I’m backing Dickov

THUMBS UP: Chris Taylor believes Athletic can succeed in 2012-13.

Ambitious winger reckons manager has what it takes
EVEN without his own sprightly presence on the flank, Chris Taylor believes Athletic can haul themselves to success under the management of Paul Dickov next season.

Pastures new are being sought by the 25-year-old from Springhead, who is entitled to depart Boundary Park on a free transfer once his contract expires on June 30.

Even though this has been far from a vintage season, Taylor showed in terrorising Liverpool left-back Fabio Aeurelio at Anfield in the FA Cup tie what he is capable of at a higher level.

Presuming he does leave, Dickov will have the difficult task of securing an affordable equivalent.

Chris said: "The gaffer has done a good job with what he has got.

"With a little bit of patience and understanding, he will bring in some good players. I would love to see the club up in the play-off positions.

"This is a tight division and only six points separate where we are and the top 10. It is about consistency."

As a supporter of the club — as well as an employee — he is honest about personal failures. Taylor has only scored three goals to last season's 11, showing flashes rather than sustained form.

"Three goals is not really good enough," he said of his tally.

"It has been a very inconsistent, stop-start season for myself and the whole team.

"I think the Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat to Chesterfield knocked the stuffing out of us. We gave a good account of ourselves and everyone believed we would reach the final.

Still nursing his sore ankle, Taylor will be among the attendees as Athletic bid to round off their season in positive fashion.

"We have still got three big games to go," he added. "Two are local derbies against Preston and Bury, which the fans will enjoy. They are games we certainly don't want to lose."