Catalyst for survival

Latics Legends Joe Royle

LEGENDARY Athletic manager Joe Royle says there is no reason why cup glory can't accompany an upward turn in Athletic's league campaign.

Despite victory over MK Dons last week, the club remains in relegation danger in the league.

Two points adrift of safety, Athletic are keen that sparkling form in the FA Cup can translate to improved fortunes on lesser occasions — such as at Stevenage on Tuesday.

"I saw at Everton in 1995 that it can go hand in hand," said Royle - who avoided the Premier League drop in 1994-95, losing only once in the final dozen matches.

"We won the FA Cup and got away from the bottom of the league to avoid relegation. It can happen and I hope it does."

Royle has a highly impressive FA Cup pedigree. As well as leading Athletic to two semi-finals against Manchester United in 1990 and 1994 in the “pinch me” years, he won the final as a manager in '95 when Paul Rideout's header secured for Everton a Wembley victory over United — and with it, a portion of personal revenge.

Joe watched the Liverpool game on TV and said the sight of a full ground was something to behold.

"It was brilliant to see the team rise to the occasion. I was in Oldham on the Friday night before the game and some of the fans I spoke to asked what chance I thought the team had.

"Man for man the smaller teams can't match up in these games - but as a team, the effort they put in is terrific.

"Matt Smith did very well and caused the Liverpool defence all sorts of problems.

"I was also very impressed with Carl Winchester. He came on and put in a very composed performance that shows he has a future in the game."