Paul Dickov by an Oldham Athletic Fan

[paulprendy]

Oldham fan in peace, hoping to bring some balanced and truthful assessment of Dickov's time at BP.

When Dickov first arrived at Boundary Park in June 2010, the club was at it's lowest ebb for quite some time. I know Penney was and still is a hero of many of you but the man was simply wrong for our club. His signings were poor and the football was the most insipid, dire and sterile shite I have ever had the misfortune to watch in my up until then, 24 seasons of following my home town team.

When Dickov was announced many of us saw it as a cheap appointment, the guy had no coaching credentials but had apparently blown the board away with his passion for the game. He quickly organised a fans' forum, said all the right things, consulted the fans and got us on board right away with his promise of good, committed attacking football.

2010/11
Pre-season saw the coffers boosted by the sale of promising young striker Tom Eaves to Bolton, allowing Dickov to bring in Richie Jones from Bradford, Warren Feeney and a couple of others. The main issue was that come the start of the season the squad still looked short in a few areas, players arrived on the eve of the first game and right up until the end of September.

His first 18 games were like a breath of fresh air, we only won 7 of those but only lost 3. Sadly we were knocked out of all three cup competitions before Bonfire Night, thus putting the club under much more financial pressure. Until the weather hit hard (we didn't play for 6 weeks in Dec-Jan 10/11) we had been playing a high tempo pressing game, normally with two midfielders offering insurance in the wide areas. Then in October he changed his philsophy and brought in Cedric Evina, Aidy White and Felipe Morais to play in the wide areas - much more attacking threat but left us open at the back. To begin with we got away with it, then Southampton arrived in early January and hit us hard, in fact they beat us 6-0 at Boundary Park. It was a real shock but 'just a blip' we thought, we recovered and didn't lose in the next 6, in fact on the first day of February after hammering Hartlepool we were still handily placed in the Play Off places…. Then the wheels came off in Spectacular style, we drew with Dagenham then proceeded to score only 2 goals in the next 10 games, Dickov began to struggle he didn't overly change his team around when in reality his young striker Tounkara was in his first season and running on empty, bereft of belief and confidence the team struggled badly. The obvious acton was for our player manager (as he was then) to get on his boots and help his young charges out, instead he stood arms folded on the touchline and hoped it would come good rather than effecting change.

The points in the bag were enough for a lower mid-table finish but only 2 wins in the last 19 games was a remarkable capitulation. His good relationship with the fans though had bought him time, financial problems hit hard early in the Spring with wages paid late and losing Dale Stephens to Southampton on loan, eventually the issues were resolved but it was clear all was not right when team mates Chris Taylor and Richie Jones were seen fighting at the final whistle of a 0-0 at MK Dons. 2 wins in the final 19 games a run that saw Latics score only 9 goals, and in addition to the 6-0 defeat at home to Southampton the fans also had to endure a 5-0 defeat at home to Peterborough.

For me, a good start the following season was impertaive. The previous year he had given one or two of the younger lads a go, Carl winchester and James Tarkowski made their debuts that year, although our rookie manager was already showing in my and others opinions an over-reliance on loanees instead of working with what he already had at the club. His over-use of Tounkakra was worrying as the lad needed a break and for me it's taken the lad a couple of years to get back into the swing of things, although he knuckled down back in France, did ok in a short spell at Bristol Rovers and today signed for Stevenage.

So 2011/12
Again a few signings here and there but again we had lost one of our better players in Dale Stephens, a fir few were released but we again went into the season looking ill-equipped to make waves in League One. In the ned it was a steady start, reinforcements finally arrived with something of a coup being pulled off with the arrival of Shefki Kuqi. Nathan Clarke, Tom Adeyemi, James Wesolowski, Robbie Simpson arrived after the start of the season. The pattern continued from the Spring, we created few chances - although we were scoring goals freely in the autumn, our home form was still pretty average with too many games where we lacked a threat and failed to score at all. Although we were knocked out of the League Cup we did embark on a decent JPT run (losing in the Northern Final) and reaching the FA Cup 3rd round before bowing out to a decent pay day at Anfield, the league form saw us lower mid-table.

Initially our young prospect David Mellor had been given an extended run, albeit at left-back (the lad's a big strong left-footed box to box midfielder) where he had been hung out to dry a bit - Dickov again brought in loanees that in reality often were no better than what we had, this was becoming a source of frustration for the faithful. After somehow losing to doomed Chesterfield in the JPT Northern Final, the wheels again came off in February, long runs without wins or goals followed, there was the odd highlight such as coming from 2 down to win at Sheffield United but the home form was simply crap, Shefki Kuqi was out of form, he was knackered and suffering from a team that refused to alter its policy of two rigid banks of four with two holding midfielders, the wingers produced very little and often Kuqi was so deep he might as well be playing sweeper! Despite a bit of worry in April the team avoided relegation comfortably although there was another poor run of only 1 win in the last 9 games, where goals were at a premium again and the home form was particularly poor. A minority by now were beginning to question Dickov's abilities and his coach of Gerry Taggart and Fitness Guru Paul Butler who was seemingly taking much more of a hands on role on the touchline.

2012/13

Dickov again lost two of his better players in Kieran Lee and Chris Taylor but for me given his trumpeted contacts, this should not have been the issue it was. In fact we played some great high tempo stuff throughout pre-season, his 6 month loan deal for Jordan Slew was baffling as we again went into a season short of a squad - lo and behold yet again after the season had started Reece Wabara, Jose Baxter and Matt Derbyshire arrived. Despite that it was a poor start to the season, the penny dropped for me in our very first game - we were 2-0 up against Sheffield wednesday and all over them then after 30 minutes Dave Jones brought an extra-midfielder on and a target man in O'Grady on, we couldn't handle their 451 pressing formation and fell apart to lose 4-2. Tie and again our young team looked to the bench for direction, there was no reaction and although we were 2-0 up at HT we lost 4-2. Dickov had simply failed to react to his opposite numbers tactical awareness.

Shortly after we were 1-0 up at Chesterfield in the JPT, he decided to shut up shop - the midfield followed its all too familiar pattern of not crossing the halfway line - we lost 2-1. From that moment I knew he was tactically poor. He knew he was under pressure and stated 'Judge me after 10 games, I'll get it right', well we won 1 of those first ten games including another abject 1-0 home defeat (he loves his 1-0 defeats does PD) 10 man Coventry. Dickov was a man truly on the edge, we went to Crewe more in hope than expectation, suddenly the free-flowing pressing football was back for the first time in months - we won 2-0 at Crewe, it could have been 7 or 8. The following Saturday we demolished Preston and went on a decent run throughout October. The wheels came off again in October and the shut up shop mentality was back in two awful defeats at home to Bury and Tranmere. Three scrappy wins at home to Shrewsbury and away at Hartlepool and Colchester followed (Dickov's last league win) the cup form was very good, an unexpected win at home to yourselves, the great win at Forest and the fantastic day at home to Liverpool followed, but in amongst that was a run of 9 games without a win was again abject the excuses were the same throughout his three years and had worn very thin. He should have gone for me after the home defeat to Coventry in September 2012, unbelievably he clung to his job for another 4 months….

You can't fault Dickov's passion, it's infectious but is set in his ways. He is tactically naive and very stubborn. His Plan A in times of trouble is to bring a loanee in. He is far too loyal to under-performing strikers. He has openly told young players they are not in his plans, what have the fringe players got to aspire to if he is not willing to give them a go over kids from a Premier League club? Yes, some are very good but there's a time and a place for blooding your own - they are the lifeblood of smaller clubs like ourselves.

I'm in no doubt initially PD will be a breath of fresh air at your club, you play at a good tempo and have a go. The test will come should you lose a couple or perhaps suffer a hammering then I am sure Dickov will close ranks and return to his 'damage limitation' routine.

A final note on Dean Furman, when he presses high up the field he is a real asset and can cause real damage. The Dean Furman I saw playing for you on Sky a few weeks back was like the Dean Furman Dickov's first 18 games, yet somehow he became a crab like player that would only pass sideways and forever pass back to his goalkeeper. Dickov's policy of two holding midfielders ruined him. Beware if Dickov does indeed sign him.

The fact you have BF controlling Player Recruitment I believe, is no bad thing with Dickov around, he'll bring in some tremendous players but within weeks they'll wither away into his sterile system if you're struggling. It's important he brings in an experienced head as his assistant as he was too arrogant to do that at BP, his coaching staff were failing and therefore paid the price he could have replaced them with anyone of his choosing but decided not too and it cost him his job too in the end.

Paul Dickov i'm sure will give his all for you, he's tenacious he'll argue with officials, he'll get you onside quickly and you'll believe the hype. I hope the faith John Ryan has shown in him is not a case of misguided loyalty to a friend and neighbour.

Good Luck in the Championship, I'll be keeping out more than an interest in your fortunes…..

One more thing, our fitness was the worst I have seen in years under Dickov…

However, he may well have learnt from his mistakes at Oldham, but I doubt it the lad has a big ego and believes in his own abilities to the point of arrogance.

[Prez]

Thanks for taking the time Paul to write that, only time will tell if his plans come to fruition here.

Good luck for next season.

[not on facebook]

Well after reading that it dont bode Well,but Belive in
JR is all i can say

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Thanks for the insight.

Like with any manager. If it's down to my way or now way, then it could be a slippery slope. Good managers should learn and take on board feedback and advice from those around. Whilst it is positive to be determined to shape a team/squad tactics, you have to adapt to the tools that you have at your disposal.

It's no good alienating players off because with small squads and limited budgets you can't afford to.

I hope he takes his time to feel his way in and use the best of what we have. 

[Sprotyrover]

Dickov is another lightweight like Saunders,my concern is summed up in the post from the Latic, he hasn't torn any trees up for them,not much on his Cv at all 

Hope I am wrong on this !

[neil grainger]

Thanks for taking the time to give us your input Paul.

I remember within days of our appointing Sean O'Driscoll we had Bournemouth fans queueing up on here, basically to tell us the guy flattered to deceive and we were going to hell in a hand-cart.

What followed was a JPT Trophy win, promotion to the Championship for the first time in half a century, and being treated to the most sublime football I've witnessed in over 40 years as a Rovers fan.

Time will tell as the saying goes.

[RobTheRover]

I appreciate these are Paul's view of what he witnessed, but I would say we are a very different club to Oldham, with a different ethos, resources and culture.  Paul was appointed because he convinced the board that he could fit into that.  Only time will tell if that fit is a success, but I'm sure JR wont risk our championship status a second time.

[Rovers-on-Thames]

Before going to you, Dave Penney had an excellent record as a manager and was held in high regard by most of our fans. All of a sudden at Oldham he was playing the worst football you've ever seen. Now Dickov is also apparently useless with no tactical knowledge. It just doesn't add up to me. There is too much fans don't know about what is happening behind to scenes to make a proper judgement.

And I actually read your post above and took more positives from it than negatives - especially regarding some of the players he managed to get to Oldham and some of the football he was playing at times.

He's inheriting a very different squad here with a very different mentality to anything he worked with at Oldham.

[paulprendy]

We'll see next season. IF Dickov learns from his mistakes and becomes more humble in learning his craft, taking on board the advice from experienced men like Flynn and (Possibly) Horton - he'll have half a chance.

As for Penney, he did well for you, was pisspoor at BP and sacked within 6 weeks at Bristol Rovers the year after and hasn't managed for 2 years - says it all.

[RedJ]

We'll see next season. IF Dickov learns from his mistakes and becomes more humble in learning his craft, taking on board the advice from experienced men like Flynn and (Possibly) Horton - he'll have half a chance.

As for Penney, he did well for you, was pisspoor at BP and sacked within 6 weeks at Bristol Rovers the year after and hasn't managed for 2 years - says it all.

Says a lot about our club set up too.

[neil grainger]

As for Penney, he did well for you, was pisspoor at BP and sacked within 6 weeks at Bristol Rovers the year after and hasn't managed for 2 years - says it all.

A bit selective that, Paul.

You missed out his stint at Darlington where if memory serves, he performed minor miracles in an almost impossible situation.

And there were back-office shenanigans going on at Bristol Rovers so I don't think it's fair to judge him on that debacle.

No, I would argue DP only 'failed' at Oldham - says it all?

You won't find many on this forum agreeing to slag off DP I'm afraid.

[paulprendy]

Of course he's your 'Joe Royle', he achieved a lot for your club, he just wasn't right for mine. It may well be the same with Dickov, however he got more than enough time (some say too much) at BP, it will interesting to see how it pans out looking from the outside in.

[RoversAlias]

Thank you very much Paul for all of that insight, much more than we could've asked to find out really.

I still think there are enough positives about Dickov in there and I'm confident that with the right team around him (Flynn, Jones, Sully, and whoever he brings in himself) we will prosper under him.

[twinkletoes]

Is it just me or does he remind anyone else of one of the Kray Twins?

[Rios]

York said Andy Warrington was dog shit.
Bournemouth weren't complimentary about SOD.
Wrexham were chuffed to bits to get rid of Saunders.
Oldham hated Penny, Wellens was a mecenary and Furman was a crab.
And I'm sure some saddo from our end will trot over to whichever forum of the club which has the misfortune to sign Gary Woods to tell me them how crap he is...

[Red wizard]

Is it just me or does he remind anyone else of one of the Kray Twins?

Yeah he has a look of them.

[Sprotyrover]

Penney fell out with players wouldn't play them and used rigid doctrine which was only suitable for Div 2.
He was totally out of his depth in league One.there are some striking similarities in the post from the Latic on Dickov.

[Nudga]

Is it just me or does he remind anyone else of one of the Kray Twins?

Yeah he has a look of them.

I thought it was Mark Renton.

[RedJ]

Penney fell out with players wouldn't play them and used rigid doctrine which was only suitable for Div 2.
He was totally out of his depth in league One.there are some striking similarities in the post from the Latic on Dickov.

Yes that's why we had consecutive top 10 finishes under him in League One and on one occasion we only missed out on the playoffs on final day.

But obviously totally out of his depth in League One eh.

[SoundbiteBarmyArmy]

Oldham fan in peace, hoping to bring some balanced and truthful assessment of Dickov's time at BP.

When Dickov first arrived at Boundary Park in June 2010, the club was at it's lowest ebb for quite some time. I know Penney was and still is a hero of many of you but the man was simply wrong for our club. His signings were poor and the football was the most insipid, dire and sterile shite I have ever had the misfortune to watch in my up until then, 24 seasons of following my home town team.

When Dickov was announced many of us saw it as a cheap appointment, the guy had no coaching credentials but had apparently blown the board away with his passion for the game. He quickly organised a fans' forum, said all the right things, consulted the fans and got us on board right away with his promise of good, committed attacking football.

2010/11
Pre-season saw the coffers boosted by the sale of promising young striker Tom Eaves to Bolton, allowing Dickov to bring in Richie Jones from Bradford, Warren Feeney and a couple of others. The main issue was that come the start of the season the squad still looked short in a few areas, players arrived on the eve of the first game and right up until the end of September.

His first 18 games were like a breath of fresh air, we only won 7 of those but only lost 3. Sadly we were knocked out of all three cup competitions before Bonfire Night, thus putting the club under much more financial pressure. Until the weather hit hard (we didn't play for 6 weeks in Dec-Jan 10/11) we had been playing a high tempo pressing game, normally with two midfielders offering insurance in the wide areas. Then in October he changed his philsophy and brought in Cedric Evina, Aidy White and Felipe Morais to play in the wide areas - much more attacking threat but left us open at the back. To begin with we got away with it, then Southampton arrived in early January and hit us hard, in fact they beat us 6-0 at Boundary Park. It was a real shock but 'just a blip' we thought, we recovered and didn't lose in the next 6, in fact on the first day of February after hammering Hartlepool we were still handily placed in the Play Off places…. Then the wheels came off in Spectacular style, we drew with Dagenham then proceeded to score only 2 goals in the next 10 games, Dickov began to struggle he didn't overly change his team around when in reality his young striker Tounkara was in his first season and running on empty, bereft of belief and confidence the team struggled badly. The obvious acton was for our player manager (as he was then) to get on his boots and help his young charges out, instead he stood arms folded on the touchline and hoped it would come good rather than effecting change.

The points in the bag were enough for a lower mid-table finish but only 2 wins in the last 19 games was a remarkable capitulation. His good relationship with the fans though had bought him time, financial problems hit hard early in the Spring with wages paid late and losing Dale Stephens to Southampton on loan, eventually the issues were resolved but it was clear all was not right when team mates Chris Taylor and Richie Jones were seen fighting at the final whistle of a 0-0 at MK Dons. 2 wins in the final 19 games a run that saw Latics score only 9 goals, and in addition to the 6-0 defeat at home to Southampton the fans also had to endure a 5-0 defeat at home to Peterborough.

For me, a good start the following season was impertaive. The previous year he had given one or two of the younger lads a go, Carl winchester and James Tarkowski made their debuts that year, although our rookie manager was already showing in my and others opinions an over-reliance on loanees instead of working with what he already had at the club. His over-use of Tounkakra was worrying as the lad needed a break and for me it's taken the lad a couple of years to get back into the swing of things, although he knuckled down back in France, did ok in a short spell at Bristol Rovers and today signed for Stevenage.

So 2011/12
Again a few signings here and there but again we had lost one of our better players in Dale Stephens, a fir few were released but we again went into the season looking ill-equipped to make waves in League One. In the ned it was a steady start, reinforcements finally arrived with something of a coup being pulled off with the arrival of Shefki Kuqi. Nathan Clarke, Tom Adeyemi, James Wesolowski, Robbie Simpson arrived after the start of the season. The pattern continued from the Spring, we created few chances - although we were scoring goals freely in the autumn, our home form was still pretty average with too many games where we lacked a threat and failed to score at all. Although we were knocked out of the League Cup we did embark on a decent JPT run (losing in the Northern Final) and reaching the FA Cup 3rd round before bowing out to a decent pay day at Anfield, the league form saw us lower mid-table.

Initially our young prospect David Mellor had been given an extended run, albeit at left-back (the lad's a big strong left-footed box to box midfielder) where he had been hung out to dry a bit - Dickov again brought in loanees that in reality often were no better than what we had, this was becoming a source of frustration for the faithful. After somehow losing to doomed Chesterfield in the JPT Northern Final, the wheels again came off in February, long runs without wins or goals followed, there was the odd highlight such as coming from 2 down to win at Sheffield United but the home form was simply crap, Shefki Kuqi was out of form, he was knackered and suffering from a team that refused to alter its policy of two rigid banks of four with two holding midfielders, the wingers produced very little and often Kuqi was so deep he might as well be playing sweeper! Despite a bit of worry in April the team avoided relegation comfortably although there was another poor run of only 1 win in the last 9 games, where goals were at a premium again and the home form was particularly poor. A minority by now were beginning to question Dickov's abilities and his coach of Gerry Taggart and Fitness Guru Paul Butler who was seemingly taking much more of a hands on role on the touchline.

2012/13

Dickov again lost two of his better players in Kieran Lee and Chris Taylor but for me given his trumpeted contacts, this should not have been the issue it was. In fact we played some great high tempo stuff throughout pre-season, his 6 month loan deal for Jordan Slew was baffling as we again went into a season short of a squad - lo and behold yet again after the season had started Reece Wabara, Jose Baxter and Matt Derbyshire arrived. Despite that it was a poor start to the season, the penny dropped for me in our very first game - we were 2-0 up against Sheffield wednesday and all over them then after 30 minutes Dave Jones brought an extra-midfielder on and a target man in O'Grady on, we couldn't handle their 451 pressing formation and fell apart to lose 4-2. Tie and again our young team looked to the bench for direction, there was no reaction and although we were 2-0 up at HT we lost 4-2. Dickov had simply failed to react to his opposite numbers tactical awareness.

Shortly after we were 1-0 up at Chesterfield in the JPT, he decided to shut up shop - the midfield followed its all too familiar pattern of not crossing the halfway line - we lost 2-1. From that moment I knew he was tactically poor. He knew he was under pressure and stated 'Judge me after 10 games, I'll get it right', well we won 1 of those first ten games including another abject 1-0 home defeat (he loves his 1-0 defeats does PD) 10 man Coventry. Dickov was a man truly on the edge, we went to Crewe more in hope than expectation, suddenly the free-flowing pressing football was back for the first time in months - we won 2-0 at Crewe, it could have been 7 or 8. The following Saturday we demolished Preston and went on a decent run throughout October. The wheels came off again in October and the shut up shop mentality was back in two awful defeats at home to Bury and Tranmere. Three scrappy wins at home to Shrewsbury and away at Hartlepool and Colchester followed (Dickov's last league win) the cup form was very good, an unexpected win at home to yourselves, the great win at Forest and the fantastic day at home to Liverpool followed, but in amongst that was a run of 9 games without a win was again abject the excuses were the same throughout his three years and had worn very thin. He should have gone for me after the home defeat to Coventry in September 2012, unbelievably he clung to his job for another 4 months….

You can't fault Dickov's passion, it's infectious but is set in his ways. He is tactically naive and very stubborn. His Plan A in times of trouble is to bring a loanee in. He is far too loyal to under-performing strikers. He has openly told young players they are not in his plans, what have the fringe players got to aspire to if he is not willing to give them a go over kids from a Premier League club? Yes, some are very good but there's a time and a place for blooding your own - they are the lifeblood of smaller clubs like ourselves.

I'm in no doubt initially PD will be a breath of fresh air at your club, you play at a good tempo and have a go. The test will come should you lose a couple or perhaps suffer a hammering then I am sure Dickov will close ranks and return to his 'damage limitation' routine.

A final note on Dean Furman, when he presses high up the field he is a real asset and can cause real damage. The Dean Furman I saw playing for you on Sky a few weeks back was like the Dean Furman Dickov's first 18 games, yet somehow he became a crab like player that would only pass sideways and forever pass back to his goalkeeper. Dickov's policy of two holding midfielders ruined him. Beware if Dickov does indeed sign him.

The fact you have BF controlling Player Recruitment I believe, is no bad thing with Dickov around, he'll bring in some tremendous players but within weeks they'll wither away into his sterile system if you're struggling. It's important he brings in an experienced head as his assistant as he was too arrogant to do that at BP, his coaching staff were failing and therefore paid the price he could have replaced them with anyone of his choosing but decided not too and it cost him his job too in the end.

Paul Dickov i'm sure will give his all for you, he's tenacious he'll argue with officials, he'll get you onside quickly and you'll believe the hype. I hope the faith John Ryan has shown in him is not a case of misguided loyalty to a friend and neighbour.

Good Luck in the Championship, I'll be keeping out more than an interest in your fortunes…..

One more thing, our fitness was the worst I have seen in years under Dickov…

However, he may well have learnt from his mistakes at Oldham, but I doubt it the lad has a big ego and believes in his own abilities to the point of arrogance.

The first bit I have highlighted in bold is my main concern, I listened too his first interview on BBC Radio Sheffield and though it sounded very promising, but, the more I thought/think about it, I think anyone can give a decent talk, and I just hope John Ryan hasn't fallen for it, like you said, "as a friend and neighbour"

If there's one thing I hate not only about football managers/players, but people in general, it is a big ego! I see Dickov in exactly the same way that I saw Dean Saunders, a very good player, but, I just don't believe he has the managerial attributes to succeed at DRFC I'm afraid, but what does that matter? We don't sack manager's do we!?

Anyway, only time will tell, we'll either be a Championship > League 1 > Championship > League 1 yo-yo club, or, Dickov will be decent and we'll finish 20th or above every season in the Championship and have a few cup runs.

Cheers for giving us your honest, in-depth opinion and good luck for next season, your new manager should have inherited some very good managerial attributes from Gary down at Yeovil.

[RedJ]

Besides, how did you manage to play Wednesday in 2012/13?..

[DonnyOsmond]

John Ryan is secretly the manager. He just hires these guys as a front. That's why all these managers look brilliant, because JR is a tactical genius.

[Al4475]

Nearly spat me cider out then Donny - that did make me chortle!

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I agree with Sproty. Penney had gone as far as he could with us and that's what led to his demise. Player bust ups were a consequence not the cause. He had an exceptional record with us and quite rightly deserves all the credit. Just as Sean deserves credit for being able to take us to the next step.

It's a fresh start for P Diddy and a fresh start for us.

 

[paulprendy]

Besides, how did you manage to play Wednesday in 2012/13?..

League Cup first game of the season, live on Sky

[Alickismyhero]

Thank you for the time and effort Paul. I suspect your comments are accurate but I think our saving grace is the fact that we have a very strong character in Rob Jones backed up with BF who has proved himself very capable. I hope the chemistry of these individuals works because if it doesn't we will be well in trouble. Talk is cheap but lets see what happens in his first 10 games until then the jury is out.

[Chris Black come back]

John Ryan is secretly the manager. He just hires these guys as a front. That's why all these managers look brilliant, because JR is a tactical genius.

I've long believed this. In fact Rovers have only had two managers in the last 25 years: Ken Richardson and John Ryan.

[MiKA]

Well reading all that was a little worrying as it just confirmed what I already thought really. 

What I'd really like to know is what exactly put him to the top of our list?

He has no Championship experience, has a terrible track record and as confirmed above he's more for the short term loan fix rather than the long term youth policy which is the way our board want to go. 

What exactly does he bring to the table that DS doesn't?  I can understand why some wouldn't have welcomed him back but he pretty much built our current team and as such our promotion was down to him.  And after Wolves went so drastically wrong for him maybe he'd be less likely to do a bunk than PD or anyone else would!

In JR I do trust and I will get behind Dickov 100%, for me though this was the perfect chance to get a better manager and I'd hate to think that all the hard work this last season was in vain.       

[dickos1]

Penney had come to the end, but he certainly wasn't out of his depth.
Like has been mentioned we have to take what other supporters say with a pinch of salt, as they've been proven wrong many times over now..

[dickos1]

Well reading all that was a little worrying as it just confirmed what I already thought really. 

What I'd really like to know is what exactly put him to the top of our list?

He has no Championship experience, has a terrible track record and as confirmed above he's more for the short term loan fix rather than the long term youth policy which is the way our board want to go. 

What exactly does he bring to the table that DS doesn't?  I can understand why some wouldn't have welcomed him back but he pretty much built our current team and as such our promotion was down to him.  And after Wolves went so drastically wrong for him maybe he'd be less likely to do a bunk than PD or anyone else would!

In JR I do trust and I will get behind Dickov 100%, for me though this was the perfect chance to get a better manager and I'd hate to think that all the hard work this last season was in vain.       

If oldhams youth players weren't good enough and they'd no money to spend what other options available are there to get a squad together??