Gerry across the Mersey

Latics’ assistant manager writes every week for Chron Sport
WHEN playing regularly in the Premier League, you don't really appreciate what an honour it is to go to some of the most famous grounds in the world.

One week it was Highbury, a couple later it was Old Trafford. It was part of the routine.

That was the same for our manager Paul Dickov and goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard.

But there is no danger of anyone at the club taking our visit to Anfield in the FA Cup lightly.

For Oldham Athletic, it is certainly not just another game on the fixtures list. Going back there as a coach, I intend to enjoy the whole experience.

It is the same for the players, some of whom may never get the chance to play at Liverpool again in their careers. We will be telling the lads in the dressing room beforehand to savour the game, which will be played in what I regard as one of the best stadiums in the world. In my experience, there is no atmosphere like it in this country. It is Liverpool Football Club, and everything that goes along with it. The history is undeniable and massive.

The game we are faced with is great for the town, the club, the players – everyone. While letting it all soak in, though, it shouldn't be forgotten there is a tie to be won. And we definitely shouldn't – and won't – rule ourselves out of it.

As for the more pressing concern of tomorrow's game at Charlton Athletic, we have to make doubly sure our feet are firmly on the ground. Charlton are flying and their record shows it, unbeaten at home with six wins out of nine.

It is a massive ask for us. And there exists the possibility that we will have a hangover from Tuesday night. But it could also provide our biggest spur, as long as our mindsets are right.

We won't go to the Valley in fear. We know a few of their players from Leicester and understand what they are all about, while Paul also knows Bradley Wright-Phillips from his Manchester City days.

We cannot focus on the Liverpool game and think this one doesn't matter.

After losing to Sheffield Wednesday, we slipped a few places in the table last week to 16th. It is important that we go on another good run now. Our main aim remains to finish as high as we can in the division. And we are capable of going down there and getting something, I really believe that.