Dicky won’t sit around for too long

Paul Dickov shares a joke with Walsall assistant manager Jon Whitney before his final game in charge of Athletic.

The City kit boss and former Latics star writes every week for Chron Sport
WE start with Latics this week.

I am always sad to see anyone lose their job, not least Dicky — outgoing Athletic manager Paul Dickov.

He isn’t one to want to put his feet up for the next six months. If the right offer comes along we will see Dicky back in management - and I have no doubt he has a future as a boss.

He has worked hard his entire life. That is what he thrives on.

Circumstances were difficult for Paul at Latics. There was a tight budget and he had to rely predominantly on loan or free transfer players.

I feel particularly sorry for him leaving only a week after that unbelievable FA Cup victory over Liverpool.

I look forward to seeing him back in management in the not-too-distant future.

As for City, we slipped further behind United in the title race following a 2-2 result against Liverpool.

Two goals lit up an exciting contest — Steven Gerrard’s thunderous shot and Sergio Aguero’s equaliser, for which he demonstrated wonderful technique to net first-time from the tightest of angles.

We are nine points behind United now; I think it’s fair to say we have to win the derby at Old Trafford on April 6 if we are to have a chance of retaining the title.

We are obviously relying on United slipping up a couple of times between now and May. They are in a very strong position and score goals for fun at the moment.

All we can do is try to win our remaining fixtures and hope for the same outcome as last season.