Best of Enemies

THE last time Paul Dickov and Uwe Rosler set foot on the Boundary Park turf together, they achieved something that will be impossible come Saturday when Athletic entertain Brentford: both ending up on the losing side.

Brentford manager Rosler formed a strike partnership with Athletic counterpart Dickov for Manchester City's game at Boundary Park in the old Division One on Saturday, December 21, 1996.

Things appeared rosy for the visitors' when Athletic went one down eight minutes before half-time.

Prior to the goal, current Athletic fans' favourite Dickov had the home support howling in disapproval, as his fall to the floor under a Craig Fleming challenge allowed Georgi Kinkladze a chance from the penalty spot.

He failed, Gary Kelly saving his effort. But eight minutes before half-time, the Georgian maestro did register, after Dickov had pinched possession.

The game was turned on its head in the second half, to leave Rosler and Dickov exiting with nothing to show for their efforts.

First Ian Ormondroyd planted home a header off a Nick Henry cross just after the hour, then Nicky Banger swept home a deserved winner.

In total, Dickov and Rosler — still good friends off the pitch — played together 47 times for City between August, 1996, and May, 1998.