Delight as Derbyshire loan is extended
Paul Dickov has thanked Nottingham Forest for allowing Matt Derbyshire to extend his loan spell at Boundary Park.Latics manager is also grateful to Forest for permitting striker Derbyshire (pictured) to play in the FA Cup and continuing to pay a substantial part of his salary.
Dickov said: "Forest have been fantastic. Matt is on a decent amount of money and something we cannot afford as a football club, and they have helped us out.
"They know Matt is enjoying himself here and the fact he is playing regular football."
Latics' manager added it was a dilemma when to extend the loan.
Dickov was considering delaying until after the FA Cup with Budweiser first-round tie at Kidderminster Harriers.
That would have enabled Derbyshire to stay until late next month whereas now his last game will be against Swindon Town on Saturday, December 15th.
Dickov explained: "We had spoken about the possibility of leaving him out on Saturday so he could get a couple more games in.
"I have discussed it with a number of people and a lot of things can happen in that time.
"Sometimes you are better doing what is best for you now and not looking too far ahead into the future.
"The best thing for now is to play our strongest team on Saturday. And the way he has been playing, that includes Matt Derbyshire."
Latics' manager added they are blessed to have Derbyshire and Jose Baxter, two players he believes would not look out of place at a higher level.
"We should enjoy having them here because they are both very talented players," he said.