Hampton Players Told: There's Been Bigger Cup Shocks

Gary McCann’s excitement about facing Oldham Athletic live on BT Sport on Monday has had a little dampener placed on it but their recent National League South stumble.

While it’s not unusual for a ground to be giving a spruce up before the cameras roll in, giving the changing rooms a big refurb maybe wasn’t in the thinking.

“We took the paint off the dressing room walls - the last few games haven’t been good enough,” said the manager, talking mainly about last weekend’s 4-2 home defeat to Oxford City.

“It’s a shame we have to go into this game on the back of some really poor performances.

“Since the FA Cup draw was made I think some minds have been wondering if I’m being honest.

“But let me tell you, there’s still a way to go until the Oldham game and there really are places up for grabs.

“If anyone thinks they have a shirt of their back ahead of Monday then they are kidding themselves, kidding the club and they are kidding me.”

McCann knows the score. One ingredient you need to cause a stir in this competition is form.

Hampton ever since shocking Eastleigh in the Fourth Qualifying Round have been badly lacking it.

“When you are in this type of situation you need luck of course but you also need a lot more than that,” he said.

“Yes we have got to be disciplined and yes we have also got to be organised but above everything, every single player needs to be at their max.

“If they are, we have got a chance and you never quite know.

“But while we are big underdogs, and of course we are, it’s important to remember that there has been greater upsets in the FA Cup in recent years than Hampton & Richmond Borough beating Oldham Athletic.”