Tranmere Rovers manager has called on players and fans to ‘stand up and be counted’ ahead of their first round FA cup tie against Oldham Athletic.
The National League high-flyers are set to bring a sold-out away following across the M62.
Adkins said: “It should be a thriller. Everyone will come on down. We all dream about trying to have a good run in the FA Cup.”
The first return to Prenton Park of former Manager Mickey Mellon, now in charge of the Latics, only adds spice to the cup tie, and Adkins knows it: “Micky Mellon coming back! Huge respect. He’s done great for our football club, especially getting us back in the football league.”
“I’ve got a lot of respect for him as well as all the other members of staff in the Oldham set up. But obviously when the game starts it’s about us winning.”
Tranmere have lost their last two games against Grimsby and Crewe, whilst Oldham have won three in four. Adkins added: “On Sunday a lot of people would have gone pumpkin picking, that wasn’t me. It was tough. I feel the pain of the supporters and the passion we have.”
The Latics have sold all of their allocation of tickets, and will have over two and half thousand inside Prenton Park, which reflects their feel good factor. The Greater Manchester side had almost matched Rovers’ ticket sales according to the club, but Adkins is confident the home fans will give as good as they get.
“The Tranmere supporters will be fantastic. They’ll turn up in their numbers and get behind the team. At the end of the game, we all share the opportunity to vent frustration, but what a great occasion we’ve got. It’s the FA Cup, it’s at Prenton Park. We’re going to get right behind the players.”
What Tranmere can expect
Oldham may be looking up the pyramid at their opponents but that’s not to say they don’t pose a threat.
It’s hard to look past two of Oldham’s standout performers this season. Defender Manny Monthe and top goalscorer, Mike Fondop, have been the heartbeat of Mellon’s team. The former Rovers’ defender took to the club’s social media account claiming the Cameroonian bagsman is ‘without a doubt’ the best striker in the league.
Charlie Raglan partners Monthe and converted full back Ogle in a back three for the away side. On most occasions former rover, Jake Caprice starts on the right flank. Mark Kitching poses a significant threat from the left side, providing multiple goal contributions since his return to the side.
The Latics pack out the midfield, with captain Tom Conlon and a rejuvenated Josh Lundstram. The latter is currently on the from of his life, winning back some of his critics at Boundary Park. A plethora of attacking midfield options are available to support Mike Fondop who leads the line. The striker has manged to provide a goal or an assist in each of his last ten matches.
