Taylor reaction delights Dickov

CHRIS TAYLOR . . . the forward has held his form despite speculation over his future at Boundary Park.

PAUL Dickov has praised winger Chris Taylor for the way he has handled speculation over his future.

Taylor, who takes his place in the Athletic squad to face Dagenham and Redbridge tomorrow, was the subject of a £250,000 bid from Championship strugglers Scunthorpe prior to the transfer deadline.

It was rejected out of hand, as was a higher offer from an unnamed club just hours before the window closed.

Dickov feared the tricky wide man’s performances would suffer as a result, but a vintage display and a goal in the 4-0 win over Hartlepool in midweek eased those fears.

“People have been telling me that last time there was speculation about Chris, which was before I was at the club, he melted on the pitch,” said the Scot.

“I am glad that has not happened this time. He arguably played better than usual against Hartlepool.

“It just goes to show how much Chris has grown up.

“For such a young man he has a lot of games under his belt already, which benefits everyone.

“I always inform players if a team comes in for them, because it is only fair. But at the moment, this is the best place for Chris to be.”

Dickov expects a stern test of his side’s promotion credentials tomorrow against John Still’s direct Dagenham outfit.

The Victoria Park side, currently 23rd in the npower League One table, boosted their chances of survival with a 4-1 midweek victory over Brentford — a result that cost Bees boss Andy Scott his job.

“We are in for a tough afternoon. Dagenham have a lot of good players,” said Dickov.

“Marvin Morgan is a big lad, a real handful for defenders.

“John Still has done a fantastic job there and has won two promotions.

“We are ready for the challenge. It is about identifying their strengths, nullifying them and then playing our own game.”

With no new injury worries, the biggest decision facing Dickov is whether to start with Reuben Reid, who scored his first goal for the club against Hartlepool.

But with the former West Brom forward still short of match fitness and Athletic on the crest of a wave after such a convincing victory, Dickov will be tempted to field an unchanged line-up.