Furman adopts tunnel vision

DEAN FURMAN . . . reminder for his Athletic team-mates.

DEAN Furman has warned Athletic must keep their focus if they are to remain in the npower League One play-off places.

The 4-0 defeat of Hartlepool United at Boundary Park saw Paul Dickov’s side retain fifth place in the table.

But Furman, a star turn in the Athletic engine room this term, insists the high standard set in midweek must be replicated when Dagenham and Redbridge roll into town on Saturday.

He said: “Everyone is happy with the result and performance against Hartlepool, but we have to keep on doing that in order to get where we want to go.

“There are a lot of tough games coming up in a short period of time, starting at the weekend, and it is important to keep the same solid base and work hard for 90 minutes again.

“If we do not get a positive result on Saturday, it will take away from what we achieved against Hartlepool.”

Midweek victories for fellow promotion hopefuls Bournemouth, Huddersfield, Southampton, Peterborough United, Charlton Athletic and MK Dons only served to highlight the size of the task facing Dickov’s men, who have reached the top six on a much stricter budget than those around them.

Saturday’s opponents Dagenham, seven points adrift of safety in 23rd place, also earned maximum points with a surprise 4-1 triumph over Brentford at Victoria Road.

Meanwhile, Furman is delighted Dickov added experienced defender Andy Todd and speedy front man Reuben Reid to the squad on season-long deals, before the transfer window slammed shut.

Reid almost scored with the first touch of his home debut against Hartlepool after replacing Oumare Tounkara late on, before getting on the scoresheet with a powerful header in stoppage time.

“They are good players and both lads are settling in well already,” he said.

“We are a friendly group here and we always try to look out for one another.

“It goes without saying as well that, if there is banter to be had with the new lads, we will give it to them.

“Especially if they wear some dodgy gear!

“They have had a positive impact. Reuben is naturally delighted to have claimed his first goal, and Andy brings some great experience with him, so it is great to have them on board.”