Dickov double signing swoop
Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS and CHRIS LYNHAM
Date published: 19 August 2011
ATHLETIC have boosted their derby-day hopes by snapping up former Olympique de Marseille defender Bradley Diallo and Huddersfield centre-half Nathan Clarke.
The 21-year-old Diallo, who can play across the back-four, penned a five-month contract in time to face Rochdale at Boundary Park tomorrow.
Clarke (28), on loan at Colchester last season, has come to Boundary Park on loan until January.
He is not eligible to play against Huddersfield when the two sides meet on September 3, but can turn out against Rochdale.
Huddersfield have also stated he cannot take part in any FA Cup matches, but can play in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
Said Clarke: “The manager has given me a chance to come here and start enjoying my football again.
“Paul Dickov is very enthusiastic about the team he has here. They are a young bunch full of enthusiasm which is a good trait.”
Boss Paul Dickov moved to add muscle to his ranks after losing Jean-Yves Mvoto to a one-match suspension following his dismissal at Scunthorpe.
Fellow centre-half James Tarkowski has also been ruled out despite taking part in training this week as he continues his recovery from a foot injury.
Versatile stopper Diallo fits the bill and has made a positive impression since he started training with Athletic at the start of the season.
For the player, the move represents an opportunity to forge a career in England. He has been searching for a permanent deal since leaving the French giants in June.
At the other end of the pitch, striker Reuben Reid has recovered from a minor hamstring complaint.
Dickov wants to rid himself of "sickening" flashbacks tomorrow.
Two goals from Chris O'Grady helped Rochdale get the better of the Boundary Park encounter in early January, with their 2-1 victory celebrated in front of 1,891 visiting fans.
On the back of the morale-boosting win at Scunthorpe, the Scot is targeting another three-point haul — and with it, a first league win over the club's geographically-closest rivals for 37 years.
"I have got a lasting memory in my head of when they beat us last year and were celebrating in front of their fans," said Dickov. "It was a sickening feeling. I don't want to have that feeling again and will be reminding our players about it.
"Come five o'clock tomorrow, I want it to be us celebrating in front of our fans after winning the derby.
"I am relieved because we got the victory (at Scunthorpe). I was desperate to win and desperate for the boys to win, as I felt they let themselves down on Saturday (at Yeovil).
"I wanted a reaction, but it shouldn't take a performance like that and a rollocking from me to get them going again.
"Their attitude and desire was great, but there is no point doing it in one game and not the next.
"Our shape, application, attitude and desire has to be our starting point."
