Eyres: So far, so good

ATHLETIC legend David Eyres has given manager Paul Dickov his stamp of approval.

The 47-year old, speaking on the eve of Dickov’s one-year anniversary at the helm at Boundary Park, reckons it was a case of ‘mission accomplished’ for the Scot this season.

While hopes were high of a play-off push at the campaign’s midway point, the former wing wizard says that avoiding the drop to npower League Two was the club’s primary concern.

“Paul has done really well considering what he has been up against,” said Eyres, who is currently involved in football with a player agency while also doing scouting work.

“League One is such a difficult division to get out of and even with the sides that went up, there are still plenty of others left behind with budgets much bigger than Paul’s.

“The main aim — and I am sure a lot of fans won’t want me to say this — was to stay in League One and that has been achieved.

“Every fan wants to see their team competitive on the field, but it’s clear that the club don’t want to stretch themselves too much financially — otherwise, the football club could be put at risk.

“Spending beyond your means puts the club in a very difficult position and that will remain the case until and unless someone comes in with a high level of financial backing to support (chairman) Simon Corney.

“The club has had a couple of tastes of success in terms of reaching the play-offs in recent years.

“But for now, survival is the main thing until someone with plenty of money comes along.”

While warning of further tough times ahead due to stringent financial constraints, Eyres is looking forward to youth again being given its chance in 2011-12 — possibly leading to a juicy transfer windfall.

He added: “Tony Philliskirk (head of youth) deserves a lot of credit. He is a top coach and has done so well bringing younger players through and readying them for the next level.

“It would be great if one or two could now push on to bigger things. If that is with Oldham then fantastic, if not then they could bring in some much-needed cash.”

FORMER Athletic player John Barnes has died, aged 73.

The winger, who played at Boundary Park during the George Hardwick era, passed away at the Royal Oldham hospital after a long battle against byssinosis, a lung disease.