Cup buzz at Boundary Park

The City kit boss and former Latics star writes every week for Chron Sport
I WAS absolutely chuffed to see my former team, Athletic, progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Their 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest was a huge achievement for the club. I texted Dicky (Paul Dickov) to congratulate him.

I couldn’t believe it when they got Liverpool in the draw again!

This time the Premier League giants come to Boundary Park and the place will be full to the brim.

You just know the atmosphere will be buzzing and I hope the game is chosen for live television coverage, because it would be a few more quid in the pocket for Latics.

Whatever happens, it will be a memorable night for the club. If they manage to force a draw, another trip to Anfield would be nice for the fans and financially.

It has been a testing time for the club, not least because three of the coaches were placed on gardening leave and won’t be returning.

You never like to see people losing their jobs.

I know goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard, who is still helping out Dicky, and he is a top lad. I am sure he has been of great assistance.

My club, Manchester City, earned a relatively straightforward 3-0 victory over Championship team Watford to go into round four, where we play either Crystal Palace or Stoke.

I expect it to be Stoke, which is not ideal because our record at the Britannia Stadium has been patchy over the last few years — it nearly always ends 1-1.

But the main thing is, we are in the competition. Carlos Tevez scored a fantastic free-kick which will give him plenty of confidence going into Sunday’s Premier League game at Arsenal.

Our visit to the Emirates Stadium represents a huge challenge. They were better than us in the draw at our ground earlier in the season and are strong at home.