Defender offers his thoughts ahead of this weekend's Emirates FA Cup clash with the Mariners
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Grimsby Town at Macron Stadium, defender Andrew Taylor is relishing his inaugural experience of the competition’s first round.
A stalwart in defence for the Whites in recent weeks, the full-back has made 13 appearances for Phil Parkinson’s men in all competitions since joining on a season-long loan from Wigan Athletic back in August.
And with the team now set to put their league exploits to one side this weekend, the 30-year-old is ready for the challenge of the Mariners as Wanderers look to book their place in the next round.
“The FA Cup is special, especially for us English players as we’ve grown up watching it from a young age,” said Taylor in the club’s pre-match press conference.
“Even my parents and grandparents, I remember from a young age them instilling into me how good this cup competition was.
“For me personally, this will be the first time that I’ve been involved in the first round of the tournament, but it’s still the FA Cup and we still want to win and get our names in that hat.”
Reflecting on the Trotters’ opponents this Saturday meanwhile – fourth tier outfit Grimsby Town – Taylor added, “We’re expecting to come up against a tough and committed performance. Although we don’t know too much about them as a team and how they play on a weekly basis, it will still be a test for us.
“Even though they’re coming from a different league, that is what it special about the FA Cup – league form can very easily be chucked out of the window.
“They’ll be seen as the underdogs and they’ll want to come here and get a big scalp. They’ll want to be in that hat too and like everybody, their aim will be to get to the third round and be in the mix for the big boys.
“We’re expecting a typical cup game though – they’ll be in our faces and trying to press us high up the pitch to make it difficult for us, especially being at our place.
“We’ve been doing our preparation though, so come Saturday we’ll have a good idea of what we’re coming up against and we’ll be ready.”