Not fit for purpose

ATHLETIC chairman Simon Corney: pulled no punches

Corney hits out at team performance

SIMON Corney has blasted Athletic’s misfiring players.

The Latics chaiman has questioned both the fitness and desire of manager Paul Dickov’s squad after its poor start to the season.

Athletic's chairman said there is something “fundamentally wrong” when a team apparently superior on paper takes one point from a possible six against Walsall and Stevenage.

Corney has spoken to Dickov about his fears against a backdrop of declining attendances.

“The crowds are a major concern,” said the chairman, who has seen director Mike Newton depart the club.

“Even the 3,142 attendance figure against Stevenage is artificial as it includes a lot of £10 season-ticket holders. I can’t blame the fans for not coming.

“Recently, there has been no entertainment at Boundary Park and there is something overtly wrong with the way we have been playing. I have discussed it with Paul (Dickov). Facts are facts.

“I can take losing if we put in good performances. But we are not doing that.

“We have looked toothless and disjointed and the manager knows there is a problem. Hopefully, we can solve it.

“I am not worried about the points total at this stage in the season.

“I am worried about performances. We are not playing the way we can and it is scary.”

Athletic play at Portsmouth this weekend with a squad including Cristian Montano.

The winger was brought from West Ham for an undisclosed fee, believed to be over £50,000.








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