Aldo sets up emotional return - February 21, 2001
Former Republic of Ireland international John Aldridge faces an emotionally charged quarter-final return to Anfield at the helm of FA Cup heroes Tranmere.
The Merseyside derby became a reality after Tranmere wrote another incredible chapter in their book of giantkillings, coming from 3-0 down to beat Premiership Southampton in a fifth-round replay at Prenton Park last night.
Aldo bid a tearful farewell to the Kop - throwing his jersey and boots to the crowd - in 1989, after a trophy-laden, two-year, 65-goal stint with Liverpool.
Now he is heading back as manager, hoping to add the team he supported as a kid to Tranmere's impressive Premiership scalp collection.
It didn't look at half time as if it were going to happen: Southampton were three goals to the good and cruising. But Tranmere struck back with a Paul Rideout hat-trick and a winner from substitute Stuart Barlow.
And three-goal Rideout was quick to pay tribute to his manager.
"The gaffer said a few choice words at half time," Rideout acknowledged. "He changed things round a bit, we got Parky (Andy Parkinson) in on the right and it clicked. To be honest, my three goals were easy chances."