Latics forward issues rallying call to troops

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER: manager Paul Dickov and Robbie Simpson embrace after victory over Colchester.

ROBBIE Simpson has issued a rallying cry to help Athletic boss Paul Dickov following the departure of three of the Scot’s trusted allies.

Assistant manager Gerry Taggart, head of sports science Paul Butler and reserve team coach Lee Duxbury will not return to the club.

The board, still reviewing goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard’s position, decided the chemistry among the backroom staff wasn’t right, leaving youth team boss Tony Philliskirk and centre of excellence chief Mick Priest to accompany Dickov.

Simpson believes the onus is on the squad to step up and help the manager as the search for a new right-hand man continues.

He said: “As a group we were surprised to see some of the coaching staff go. All we can do is wish them well and concentrate on doing our own jobs as best we can.

“I think you have to look for positives in even the most difficult of situations and maybe this will force us to take on more responsibility.

“The manager has lost some of his staff and it is down to us as players to help him out.”



ATHLETIC have rearranged their npower League One trip to Notts County, which now takes place on Tuesday, January 22 (7.45pm kick-off).

The game had been due to be held on Saturday, January 5, which is when Paul Dickov’s side head to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round.