Dickov predicts Latics backlash

Tom Adeyemi

ATHLETIC boss Paul Dickov (below) goes into tomorrow’s derby-day clash with Bury a wiser manager.

The Scot believes everyone — including himself — has learned a lesson from the dramatic 3-3 draw at Carlisle last time out, which saw the visitors surrender a three-goal lead.

He said: “We have all taken something from the last game. Maybe I could have been better at changing things.

“Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but when we were 3-2 up and under pressure in the second half, maybe I should have brought on a defender to shore things up.

“This week we have spoken about the fact we are a good side, but we must get the concentration levels right because we have shown we can play some great football.”

Dickov senses his charges are champing at the bit to make up for their collapse at Brunton Park in the best way possible — gaining three points at the expense of the Shakers.

He added: “I have sensed this week that the players, as well as myself and the staff, are massively keen to get out there and put things right.

“We expect a tough game because (manager) Richie Barker has got them playing well and they were unlucky to lose against Stevenage in their last match.”

A scan on James Wesolowski’s knee injury revealed there was no ligament damage, and Dickov has not ruled out the midfielder for tomorrow’s fixture.

On-loan Manchester City pair Andreas Mancini and Luca Scapuzzi are in line for their Athletic debuts, Filipe Morais could start, while Zander Diamond is pushing for a recall at the heart of a defence which has conceded six goals in two outings.

Meanwhile, Tom Adeyemi is revelling in his role as Athletic’s ‘Mr Versatile’.

The Norwich loanee, who has earned rave reviews for his lung-busting performances at the heart of the midfield, has also been deployed out wide by Dickov.

He said: “I have occasionally been used on the right wing here, but I am comfortable with that because I played in a similar position for Bradford City last season.

“I definitely prefer playing in central midfield because it gives me the opportunity to make forward runs.

“But the most important thing is playing and I am happy to do the job for the team.”