Latics finally get their man

alex cisak . . . the ’keeper could make his Athletic debut at Barrow on Saturday.

Wait is over as Dickov lands ’keeper Cisak
ALEX Cisak is finally an Athletic player . . . and manager Paul Dickov is delighted to have landed his man.

The out-of-contract former Accrington Stanley goalkeeper (22) has signed an initial two-year contract at Boundary Park, with the option of an additional 12 months.

The Cisak deal comes after the clubs involved put an end to a lengthy pursuit by coming to an agreement over compensation due to Stanley, necessary as the player is under 24 years of age.

Dickov said that had circumstances been different, he would have swooped for the Australia under-20 international last season.

Athletic fans may get their first glimpse of the Poland-born player in the friendly at Barrow AFC on Saturday.

“Alex is someone myself and (assistant manager) Gerry Taggart know very well from when he was a youngster at Leicester with us,” said Dickov, who watched the player a number of times in his 25 appearances last season for Stanley, helping the club reach the npower League Two play-offs.

“At this point in time, without wanting to pile pressure on him, we have seen a lot of attributes in Alex that potentially make him a top ’keeper.

“While he has a lot to work on, he has all the basics and we believe that working with (goalkeeping coach) Paul Gerrard we can make him better.

“He was our number one goalkeeper target and the only reason we didn’t bring him in last season was because we already had two senior ’keepers contracted in Dean Brill and Greg Fleming.

“He was fantastic for Accrington and was a big part in where they got to.

“Alex is a mature kid as well for his age and he knows where he wants to get to in the game.”

Though Cisak only recently flew back into the country from Australia, he was able to take some part in yesterday’s training session at the Lancaster Club.

Depending on how he shapes up in the remainder of the week’s sessions, he could play for at least 45 minutes in the first friendly of pre-season at Holker Street this weekend.

Wrapping up the deal was a priority for Dickov, who now moves on to concentrate on bringing in further players.

“The deal for Alex took a bit of time to strike and I know that (Accrington manager) John Coleman is upset to lose him, understandably so.

“Neither club wanted to go to a tribunal over the fee so common sense prevailed.

“We are getting there with our other targets. We know who we want and in which positions.

“I’d also like to thank my chairman Simon Corney, who has been great in helping us bring people in.”