this team.
“With the job I am doing at the moment I just don’t have enough time to train day-in, day-out to the necessary level.
“Even if I did, I would not pick myself. I would leave that decision down to my staff. They can judge what sort of shape I am in.”
Dickov is not ready to push the panic button over what he sees as a temporary goal drought.
“It is not a problem at all - we will put it right,” he said.
“No disrespect to the last two sides we have faced, but in both instances had we scored in the first 20 minutes we would have won those matches.
“We started very well but when the goal didn’t come straight away we got dejected, so the boys need to show some patience.”
Dickov expects virus victim Jason Jarrett and Ritchie Jones – who has been struggling with a tight hamstring – to return for tomorrow’s visit of the Pirates.
He is also confident Reuben Hazell will be back at the heart of the defence after suffering a thigh strain against Shrews-bury, although he may face a late fitness test.
Warren Feeney and Kirk Millar miss out as they are on international duty with Northern Ireland.
Said Dickov: “We will respect Bristol Rovers. I expect it to be a hard match and I am told they have a pretty decent record against us.
“But it is time for us to get back on track. If we can win the game, we will be in a great position.”
