A base to build from — Dickov

THE BASE of the curve, rather than its highest point, is where Athletic manager Paul Dickov wants his side to be at present.

Fatigue was in evidence in the latter half of the midweek friendly against Burnley.

Yet a solid-as-a-rock 0-0 draw was still achieved, another good result to add to a pile — featuring the scalps of Blackpool as well as Wigan and Blackburn in private fixtures — so-far gained this summer.

Dickov wants to accelerate the momentum through Fleetwood Town on Saturday and beyond, so that his men arrive into what will be a stern test in the npower League One season's opener at home to Sheffield United on Saturday, August 6, at the peak of their powers.

“I said to the boys that it has to be a starting point for us," said Athletic's manager, after cancelling out and getting the better of Burnley for stretches of the game at Boundary Park.

“It is pre-season, so you can’t read too much into it.

“Regardless who we play, and I said this to the boys, it is not about the opposition and which league they are in and what system they play.

“We have to do things right ourselves and they have done that, as they have also shown against Wigan and Blackburn as well.

“We are not quite there yet in terms of August 6. There is still a bit of work to do.

“I have said before, we can be better with decision-making with the ball. We are getting there, slowly but surely.

“Regardless of the result and regardless of the performance against Burnley, it was a good fitness exercise.

“A week on Saturday is when it matters."


ATHLETIC pair Kirk Millar and Carl Winchester have been placed on stand-by for the Northern Ireland under-21s' home tie against the Faroe Islands.
The game takes place at The Oval in Belfast on Wednesday, August 10 (2pm kick-off) and if they are called up the duo will miss Athletic's home Carling Cup tie against Carlisle the previous night.