Play without fear

Paul Dickov

ATHLETIC could be playing with more freedom away from Boundary Park, Paul Dickov has admitted.

Ahead of the game at Exeter City tomorrow, the manager described how a young group of players may be feeling slightly tense as the relative points famine on home soil continues.

Going back into last season, Athletic have won only once in the last 15 games at Boundary Park.

“The boys are maybe a bit nervy at home,” said Dickov, whose side are on the hunt for a third successive away win following successes at Walsall and Leyton Orient.

“As much as we try to take any pressures away from them before they go out and play on a Saturday, I think they are wary of the home record.

“It is not something we have spoke about, but I get the feeling they are aware of it.

“If a player makes a mistake and there is a bit of unrest — whether on the pitch or in the crowd — it can unsettle them.

“You have got to realise this is a young team. That is going to happen and we have to deal with it.

“I don’t want my players going out feeling up tight and worrying. I want them to go out and express themselves and play football.”

Being positive is key for Athletic tomorrow, Dickov argues.

The need to play without fear is paramount, though he also pointed out that at the same stage last season, the team had an identical record.

“This time last year, people were telling me what a fantastic start we had made to the season,” Dickov said.

“We have same the number of points (14), after the same amount of games (10). So it’s not that bad.

“You have got to remember as well, we have only been able to name the same starting line-up twice.

“With so many new players coming in, ours is a team that hasn’t played together long. That is not making excuses.

“We have got a better group on and off pitch than we did last year and maybe it will take longer to gel together.

“On flip side, didn’t take long at Orient or Walsall.”

Hinting at a recall for Bradley Diallo in a reshaped back-four — “hindsight is a wonderful thing,” Dickov said, referring to his decision to retain the same defensive line-up which played without conceding for most of the game at Orient — the Athletic boss should also welcome back his injured trio soon.

“Paul Black is nearly fit, as is Dean Furman, and Josh Parker is five or six weeks away,” added Dickov.

“When these players return, we will have competition for places and quality competition, too.”

Liam Sercombe could return to Exeter’s midfield tomorrow after recovering from a broken foot.

Forwards John O’Flynn and Guillem Bauza are pushing for starting spots, as the Grecians aim for only a second npower League One win of the season.

“It is important we play well and play with resolve," said City manager Paul Tisdale.

Athletic (probable, 4-4-2): Cisak; Lee, Clarke, Diamond, Diallo; Simpson, Wesolowski, Adeyemi, Taylor; Reid, Kuqi. Subs (from): Gerrard, Mvoto, Tarkowski, Morais, Millar, Smith, Winchester, Mellor.

Exeter (probable, 4-3-3): Krysiak; Tully, Duffy, Coles, Golbourne; Dunne, Noble, Archibald-Henville; Whichelow, Taylor, Nardiello.