Corney: I want boss to prosper

THINK TANK: Paul Dickov (left) and Paul Gerrard. Picture by DARREN ROBINSON SIMON Corney believes the cull of Athletic backroom staff can have the desired effect on the side’s fortunes.

Goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard and youth team boss Tony Philliskirk have are assisting manager Paul Dickov and will do so again tomorrow.

Athletic's chairman said changes were inevitable given poor results and made the move to send Gerry Taggart, Paul Butler and Lee Duxbury on gardening leave.

He wants Dickov to be given the best chance to turn fortunes around.

"We have kept on Paul Gerrard, and Tony Philliskirk is helping out," said Corney. "He has a wealth of experience. Paul is a very organised and experienced coach and between the three of them we have a lot of faith.

"I'd like to see Paul succeed and have every possible chance. He knows results have got to be turned around and pretty soon. But it is the nature of football. We just have to batten down the hatches and go for it.

"As we know, it's a results business. Results haven't been as expected and so we needed to make changes and have done so. Whether or not it has the desired effect, we are going to find out."

Corney said he wants fringe players like David Mellor and Carl Winchester to get a run in the side at some stage.

"It is going to be tough. The manager has come to me with a few names. We are looking and we probably need to to strengthen our squad. I would like to bring in players. But on the other hand, we have four or five very good kids in my opinion who haven't been given the opportunity. Perhaps this is the time."