By, James Masters
1 min read
ByJames Masters, James Masters
Dean Furman watched his beloved Chelsea win the FA Cup as boy – now he wants to lead his own Blue Army down Wembley Way.
The Oldham captain will lead his side out against League Two side Burton Albion at Boundary Park on Saturday hoping to embark on a route to cup glory.
Furman lists Chelsea star Roberto Di Matteo's stunning strike after just 42 seconds of the 1997 final against Middlesbrough as his favourite memory of the competition.
And the 23-year-old midfielder says the magic of the FA Cup is as potent as ever with the dream of drawing a Premier League giant.
"The cup games are so exciting and it gives the smaller clubs opportunities they couldn't otherwise have," he said.
"I used to love watching the FA Cup games on television and seeing Chelsea win the trophy, but I also loved see the giantkillings.
"It was always so dramatic and something I loved to watch. It's huge for the players, the fans and everyone at the club.
"It's so important for a club like ours to go on a cup run and generate some revenue and hopefully get that big draw against a Premier League team.
"But we've got to beat Burton first and although we're at home we know they're going to give us a very tough game."
Oldham came within seconds of reaching the final back in 1994 only to concede a dramatic last-gasp equaliser against Manchester United in the last four.
Athletic went on to lose the replay 4-1 but the competition remains an integral part of the club’s identity.
Furman added: “The cup is huge for Oldham with all the history.
"The players love the competition and it’s special for the fans too so we're all really hoping we can do something special this season."