Dickov is a hard task master

We’ve done well but need to push on, insists boss

THE NEXT stage of Athletic's development is vital, according to manager Paul Dickov.

Approaching the Christmas period, the team have lost only three matches in npower League One and sit proudly in sixth position.

Only a brave few would have predicted such a solid start to the campaign after last season's travails, particularly with such a young squad.

With this weekend’s match against Walsall postponed because of a frozen pitch, Athletic will now look ahead to Swindon on Saturday week, followed by MK Dons.

Dickov’s side then have a Boxing Day test at home against Carlisle before travelling to Colchester two days later.

And following the journey north to Hartlepool on New Year’s Day, a busy period of four matches in nine days ends with a home derby with Rochdale on Monday, January 3.

"We have done ever so well," Dickov said.

"As I have said before, we would have snapped someone's hand off if they had offered us a top-six place at this time in the season.

"But we need to push on. We feel we have got a good, young squad, and there are going to be times in the season because of the age and naivety of us all where we are going to come under pressure and lose games.

"It is a learning process for us all and the lads in that changing room have been fantastic.

"Coming up to the Christmas period, there are a lot of games in store.

"It sorts out the men from the boys, really. A lot of people tell me we have a lot of boys here, but I think they are men.

"And they will kick on now to get results over the Christmas period to make sure we are still in the mix."