Latics look for solutions to end-of-season slump

ATHLETIC could be set for a coaching shake-up this summer.

There is no suggestion that manager Paul Dickov's job is under threat - but the Chronicle understands that the Boundary Park hierarchy are deeply concerned with the way the season has fallen apart since the turn of the year.

Only five wins have come in 2012, with the rot well and truly present over the past two months.

In a busy 14-match period, Athletic have lost nine times.

Dickov has had to deal with a host of injury concerns. But a chronic lack of goals and a repeated tendency to switch off defensively -, added to a feeling that young players aren’t making progress - have led to the possibility of change.

It is believed a new figure on the training ground will be sounded out to aid the team's preparations ahead of next season. It remains to be seen how Dickov would greet such a step.

Chairman Simon Corney is to meet with his manager this week as he bids to plot a way forward.

Corney told the Chronicle last month that it is a "myth" that the club is running a small budget, with a host of players arriving after pre-season costing "serious money" and placing Athletic in the top-half of npower League One in terms of cash spent.

As such, the current placing of 18th is well under-par on those terms.

It is still possible for Athletic to finish on the edge of the league’s top-half.

Despite the poor form, Dickov appears to retain the backing of the majority of Athletic supporters.


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