Graduate Matt’s learning curve

MATT SMITH

MATT Smith is a work in progress. That’s the view of Athletic manager Paul Dickov on his rookie striker, who hopes to get on the score sheet for the second game running when Burnley visit Boundary Park tonight.

Standing at 6ft 6in, with a robust frame and a neat line in flick-ons, even aside from the header Smith buried from short range against Blackpool, there have been signs of the former Solihull Moors forward's promise.

Having graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in international business management earlier this month, the 21-year-old is still getting used to the rigours of full-time training — but Dickov feels he is capable of taking things in his lengthy stride.

"Big Matt is a threat," said Dickov, of a player he signed on a two-year contract in May.

"He has come in from university — it is not often you hear a manager say that — with not a lot of football behind him, as in training and games.

"His attitude has been excellent. He works ever so hard in training, though he has found it tough making the transition.

"The one thing he will do is get himself on the end of things in the penalty area.

“He wins his headers and holds the ball up.

"There is plenty to work with to make him a better player."

Blackpool put out a pair of strong sides in either half during Athletic's 2-1 win on Saturday.

But though Ian Holloway's men looked comfortable in possession, they failed to break down Athletic before Billy Clarke slotted home a late consolation past 16-year-old goalkeeper Luke Simpson, a first-year scholar.

"At any point in any game, the other team can have a period of possession," added Dickov. "It is about how you react to it.

"It is hard when you have trialists and kids coming on. You tend to get a bit stretched, but it is pre-season and the main thing is to make progress with the performances.

"We are getting there."


ATHLETIC'S youth team saw off Grimsby Town 5-3 at Chapel Road for a first win in four pre-season games.
Goals from Kyle Riley and Cameron McIntosh, a penalty from Ryan Burns and one for Luke Wandless helped the home side take a 4-2 lead into the break.

Danny Gossett hit a fifth for Tony Philliskirk's youngsters.