Shape up or ship out

LOSING PATIENCE: Paul Dickov demands players buck-up

Latics boss orders big improvement after Dons debacle

PAUL Dickov has warned some of his under-achievers they face the boot in the summer if they don’t buck up their ideas.

The Athletic boss was left fuming after a 5-0 drubbing at MK Dons last time out, and pledged supporters will see a reaction on the pitch to his stinging post-match criticism.

He has demanded significant improvement for tomorrow’s npower League One home clash with Tranmere.

“After the MK Dons match perhaps it was a knee-jerk reaction to say some of the players could be on their way out imminently — but they could certainly go in the summer,” said Dickov.

“People know what I am like by now. If the lads go out there and give me everything they have got, even if we are on the losing side, I will back them all the way.

“But in our last game two or three heads dropped after we conceded the third goal.

“I won’t have that at this club. As a footballer you are duty-bound to give your all. If some of them don’t, the whole team gets punished.

“I expect them to show the same enthusiasm and passion I had as a player. We have spoken long and hard this week and they know it was not good enough.

“It was not a nice feeling. I want this club to do well and the fans who travel all those miles to be rewarded.

“We have two home games on the bounce now, starting with Tranmere at the weekend and then Colchester on Tuesday and I want a reaction — and I know I will get one.”

The Scot is probably keen to shuffle the pack after the debacle at Milton Keynes, but injuries are forcing his hand somewhat.

Athletic are anxiously awaiting the results of a scan on Paul Black’s hamstring injury, while skipper Dean Furman is 50-50 as he continues his tentative recovery from knee damage.

Strike pair Reuben Reid and Matt Smith are both pushing for recalls after impressing in the reserves’ 3-2 win at Burnley, but after four months on the sidelines the best Reid can hope for is a place on the substitutes’ bench.

Dickov added: “We will leave the decision on Dean until quite late on.

“Matt did ever so well to score twice and we want to see him translate that into first-team games when he gets his chance.

“Reuben has put himself in contention for the Tranmere game. He needs more match time, but is getting there.

“It is a tough game. People think of the old Tranmere, a long-ball side, but that is not the case anymore.

“They are similar to us in the size of their squad and budget.

“They work their socks off and we will have to be at our best.”



Winger sidelined



ATHLETIC winger Kirk Millar faces a spell on the sidelines after damaging ankle ligaments and sustaining a deep cup in the reserves’ 3-2 victory at Burnley.



The teenager scored in the midweek triumph and created one of Matt Smith’s two goals.

Millar, who is donning a protective boot and walking on crutches, will undergo a scan once the swelling has subsided.