It was almost like a religious experience

Photo: PICTURE by ANTHONY MILLER

THAT’S ME . . . Les Chapman points to his name on the programme from the Athletic v Liverpool FA Cup tie in 1977.

LES Chapman was part of the last Athletic side to face Liverpool in the FA Cup.

His dream of reaching Wembley in 1977 was shattered by a 3-1 defeat. Now kit manager at Manchester City, he was delighted to see Paul Dickov’s side emulate his own Latics side’s potential glory day.

I THOUGHT Latics’ chance of a ‘glamour tie’ in the FA Cup third round had disappeared when the two Manchester clubs were paired with each other. But a trip to Liverpool was the next best thing and Dicky’s lads got it.

It promises to be a superb occasion regardless of the outcome. The supporters will turn out in their thousands on Friday, January 6.

The travelling fans are sure to create a wonderful atmosphere — and you just never know what can happen. The FA Cup is a very strange competition in which you can always expect the unlikely to occur.

In my playing days, Anfield was one of my favourite grounds. Back in 1977 I remember touching the famous ‘This is Anfield’ sign on my way down the tunnel.

The Kop had no seats so you looked out at a sea of people, constantly chanting. It was almost like a religious experience.

In his match report for the Chronicle, Jim Williams wrote: “Athletic’s midfield trio played probably as well as they have ever played, with Bell outstanding in the first half, Robins in the second and Chapman consistent all the way through.”

I will settle for that! Despite the fact we were knocked out of the competition, it was at the hands of a very good side packed with world-class talent at their famous stadium, so I could not complain too much.

I will be rooting for Latics as always next month. I haven’t spoken to Dicky for a couple of weeks, but I know for a fact he will be buzzing at the chance to take on one of the best teams in the country.

Whatever happens on the pitch, I hope everyone connected with the club thoroughly enjoys the occasion.