No easing up, warns Dickov

PAUL Dickov believes the penny is finally beginning to drop with his players on the back of a three-match unbeaten run.

The Athletic boss has been trying to convince his players they have nothing to fear in League One, and two impressive wins against Crewe and Preston and a draw at Sheffield United seem to bear that out.

“I have been trying to instil a never-say-die attitude here and it has only taken two years,” joked Dickov.

“But we got what we deserved at Bramall Lane. That is our starting point now. We have to show those characteristics in every game, starting with Leyton Orient tomorrow.

“Of all the recent fixtures this is the one we are probably expected to win - so we have to make sure we are on it.”

Dickov was full of praise for his opposite number tomorrow, Orient manager Russell Slade: “Russell is a fantastic manager. I have a lot of time for him on and off the pitch. He has got them playing good football and we know it is going to be tough.”

Now Dickov faces a different kind of pressure: “We are on a good run now, but it is important to keep a lid on expectations,” he continued. “Not so long ago I was defending us and saying it would get better, but now it has we shouldn’t go too far the other way.”