Dickov wants Pope, doesn’t want O’Connor, slams Smurthwaite
Doncaster Rovers manager Paul Dickov says he is interested in signing Tom Pope but he is not interested in midfielder Michael O’Connor.
Both players are out of contract and have been linked to Rovers.
I have had a positive conversation with Tom and his representatives…
Dickov told the BBC Radio Sheffield that: “We have shown an interest in Tom.
“I see Tom as the sort of player that can score a lot of goals for us.
“I have had a positive conversation with Tom and his representatives.”
Having used the media to express interest in Pope, Dickov then rather bizarrely had a pop at Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite for doing much the same thing. Earlier this week, Smurthwaite simply said that if Doncaster showed an interest in O’Connor then Rovers’ location could appeal to the midfielder who has to undertake a long journey to travel to Vale Park.
Dickov said: “I think Michael is a very good player and he spent time with us last pre-season because he lives locally.
“I find it wrong that the Port Vale chairman comes out and says we are after Michael when it is simply not true. Some people should keep their mouth shut some times.”
Note to Dickov: perhaps you should “keep your mouth shut” if you don’t know what was actually said. Yes, it’s “simply not true” that you want O’Connor because Smurthwaite never said you were interested. He merely said IF you came in for the midfielder it would suit O’Connor. At no point did the Vale chairman say you were interested, he was speculating what may happen if you (a sample closer club) did come in for him. That’s different from publicly linking youself with a player, erm, like you’ve just done with Tom Pope in the same interview!
As you’re so keen on talking to the media about Port Vale, perhaps you may want to actually listen to the Smurthwaite interview and “keep your mouth shut” if you don’t know all the facts.