Dickov stays on the attack

No change in tactics from Latics chief

PAUL DICKOV has vowed to continue playing attacking football this season as he prepares for tomorrow’s visit of Bournemouth.

Athletic had four up front towards the end of the 5-2 defeat at Peterborough United in an attempt to get back into the game.

And the Scot (pictured) insisted one loss won’t make him change his managerial philosophy.

“I would rather lose 4-2 or 5-2, having chased the game and had a go, than I would 2-0 and not having given it a try,” he said.

“If we are behind in a game we will always look to change things around and have a go at pulling it back.”

Dickov expects another tough encounter against The Cherries, who have made a fine start to life in npower League One.

He said: “They are a good, young side who play a lot of good football. We have done our homework on them.

“We will respect Bournemouth but it is about how we go about it. We must do the things we are good at and hit the ground running.

“I would like to see us play the game in their half.”

The Athletic boss has nothing but praise for his opposite number in the visiting dugout.

“Eddie Howe is a fantastic young manager,” he said.

“I look at him and what he has achieved, getting Bournemouth promoted despite the club’s financial struggles, and as a young manager myself it gives me something to aim for.”

Dickov believes the home fans can play a major part in the outcome of tomorrow’s match.

“The supporters can help us. They have been brilliant this season, that applies to away fans and those at Boundary Park,” he said.

“As a player I was always able to appreciate just how important they are to a team. It’s no different here.”

The workrate shown by his forwards has caught the manager’s eye of late and he is not concerned about the majority of this season’s goals coming from the midfield area.

He added: “I am not worried about the strikers. Of course if you play up front, like I did, you want to score goals.

“But if they are doing work for the team I am happy. If they get in the right positions and make the runs, the chances and goals will arrive anyway.”

Full-back Joe Jacobson misses out tomorrow due to a tight groin, but Lewis Alessandra returns to the squad after recovering from a calf tear.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Greg Fleming and forward Ryan Brooke have stepped up their fitness work as they recover from knee and ankle ligament injuries respectively, but the duo are not yet back in full training.