Belief not fitness the issue, insists Dickov

Paul Dickov: confident results will pick up.

CONFIDENCE and not fitness is the main issue for Athletic to address, says manager Paul Dickov.

Responding to concerns the team is running out of steam in the second half of games, Dickov pointed to statistics which partally disprove the theory.

But he accepted the team needs to pick itself up from recent disappointments to claim points.

“In certain quarters, people are panicking,” said the manager. “I believe in the players we have.

“They don’t turn into bad players overnight. We need to instil confidence back into them.

“I know a lot has been said about our fitness levels.

“At MK Dons and on Saturday, we finished the stronger in both halves. So I don’t think fitness is an issue.”

Dickov indicated he may drop the system that had Robbie Simpson as the sole focal point in attack now Jordan Slew is again fit.



PAUL Dickov has been linked with the vacant job at Athletic’s League One rivals Coventry City, though the club has categorically denied approaching Athletic.

Previous boss Andy Thorn was sacked this week after 16 months.






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