Dickov plays waiting game

ATHLETIC have plenty of work to do to build up their squad for the coming season.

At present, only 16 players — including two second-year scholars — are on the list for 2011-12.

There are no goalkeepers, though at least one is due to be brought in very soon, and only three defenders.

One of those is Carl Winchester, the 18-year-old Northern Ireland international who has not yet signed on professional terms.

While light on players at the moment, it is worth noting that exactly a year ago Paul Dickov had yet to make his first signing as Athletic manager. That came on July 7, 2010, with the arrival of Ritchie Jones.

And Dickov is very relaxed about the current situation, content to bide his time in an overcrowded player market in an attempt to find good value for money — particularly important given the strict confines of the club's playing budget for the campaign.

"It is all coming along well," said Dickov.

"People may look at it and worry, but by the time the season comes around we will be fine."

Athletic's squad so far is: Goalkeepers: None.

Defenders: Kieran Lee, James Tarkowski, Carl Winchester*.

Midfielders: Chris Taylor, Dale Stephens, Dean Furman, Filipe Morais, Connor Hughes, Phil McGrath, Kirk Millar, Ryan Burns*

Forwards: Warren Feeney, Ryan Brooke, Reuben Reid, Djeny Bembo, Matt Smith.

*Scholars entering their second year.




ATHLETIC have confirmed the pricing categories that each home npower League One fixture will fall into next season.



They are as follows —

Category 'A': Charlton, Huddersfield, Rochdale, Sheffield Wednesday, Chesterfield, Sheffield United, Preston, Bury.

Category 'B': MK Dons, Colchester, Carlisle, Hartlepool, Walsall, Notts County, Scunthorpe, Tranmere.

Category 'C': Stevenage, Bournemouth, Leyton Orient, Exeter, Brentford, Yeovil, Wycombe.

Categories are subject to change.

Prices for Category 'C' games start at £14 for adults and £7 concessions, Category 'B' is from £17 and £9 and Category 'A' from £22 and £11.

In the Detect All Chadderton Road End, under-12s can gain entry to every game for £3.

Season tickets are still available, along with easy-payment plans.