Other candidates ahead of Dickov in race for Latics job

Paul Dickov

THE saga of who will become Athletic's next manager should reach a conclusion in the next few days ­- but the Chronicle understands that Paul Dickov is NOT a front-runner at this stage.

Club bosses have hit numerous obstacles in what has become an increasingly fraught chase for a replacement for John Sheridan.

A deal for Steve Evans had been lined up last week, but fell apart at a late stage ­- and since then, former Nottingham Forest and Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll has been heavily linked with a role at SportsDirect.com Park.

CHARGE

Dickov was also said to be in the thoughts of the hierarchy over a second spell in charge at the club he began his managerial career at.

However, there are other candidates in front of the Scot, as the club hits 33 days since Sheridan chose to up sticks and drop a division to take charge at Notts County.

One source close to Athletic admitted that the situation had become something of a "nightmare".

And though it has been difficult to pin down an agreement with a chosen managerial candidate, despite going through plenty of interviews, the club do have confidence that once a manager is officially installed then the process of signing players will quickly follow.

Athletic's current squad undergoes fitness tests on Friday and at present, there are more gaps in the squad than positions filled.

Two new goalkeepers and a goalkeeping and fitness coach are needed, in addition to players in virtually every outfield position on the field.

Athletic could opt to go down the loan route to fill certain positions, with standard loans from Premier League or Championship clubs a possibility.

The club's first friendly match of pre-season is against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, July 16.