Dickov calls for ruthless streak

EXPERTISE in rocket science isn’t what Athletic need to get to the root of their no-goals problem.

Though recent home performances against Brighton and Tranmere have been bright, a measly record of two goals in 11 matches has failed to translate promise into more than three points from those fixtures.

Goals are urgently needed — starting tomorrow, at Notts County — to enable manager Paul Dickov to put to bed lingering bottom-four fears surrounding his 15th-placed side.

“We are getting there and as I keep saying, we are doing the right things,” said Dickov, who needs one win from the last seven fixtures to all but seal npower League One status for next season

“We are just lacking in the final third at the minute and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work that out.

“We know it ourselves. We keep working hard in training and the signs over the last few weeks have been very positive.

“We still believe we are a good team.”

The abject run of two points from the last possible 30 has seen play-off hopes disappear rapidly, to be replaced by fears of demotion.

“We knew it would come, but didn’t expect it to last as long as it has,” Dickov added.

“That is the disappointing thing. People go on about us having a young squad, but we know we are good enough as we have shown that already.

“There are signs we are getting back to where we were. All we need is a little bit of luck in front of goal and a lot more ruthlessness.”

Paul Black is missing with a strained abdomen (see Page 38) and Cedric Evina is set to take his place at left-back at Meadow Lane tomorrow.

That move could see Aidan White returning to the starting line-up.

Jason Lowe will again take the reins in midfield alongside Dean Furman, and Dickov reckons the on-loan Blackburn Rovers man will only get better following his Tranmere debut on Monday.

“With any signing it is not going to happen straight away,” said Dickov.

“You need to get a couple of games under your belt to get a feel for the place and for your team-mates.

“Jason showed signs the other night and he will be a good player for us.”

Warren Feeney was back from international duty with Northern Ireland yesterday and also comes into contention as he looks to make up for what has so far been a disappointing club campaign.

“One thing Feeno has got is a fantastic attitude,” said Dickov of the striker. “It has not quite happened for him this season for whatever reason and that happens — I have been there myself.”