D-Day

PAUL DICKOV: big decisions

Latics players set to learn fate
ATHLETIC players uncertain about their future will discover their fate in a meeting at Boundary Park on Monday.

The entire playing staff will make their way to the club to reflect on the season with boss Paul Dickov — before discovering whether they

figure in the Scot’s long-term plans.

A rollercoaster npower League One campaign comes to an end for Athletic tomorrow when they entertain MK Dons, who have already secured a play-off spot but could climb one place with a victory.

Dickov (pictured), who is likely to bring down the curtain on his playing career by featuring tomorrow, said: “Everyone will be coming in on Monday and we will talk about the future, both on a one-to-one basis and as a group.

“They will see how seriously I am taking next season already.

“Obviously we want the players to have a break this summer and enjoy themselves, but they have all been given individual fitness schedules.

“I don’t want them to start finding their sharpness in pre-season, I want them up to speed when they come back on June 29.

“We want to hit the ground running.”

As well as finalising the outgoings, with a number of first team players out of contract, Dickov also has a list of players he is keen to bring to the club.

“I know who I would like to see come in, but obviously that will be dictated by the budget,” he added.

“We have watched these players throughout the season and we will see what happens. If we get them, great, if not, we go again and I will not be moaning.”

Despite only making one cameo substitute appearance for the first team this season against Bristol Rovers in September, Dickov has not completely ruled out the prospect of him playing next term.

He added: “A lot will depend on the squad size and who we manage to sign.

“I don’t know if I will keep my player registration, but if necessary I can sign non-contract terms again.”

Meanwhile, the boss is keen to end the season on a high as a thank you to the supporters.

“The fans have been magnificent and it was quite humbling to see them stand by myself and the players during our bad run,” said Dickov.

“Hopefully we can go some way towards repaying them by getting three points against MK Dons.

“Their manager, Karl Robinson, jokingly asked me to tell the players to go easy on them ahead of their play-off games, but I told him no chance.

“I don’t buy into the ‘winding down’ at the end of the season. I want to win.”

Skipper Reuben Hazell is likely to miss out due to an ongoing knee problem, while Cedric Evina (ankle), Kieran Lee (hamstring) and Paul Black (abdomen) are also on the treatment table.

FIlipe Forais and Kirk Millar both sit out the game due to suspension.