Hope in our hearts!

LOCAL boy done good: Springhead’s Chris Taylor all smiles at the final whistle last night

Kop fever as Latics secure Liverpool clash
LATICS’ FA Cup trip to Liverpool has brought the good times back for the people of Oldham.

That’s the view of Oldham Mayor Richard Knowles after a Chris Taylor strike against Southend last night clinched a money-spinning trip to Anfield in January.

Councillor Knowles said: “It’s a really good result. It brings back memories of 20 years ago when Latics got to the Premiership and the final of the League Cup; the tremendous period when Joe Royle was running the side and playing top teams.

“It boosts the club and the town as it gives people the feel-good factor. Playing top teams is something Latics hasn’t done for ages. I’m sure a lot of people will want to go and it will put Oldham on the map.”

Latics fan Matthew Anderson (29), of Limeside, simply said: “What an occasion for Oldham.”

Athletic chairman Simon Corney echoed those views, saying: “I am happy for the fans, manager Paul Dickov and his staff; everyone connected with the club and the whole town.

“Times are hard for everyone in this country at the moment. Oldham is no exception so this is a boost for people in the area. The fact we will be taking at least 6,000 supporters to Anfield is something to savour. There are a number of big clubs in England but there is something different about Anfield, something special.

“This is an early Christmas present for the town — and even though there are important games between now and then, I am sure there will be a feel-good factor around the place.”


More match reporting: see Latics section