Royle assent

Joe Royle: thumbs up for manager from Latics legend

Dickov is doing great job, says Latics legend
JOE Royle has given the thumbs-up to Athletic manager Paul Dickov.

The legendary former boss, who led the club to such glories as a Littlewoods Cup final at Wembley and promotion to the top flight, was present as Chesterfield were put to the sword on Saturday.

For Royle - who managed Dickov at Manchester City - the victory provided evidence of a man who is pushing the club forward.

“I think Paul has done very well,” said the 62-year-old, who spent 12 years at Boundary Park during his first spell in charge, like Dickov cutting his managerial teeth at Athletic.

“I love his attitude on the side of the pitch and it is clear that the players like and respect him.

“He has that Scottish fire - and he is from a country that has traditionally produced top managers.

“You don't have to look too far down the road for evidence of that. Speaking to people after Paul came in, you could detect a feeling of hope that was absent for a while at the club.

“He was always a great professional and it is good to see his progress.”

On the field, Royle was particularly impressed by the way Robbie Simpson and Shefki Kuqi worked as a pair up front against the Spireites, with his belief being that good sides are built around key partnerships.

“I attended a pre-season event with fans and Paul and I said then about the importance of partnerships,” added Royle, who had Kuqi under his charge during three years at Ipswich.

“When we had success here at Oldham, it was built on strong partnerships from the back right through to the strikers and it looks like Shefki and Robbie Simpson have a nice balance.

“Shefki is great to have around the place. As well as being a lovely man, he is not afraid of hard work and also weighs in with a few goals, as he is doing this season.

“If Paul can keep his front two together then that can form part of the basis for a push towards the play-offs.”



The deadline for loan players passes today with Athletic hopeful of securing late deals for young fringe players to move elsewhere.