Paul Dickov, Blackpool, coaching and the MLS!

[Bispham Seasider]

Blackpool today confirmed that they have made what they describe as a good offer to Paul Dickov for next season, which would see him sign mainly as a player but also be involved in coaching the reserve team.

Dickov is also apparently about to go to the United States to have a look at an unamed club. He was previously linked with two MLS club, New York and Toronto.

Simon Grayson said, "Out of courtesy he is going out to a club over in America to have a look. He promised them that he would go and have a chat, but we have made him a good offer and we are hopeful we will be able to do something with him."

[Dynamogal]

Hmmmm....wonder if Houston is having a look at him? The Dynamo are in dire need of an experienced striker.

[Dynamogal]

On Fox Soccer Report tonight, they said that Paul Dickov was in Toronto this week. There was video of him speaking with the Toronto FC general manager.

[Bispham Seasider]

Thanks for the info! Did they interview him at all?

[Bispham Seasider]

Just saw this on an "mls rumours" site -

"On CBC today they showed Darren Huckerby and Paul Dickov in the stands at BMO (Field). Apparently they are over here to check out the team and our match vs Vancouver in the Canada Cup which determines the Canadian representative in the CONCACAF Champions League."

So he will be staying out there until at least 9th July it would seem as that is when they play Vancouver Whitecaps. Presumably no decision then on where he will go for another week. Unless of course he signs for Toronto while he is out there!

[Dynamogal]

Thanks for the info! Did they interview him at all?

No interview. He was just shown in the stands at BMO field with the general manager having a lovely chat! :p

[SoccerCityFC]

No interview. He was just shown in the stands at BMO field with the general manager having a lovely chat! :p

Thanks for the info.

[Bispham Seasider]

The (Canadian) Globe & Mail newspaper reported that Dickov returned to England last Sunday. Toronto have apparently offered Dickov a one year contract.

We can but hope that he doesn't want to uproot his young family from the NW to Canada. He is said to be settled in NW England and a move to Blackpool would mean no move for his family plus he would start coaching.

Just a matter of waiting now and see what happens.

[Bispham Seasider]

An early report in the local newspaper in Blackpool today reckons that we are about to announce the signing of Dickov today on a one year player/coach deal. Of course there have been all sorts of rumours and speculation recently and the other day it seemed he was definitely signing for Toronto, and then Leicester City have come in for him too.

The article is here -

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sports-news/Dickov-set-to-sign-for.4297434.jp (http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sports-news/Dickov-set-to-sign-for.4297434.jp)

[Bispham Seasider]

What an odd day yesterday was with regard to Dickov. In the morning there were numerous reports saying that Dickov was about to sign. Then later in the day, reports emerged, coming from his agents, simply stating that no deal with Blackpool was imminent. So still no idea what is happening! It is dragging out though, and all this for a 36 year old who is, with respect, way past his best. Yes he would be a great addition to the squad, but he wouldn't be a 46 game a season player. Time to sort it all out one way or the other.

[Dynamogal]

Sounds like his agents are trying to "up the ante" since there seems to be interest in him from several teams. "Show me the money!"

[Bispham Seasider]

Latest about Dickov as posted by the club's secretary on the Blackpool Vital forum -

"In terms of Paul Dickov, I was with him at the darts on Wednesday and I am sure he would like to sign however, he has a lot options with several being more lucrative than ours which is weighing up, his agent will no doubt be pushing the one that makes him (the agent) the most money."

So yes it does look like the agent is realy pushing Dickov to go elsewhere than Blackpool because the agent would then get more money, but Dickov would prefer to come to Blackpool. Pity he just doesn't tell his agent he is coming to Blackpool. It also looks like there have been more than just Toronto, Blackpool and Leicester City.

"the darts" by the way refers to a big darts competition, the "World Matchplay Darts 2008" currently being held in Blackpool Winter Gardens and live on Sky Sports each day.

[Bispham Seasider]

SIX WEEKS!!

That is how long Paul Dickov and his agents have been messing about making a decision over who to sign for. Today the Blackpool Gazette are reporting that Leicester City chairman, Milan Mandaric has still not ruled out signing Dickov.

Time to forget about Dickov, it doesn't take SIX weeks to make a decision about which club to sign for.

[Bispham Seasider]

What a shock, Leicester City this afternoon signed Paul Dickov.

In all honesty I think that both Toronto and Blackpool have probably got fed up of waiting. Dickovs agent clearly trying to get the best deal for the agent.

Enjoy yourself playing in League One at Hartlepool United, Hereford United etc.