JORDAN WILLIAMS is 90 minutes away from potentially fulfilling his one life goal – and believes having the best manager outside the Conference on his side can help fire him towards Anfield.
The Northwich Victoria hitman grew up on a diet of Liverpool FC, and the hungry 22-year-old is one more FA Cup victory away from the chance to walk out alongside his icons, in a place known to his family as football's cathedral.
Jim Gannon's Vics – the lowest ranked club left in the competition – are not letting the excitement of their trip to Northampton Town on Saturday steal focus.
A 5-1 victory over Mossley kept the club top of the Evo-Stik NPL North last Wednesday, and such is their strength in depth, top scorer Williams didn't even make it off the bench.
The Step 4 team are just a win away from the FA Cup third round and the big hitters of English football – but the former Burscough boy has eyes for one team only.
Williams, one to watch with six FA Cup goals to his name already, said: “To think we're just one win from being in the hat with Liverpool, United, Chelsea, it's difficult to get your head around really. For a club at our level, imagine if we got through and something came out? I can't remember it happening before to a club of our size.
Leader
“Playing against Liverpool is something I have always dreamed of, it's my number one. It's always been in the back of my mind – my family are all fans, and I couldn't describe what it would mean to me as such a huge supporter.
“We've got a dressing room full of United and City fans, only a few of us support Liverpool – a part of me wouldn't mind going to Old Trafford and putting one in at the Stretford End!
“We're all aware that we've got a massive hurdle to jump first but the mood at Northwich is so good at the moment. This is game number ten in the FA Cup for us and we're still top of the league despite all those extra games. It proves we have got something special here.”
A special leader, too. Tactics will need to be on the money to give his side a chance.
“We've got the best manager I have ever played for,” the attacker, 22, adds, saying former Stockport County manager Gannon holds the key next week.
“The worry is for me he may get lured away by a higher league club because he isn't a Step 4 manager, no way.
“Not only is he a great coach but he's tactically fantastic. Because of his ability we don't fear Northampton. Doing well in League Two doesn't mean too much in this competition. We're going down there with a massive amount of confidence.”
Northampton will be going into the game at Sixfields in high spirits too. They have been saved from extinction by former Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas, after completing his protracted takeover last week.
