Cup runs have given town a big lift — Taylor

CHRIS Taylor believes Athletic’s cup successes this season have brought a buzz of anticipation to the town.

And after scoring the goal that sent the club to a money-spinning FA Cup third-round tie at Liverpool, Taylor is yet to come back down to earth.

“It doesn’t feel real,” he said of the trip to Anfield early next year. “I’m sure it will become real when we play there, though.”

The 25-year-old from Springhead — the only home-town player in the line-up that saw off Southend in rough conditions on Tuesday — revealed he has already been asked for tickets.

“I have had a few messages since... from people I haven’t spoken to for a while!” Taylor added.

“But it is nice, a good thing. A lot of people are talking about Oldham again and that has to be a good thing. There is definitely a buzz round town.”

Cup exploits aside - Latics also still have the chance of a Wembley appearance in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at Wembley - Athletic are gearing up for another huge test in npower League One this weekend. The visit to leaders Charlton doesn’t daunt Taylor, though.

“It is another brilliant game for us,” he said. “They are top of the table, so we go out there with nothing to lose. We are confident and will go there to get three points.”

Taylor confirmed he is fully fit after missing three matches with a strained hamstring.

“The hamstring feels really good and strong,” he said. “I have had two solid weeks of strengthening work with the physio (Jon Guy) and I would like to thank him.”




ROBBIE Simpson is likely to re-sign for Athletic next year — at least according to the comments of Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark.



The striker’s loan period ran out after the Sheffield Wednesday defeat, but he has since been granted

permission to continue training with the Boundary Park club.

“Oldham are keen to have Robbie back, and though that can’t happen until next month, we are willing to let him remain there to train and be ready to slot straight back in,” said Clark.