Simpson waits for Latics offer

wanted man: Athletic manager Paul Dickov is doing what he can to keep Robbie Simpson.

Dickov keen to keep popular forward
ROBBIE Simpson will be offered the chance to remain at Athletic next week.

The 27-year-old striker is one of nine out-of-contract players manager Paul Dickov hopes to keep. After the dael is presented, Simpson will have14 days to respond.

“The plan is to get something on paper to me next week,” said Simpson. “Then I will sit down and discuss it with my agent and my family.”

Dickov’s strong hope is that Simpson and James Wesolowski will both commit themselves to the Boundary Park club for 2012-13, alongside captain Dean Furman.

The statistics back up Dickov’s belief in the strength of that trio. This season, due to injuries and suspensions they have only started eight matches together in the same team — and the only one of those fixtures Athletic lost was in the FA Cup tie at Liverpool.

“When Robbie Simpson, Dean Furman and James Wesolowski were fit, they were the heartbeat of the team and we were at our best when they played together,” said Dickov.

“We are doing what we can to try to keep them here (Simpson and Wesolowski) and they have both hinted that they would like to stay. It will all come down to what they are asking for and what we can afford.”

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