Unhappy boss now ready for changes

APPEAL: Paul Dickov looks for a decision.

ATHLETIC manager Paul Dickov is ready to ring the changes after a miserable 1-0 home defeat by Stevenage.

Lucas Akins scored a 36th- minute winner from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Alex Cisak brought down Marcus Haber, following James Tarkowski's horror back pass.

A largely poor display from the hosts left Dickov contemplating the introduction of several fringe players at Portsmouth on Saturday.

He said: “Matt Smith will be in our thoughts for the next game because he did well after coming on at half-time.

“Equally, a few of the players might not be in our thoughts. Nothing went to plan in the first half. At least in the second half we had a go.

“We went into the game trying to be more attacking in the way we set up, but we were too slow on the ball.

“It was better after the break but I can't understand why we reverted back to type. After a spell of getting balls into their box we started doing the tippy-tappy thing again, which is very frustrating.”

Dickov has sympathy for Athletic supporters still waiting to see their side pick up a win this term.

He continued: “We need to start picking up points soon. I am not stupid, I know we need a win and the fans will not be happy but we will put it right.”


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