He is arguably Britain’s greatest manager of all time but, should rumours be taken as gospel, Sir Alex Ferguson owes a lot to Mark Robins. The new Coventry manager is said to have saved Ferguson’s job as manager of Manchester United with a goal against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. Next week Robins will take charge of his second match in charge of Coventry stood a few feet away from another Scot in desperate need of his own saviour.
Paul Dickov treads on dangerously thin ice. Despite assembling what he describes as “my best squad since I arrived at this club”, the Oldham manager continues to search for that elusive winning formula. Just one win in nine competitive fixtures this year has further disillusioned Oldham supporters and, following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Brentford, they are convinced Dickov limps towards the exit door.
After a performance against Notts County a couple of weeks ago that illuminated some optimism, it appears Oldham flattered to deceive. That 2-2 draw was followed up with a 1-1 home draw against Scunthorpe. However, if the Iron had hit the target and had Athletic keeper Dean Bouzanis not made two excellent saves they would have taken a huge lead into half time. Thankfully for Athletic a slice of luck allowed Matt Derbyshire to score his second goal in Oldham colours, before a better second half which saw several clear-cut chances crafted to leave Oldham unfortunate not to secure their first home win of the season.
But Dickov would be a fool to believe he will retain backing if results at Boundary Park fail to drastically improve. The whispers in the stands are becoming more audible. The pressure is now firmly on Dickov. The statistics make for depressing reading. What is unnerving is that Dickov ranks as the fourth worst manager in the history of Oldham Athletic.
It is surprising, then, that he is still in charge of the first team. More short term is the basic truth that he has not won enough games (two victories from 18 games). Home form during Dickov’s tenure has been insipid (16 victories in 50). Fans’ frustration is certainly not unfounded. He has failed to move the club forward.
Perhaps Dickov can hide behind the new season factor. Ok, but one win from nine games this season is hardly inspiring and is not going to dispel doubts about his ability. Goals are scarce, but then he can now shield himself with the excuse that the team is still “gelling” following the arrival of Matt Derbyshire, Jose Baxter (a player that excites supporters) and Reece Wabara. How many excuses, Paul? The team is at perfect health, experienced players now inhabit positions that were last term filled by young heads, and still the performances results are lacking.
Is he the man to lead this club up the league? On the damning evidence that has been published on the internet forums the unfortunate answer is ‘no’. Now is the time when Dickov must prove to the fans that he can inspire and motivate, that he can coach the attacking football he once promised and affect games from the touchline. Afterall, the current group of players is talented and some harbor realistic ambitions of playing at a higher level.
On the surface this squad does not reflect what the budget is said to be. But at League One is it accurate to say that success is very much a limited commodity when the resources are fairly minimal? Probably not, especially when one looks at the start Tranmere Rovers have made under the crafty stewardship of Ronnie Moore.
Many Football League experts predicted Stevenage would struggle after selling players in the summer. They, like Tranmere, remain unbeaten this season. Dean Smith’s Walsall, hardly a big-spending force in England’s third tier, lurk outside the top six.. Greg Abbot’s Carlisle United will continue to be competitive and linger in the upper reaches of the league.
Ronnie Moore had a season as Oldham manager some years ago and how those who disliked his style of football would take him back at Boundary Park. True, Moore is very much from the direct approach school, but he is a man who knows how to manage a squad of players and essentially win football matches.
They have begun the season in a blistering fashion, not only picking up victories but subduing their opposition with their ruthless attacking play. Since Moore’s return to Prenton Park towards the latter stages of last season, his record could not be in further contrast to Dickov’s. Moore’s 21 league games contains fewer losses than what Dickov has won (three and four respectively). Brutal statistics lie behind that ominous writing on the wall.
Mark Robins will look for one win that will bring life to Coventry’s faltering season. Paul Dickov will look for one goal, one special goal that will spark a recovery in his – and the club’s – fortunes.
You can follow me on Twitter @CraigOAFC
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