The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes as the much-travelled Paul Dickov, discovers a new lease of life at Blackpool.
Football: Paul Dickov - Enthusiasm!
Causing panic in the Charlton Athletic defence, Paul Dickov scored his fifth Blackpool goal in six games on Saturday. The man christened by ex-manager Joe Royle as 'The Wasp', has not lost his sting. Yet, amazingly, we have to go back to 2006 for Dickov's last league goal.
Having failed to score for both Manchester City and Crystal Palace, you could be excused for thinking that his best days were behind him. But the seaside air has had a galvanising effect on the Scotsman.
Sometimes a players arrives at the right club at just the right time. He is exactly what is needed for the football club. Paul Dickov and Blackpool seem perfect for each other. His attitude, His experience. His belief. His confidence. His sheer passion and enthusiasm for the game. A missing piece in Simon Grayson's puzzle.
And as a result of feeling needed and appreciated, the player responds in kind. No longer just another striker in an oversized squad, Dickov's presence is valued at Blackpool. And in return, Dickov has paid back with goals. The more goals he scores, the more he is valued. The more he is valued, the more goals he will probably score.
No wonder Blackpool are now looking up the table, rather than down. In the presence of Paul Dickov, belief is contagious.
