Dickov's Blackpool D-Day
Good Day Everyone!
An article in today's Blackpool Gazette:
Dickov's Blackpool D-Day
PAUL Dickov is ready to decide where he will play his football next season – and Simon Grayson has his fingers firmly crossed that he'll choose the seaside.
Pool have just two strikers on their books at the moment in Ben Burgess and Stephen McPhee.
Teenager Danny Mitchley has great potential but no first team experience, and Andy Morrell has yet to decide whether to sign a new contract or go elsewhere.
That leaves Grayson desperately in need of strengthening his attack and if former loan star Dickov chooses to return to Pool it will give the manager a big, and timely, boost.
The Scot has two choices – join Blackpool or move to Canada and play for Toronto FC.
He has been to Canada to meet the players and inspect the facilities, and the media across the Atlantic are convinced he will make the move overseas.
However, Dickov is back in England and reports suggest that he is still undecided. But he says he's about to make his mind up.
The 35-year-old scored six goals in seven starts on loan at Pool at the end of last season and played a key role in keeping the Seasiders in the Championship.
He was released by Manchester City in the summer and is now free to move elsewhere.
The Seasiders have talked extensively with the frontman and have made him a big-money offer to sign at least a one-year deal.
"Everyone knows what Paul did for us last year and he played a big role for us," said Seasiders boss Grayson.
"He is a quality player and I am always looking to add quality players to our squad.
"It's common knowledge we want him to come here. We have made him an offer and we are waiting to hear back.
"The decision is down to Paul and what he feels is best for his family."
An extra incentive to come to Bloomfield Road for Dickov is that he will be offered the opportunity to get involved on the coaching side.
With Michael Jackson gone, Pool need someone to help Steve Thompson manage the reserve team.
If Dickov harbours ambitions of getting into management after hanging up his boots, an early opportunity to learn the ropes at Bloomfield Road may appeal to him.
n AS well as the four summer signings – Alex Baptiste, Marlon Broomes, Matt Gilks and Joe Martin – Pool are set to field trialists at Fleetwood Town in tomorrow's first pre-season friendly.
There are several players training with Simon Grayson's first team squad and the manager is keen to take a closer look at them.
"It is difficult to judge players in training," said the boss.
"We took a closer look at them in a small-sided practise game we had behind closed doors yesterday and those that did well could be in the squad on Saturday at Fleetwood."
Kick-off at Highbury Avenue tomorrow is 3pm. Admission is £10 adults, £5 seniors/concessions.
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Originally Posted by Pachuco
