Dickov must buck trend

ATHLETIC'S disappointing start to the year comes as little surprise, historically speaking.

For some reason, the club has consistently struggled to find form in the latter half of the season.

Across the past eight campaigns, only once — under John Sheridan in 2007-08, the season after making it into the play-offs — have the Boundary Park outfit managed more wins than losses at the business end of the campaign.

In order to beat last season's record and end up in the top half of the table, it is clear current boss Paul Dickov will need to buck the trend.

Athletic's record (including cup matches) from New Year's Day onwards is —

2011-12: Played 6, Won 0, Drew 2, Lost 4. Position: 16th

2010-11: Played 28, Won 6, Drew 9, Lost 13. Final position: 17th

2009-10: Played 24, Won 7, Drew 6, Lost 11. Final position: 16th

2008-09: Played 23, Won 5, Drew 9, Lost 9. Final position: 10th

2007-08: Played 26, Won 12, Drew 6, Lost 8. Final position: 8th

2006-07: Played 25, Won 8, Drawn 7, Lost 10. Final position: 6th

2005-06: Played 22, Won 8, Drawn 5, Lost 9. Final position: 10th

2004-05: Played 26, Won 6, Drawn 7, Lost 13. Final position: 19th