Reds all over again

TRUTH is stranger than fiction for Robbie Simpson, Athletic's Anfield hero of 12 months ago.

The striker, whose two goals helped sink Nottingham Forest, could not believe his eyes when he saw Liverpool come out of the hat straight after Athletic in yesterday's FA Cup fourth round draw.

"You couldn't write it," said Simpson, whose brilliant goal opened the scoring against the Premier League giants in last season's third round tie.

"It was certainly not something I was expecting, at all.

"We had a great experience at Anfield last year and for half and hour we were the better team and a goal up.

"It is sure to be another great day for the club.

"The fans certainly deserve to have landed that kind of tie and the chairman deserves it, too."



DEAN Furman made a quick dash to Heathrow after the Forest tie.

Athletic’s captain, who set up Robbie Simpson’s second goal with a surge and superb cross from the right flank, hopped in a

limousine laid on by the South Africa FA along with family members who had travelled up to the City Ground by train from their London home.

Furman got on his evening flight to Cape Town as planned and is among the 23-strong Bafana squad preparing for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations on home soil.

South Africa take on Norway tomorrow in a preparatory home friendly.



REECE Wabara’s loan spell with Athletic has ended.

The Manchester City right-back tweeted on Saturday night: “My loan has now finished. I’d like to thank the players fans and staff who have all been fantastic to me. It’s been an honour.”