Dickov to players: the ball’s in your court

Carl Winchester: “grew into the game” against Brentford.

ATHLETIC boss Paul Dickov has challenged his young guns to show they have the ambition and drive to be successful.

As the squad prepared for tomorrow’s tough test at Coventry, Dickov admitted the absence of regular midfield pair Dean Furman and James Wesolowski had left Athletic struggling in the middle of the park.

Their absence last weekend against Brentford gave an opportunity to Youssouf Mchangama and one of the club’s promising youngsters, Carl Winchester, to make their mark.

Dickov said: “Youssouf worked his socks off and Carl grew into the game before his knock.

“I’ve said all along that the younger kids have to show me that they want to play and not just go through the motions. They need to show me the right application and I will give them their chance.”

Dickov could give last week’s midfield pair another opportunity, or switch Robbie Simpson into the middle.

Tomorrow’s opponents, Coventry, have thrived since Chadderton-raised Mark Robins took charge.

The Sky Blues were in the relegation zone when Robins became boss but are now mid-table, only three points outside the promotion play-off places.

Dickov added: “Mark has them playing good football. They had a good result the other night, but we have to go there and be positive and really go for it.

“To be fair to the boys, away from home especially, we have looked a threat, but we need to start picking up points.”


ATHLETIC skipper Dean Furman is expected to be in the South Africa team which will take on Cape Verde in the opening game of the African Cup of Nations tomorrow.
Dickov said: “It’s great for him and I hope he does well. He deserves it.”