Loyal to Latics

Photo: PICTURE: ALAN HOWARTH

Paul Dickov watches his Athletic side beat Manchester City last night.

PAUL Dickov has turned down flat the chance to manage Crawley Town — because he wants to pay back the man who gave him his managerial shot.

After seeing his team defeat a Manchester City side packed with £115million worth of talent 2-1 in an entertaining friendly at Boundary Park last night, Athletic’s boss declared his intention to improve Latics’ lot in his season in charge.

Chairman Simon Corney gave the ambitious Sussex outfit, newly promoted to npower League One, the chance to speak with Dickov earlier this week. It wasn’t the first time the 39-year-old Scot has attracted serious interest from other clubs.

But Dickov was unmoved: “It wasn’t a very long conversation,” he said.

“I love what I am doing here. I love my job and Simon (Corney) has given me a chance. I want to show some of that loyalty back.”

On the victory over City - the club at which he remains a cult hero - Dickov believes things still need to be worked on before the league action begins.

“Winning is a fantastic habit to have; it breeds confidence,” he said. “But I still believe there is improvement in us, with and without the ball.”








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