More blocks than a Lego set

The City kit boss and former Latics star writes every week for Chron Sport
I WATCHED with pride as my former team Athletic produced a brilliant display to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup.

It was a typical Paul Dickov performance — full of heart and soul.

Dicky’s players were throwing themselves in front of the ball left, right and centre.

There were more blocks than a Lego set.

Athletic were simply outstanding in front of a full house at Boundary Park and they gave everything for the cause.

I was delighted for the supporters, who sang their hearts out as the rain poured down.

There is obviously a lot of speculation about the manager’s future at the moment but Dicky is the kind of guy who rolls up his sleeves and gets on with it.

He will continue to work hard and do his best. If the worst happens and he is removed, his stock has never been higher. I am sure he would be snapped up by another club.

As for Manchester City, we controlled the game at Stoke but had to be patient to break the deadlock.

Pablo Zabaleta, or ‘The Warrior’ as I like to call him, was the man who grabbed the winning goal in the closing stages.

The strike summed him up — he started the move in his own half before showing the energy and desire to get into the penalty box and finish it.

There surely can’t be a more popular player now among our fans. They just love him and his celebration showed how much they mean to him too.

Pablo deserves all the accolades which are now coming his way.

The fifth round draw pitted us at home to Leeds United and I am happy with that.