Shez would like to be playing

Last updated : 02 October 2007 By Dave Moore
Tonights big match with Leeds United will bring back memories and mixed feelings for Latics manager John Sheridan as he was a big favourite with both clubs, having made 266 appearances for Leeds and a total of 164 for Athletic. He wishes that he could be out there on the park strutting his stuff.

He told Latics World, "It's a massive game. Teams like Leeds and Nottingham Forest are massive clubs who have done things at the highest level, and they'll bring a lot of fans. I've got a lot of time for Leeds and I still live in the area, but I'll be concentrating on getting us three points. This is a great opportunity for us. We've got a bit of confidence now and are getting a bit better and looking more solid with every game. Leeds are unbeaten and flying at the moment, and it'll be a great game for us played in front of a big crowd. These are the games you want to play in and I wish I was playing myself. It will be a brilliant atmosphere. But it's important we concentrate and just treat this as we would any other game. We're at home and we'll be looking to get three points."

"I'm not worried about Leeds. I'm concentrating on us and how we're going to go about getting a win. We'll try and exploit one or two weaknesses. Their two strikers (Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol) are two of the best in the league and have been a big part of their success, but I'm sure whoever comes in will be biting at the bit. They will be going into every game thinking they're not going to lose. It will be a difficult game no matter who comes in, but we can win it and if we believe that then we're in with a chance."