Dickov may join MLS revolution

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 16th June 2008

Paul Dickov Manchester City new

Dickov: Weighing up his options

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Veteran City striker considers his future

Paul Dickov could become the next British player to try his luck in Major League Soccer.

The profile of the American league has soared since David Beckham's lucrative move to LA Galaxy and many British players have opted to follow the former England captain across the Atlantic.

Dickov is out of contract at Manchester City and although he would prefer to stay at Eastlands, the 35-year-old accepts he is unlikely to be offered a new deal despite the appointment of his former Blackburn manager Mark Hughes.

Dickov is considering other options, including retiring to start a career in coaching, but there has also been interest in the veteran Scottish striker from MLS through Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls.

Interest

Toronto are coached by compatriot Mo Johnston, who already has Danny Dichio, Rohan Ricketts and Carl Robinson in his squad, while former City team-mate Claudio Reyna and fitness coach Juan Carlos Osorio would be among the familiar faces in New York.

"One thing I don't want to do as a player, at whatever level, is overstay my welcome," Dickov told the Manchester Evening News.

"I will be the first one to admit when I cannot do it anymore.

"I still feel I have something to offer as a player but I want to go into coaching eventually and I will need to do the badges because that is important."

Great appointment

Dickov has had few first-team opportunities at City since rejoining the Blues from Blackburn in 2006 and had a successful loan spell at Blackpool during the second half of last season.

Dickov may not get the chance to play under Hughes again at City but believes he is a great appointment as the Blues aim to build on last season's top-half finish.

"I know Mark Hughes well," he said. "I know how he trains and how his staff will want the players to train.

"He is the best I have played under and City will not lack for fitness and commitment, that is for sure."