It will be a memorable occasion, says Paul
Former Everton player Paul Gerrard is relishing his return to Goodison Park for Latics’ fifth-round replay in the FA Cup with Budweiser.
Gerrard, a key member of Latics’ caretaking management team, spent eight years at Everton where he was the Toffees’ last line of defence.
This time he will be returning on the touchline where he and Caretaker Manager Tony Philliskirk will be bidding to plot another cup upset.
Gerrard (pictured) said: "It will mean a lot to me returning to Everton and it will be a memorable occasion.
"We are realistic and know we go into the game as underdogs, but in the FA Cup or any cup competition anything can happen.
"You can get absolutely battered for 90/95 minutes and get one chance and come away with a 1-0 win thinking how you have done that. We are hoping for a night like that.”
Gerrard added that Latics have proved anything can happen as seen by the FA Cup wins against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool and holding a full strength Everton to a 2-2 draw.
He said: "You would never have thought Bradford City would beat Arsenal en route to the final of the Capital One Cup at Wembley.
"That is the beauty of football. We will give everything we have got and the pressure is on Everton. If we win it will be unbelievable and a fantastic achievement for the football club.
"We can play without fear and, if we do the right things, who knows what might happen?"
Gerrard is full of admiration for Everton manager David Moyes who will soon celebrate 11 years as manager of the Toffees.
He explained: "I was a player at Everton when David Moyes came in and he has been a fantastic manager with a proven record.
"I noticed from the start how professional and shrewd he is. He leaves no stone unturned, does everything right and does not cut corners.
"That is why he has done so well at Everton."