Dickov issues mandate for change

DICKOV: Putting his foot down

I want players who will run through a brick wall for the club — boss
Athletic will avoid “fair-weather” footballers next season — and will focus on ‘hard, honest graft” as the starting point for new talents.

Manager Paul Dickov confirms he has already spoken to some players.

“This year I tried to get more talented players in, to try to play the right way - and it hasn’t worked.

“So that is where I will be changing it. I want players out there who will run through a brick wall for the football club. But there are also talented players out there who can do that.

“We have not been good enough this year. We have leaked goals, and have made chances we haven’t taken. We are looking at every position possible, to get better players in than we have had this year.”

In the build-up to the final match of a tepid season at home to Carlisle tomorrow, Dickov also revealed he will have “less patience” when it comes to contracts for 2012-13.

The window of opportunity could close in as little as two weeks after an offer is made - preventing the frustrating sagas of last summer.

“We will be sitting the players down on Monday and letting them know exactly what is going to be happening next year,” he added. “The ones we are offering contracts to will be given a deadline. We don’t want to pressurise people, but either they want to stay or they don’t.”





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