Driving force

REVITALISED Dean Furman is the embodiment of new-look Athletic’s ambition.

The combative 22-year-old midfielder didn’t have the happiest of debut seasons for the club last term as the team struggled to avoid the drop to League Two.

This time around, though, the former Chelsea scholar has excelled under manager Paul Dickov.

His consistent performances as the beating heart of the side have delighted Furman’s boss.

And, in performing so well alongside Dale Stephens — who has also transformed his stalling career after being sent out on loan to tonight’s opponents Rochdale last season — Dickov paid tribute to Furman’s sterling efforts.

“His energy levels are unbelievable and he is getting better on the ball as well,” said the Athletic manager, who takes charge at Spotland (7.45pm kick-off) for the first league derby between the sides since the mid-1970s.

“The one thing we saw with Dean in pre-season when we came in was that he tried to force it a little bit too much.

“His range of passing is getting better all the time and he is a driving force for us.

“On Saturday against Plymouth he was everywhere.

“He epitomises what I and the staff want here. His attitude is great.”

Kieran Lee and Furman will have to watch their step in what is likely to be a raucous atmosphere tonight.

Both are on four yellow cards at present and one more would kick in a one-game suspension.

Dickov is fully backing his players to bring back three points from the short trip to Sandy Lane, a game to be played out in front of a sell-out away following of 3,200.

And he is impressing on his squad the opportunity they have to write their names into club folklore.

“It will be a good game for us,” said Dickov. “Our fans are going there in their thousands and it will be a fantastic atmosphere and a big test for the players.

“It is the first derby against Rochdale in a long, long time so both teams, both sets of fans and both managers will be up for it.

“Personally, I can’t wait.

“What our players have got to realise, as it is the first one in a long time, is that there is potential for any or all of the 11 players I put out there to make history for the football club.”

DEANE Smalley and Kelvin Lomax have tied up loan deals at Chesterfield until January.

Athletic (probable): Brill, Lee, Mvoto, Hazell, Evina, Jones, Stephens, Furman, Taylor, Kelly, Tounkara. Subs (from): Alessandra, Feeney, Jarrett, Gerrard, Morais, Jacobson, Cristophe, Black, Brooke, Millar.