The future is bright

ATHLETIC were facing a blank weekend after their trip to Walsall was postponed due to the icy snap.

Elsewhere in npower League One, Rochdale’s clash with Charlton Athletic at Spotland was also called off.

Meanwhile, Athletic boss Paul Dickov hopes the culture of all-round improvement at the club can stave off departures come the reopening of the transfer window in the New Year.

A host of scouts and managers watched from the main stand when Athletic took on Exeter City two weeks ago.

Plenty will have left before the loss of three late goals in the 3-3 draw and with Dickov’s men serving up some sumptuous football, the efforts of several key men will no doubt have stimulated interest.

But though word is clearly getting around about his young side, Dickov hopes he can hold on to his most prized assets despite the club’s well-publicised financial troubles.

“If clubs do come in for players then it shows we are doing something right and that the players are doing something right,” said Dickov, who has been nominated for the npower League One manager of the month award for November (see panel).

“We have got a great group of lads here and we would hope that if someone did have a chance to go, they would stay because I think they know they are improving all the time.

“The future is bright and we want everyone to be a part of that.

“I know from speaking to the lads that they do, too.”

As for players coming into the club in early 2011, should he be able to add to the squad, Dickov reckons it would send out a powerful signal.

“There are a few people we would like, but circumstances dictate what we can do,” he added.

“I have said before, if we have to go with what we have got then I will be happy.

“If we can add one or two, it sends out a statement to the whole league. If we are doing well in the top six, playing good football and still wanting to improve, it shows people we mean business.”

Dickov believes that the form of his loan players has given the team a big push.

Jean-Yves Mvoto and Oumare Tounkara have improved hugely from when they first arrived at the club on season-long loan deals.

And the hope is that the same progression will be seen in Arsenal’s Cedric Evina and Leeds’ Aidan White, the wing pair who have three goals between them so far.

“I said when Cedric and Aidy joined us, that they will only get better with games,” Dickov added.

“Our philosophy is to get good, young, hungry players in.

“I know people will say we do need a bit of experience, but we won’t bring in an experienced player who may upset the apple cart. The team spirit and togetherness I have got is great.”