Micky Mellon insists Oldham’s priority is regaining their Football League status after watching them dump former club Tranmere out of the Emirates FA Cup.
However, the ex-Rovers boss was jubilant about his National League side’s comeback 2-1 win over their League Two hosts, enabling the Latics to reach round two for the first time in four seasons.
Connor Jennings fired Tranmere – 19th in the fourth tier – into a ninth minute lead but goals from Rovers old boy James Norwood and substitute Jesuran Uchegbulam took Oldham through, to the delight of more than 2,000 travelling supporters.
“It was so emotional because I have so many memories here,” said Mellon of this happy return.
“I wanted to come and win but my respect for Tranmere will never go away, as will be the case for Oldham.
“When I take over a club I am all in and give them everything I have got.
“I said to him (Norwood) ‘we are football romantics and wouldn’t it be good if you can go back and get yourself a goal’.
“It wasn’t just a good result, it was a terrific performance. We lost the early goal but we we kept going and looked a strong side all the way through.
“But the League is our priority. The Football League needs a club of our size and needs a support like we provide. It is up to us to try and fight to deliver that.”
Tranmere manager Nigel Adkins and his team were booed off at the final whistle.
“I get the atmosphere at the end of the game,” he said. “And there will be throwaway comments.
“I have a team trying hard but we haven’t won. So, it has got to change.
“There is a lot of anger but I will be the one to bear it and try to keep the players going.
“There has been talk of new investment coming into the club and the sooner that happens the better.
“But in the meantime we are in the mire. And we have got to be in the mire together.”
