Roy of the Rovers comic immortalising Latics' famous FA Cup win

Oldham Athletic’s result in The Emirates FA Cup Third Round has been immortalised in a special Roy of the Rovers comic book - weeks after caretaker boss Pete Wild described the performance as “Roy of the Rovers stuff”.

The commemorative cartoon depicts action from an exhilarating Emirates FA Cup Third Round, which saw Oldham triumph against Premier League side Fulham - as well as Barnet, Gillingham and Newport County all overcoming the odds to record famous upsets.

The comic, published in partnership with official Roy of the Rovers publishers Rebellion, features a cup themed storyline and artwork by Roy of the Rovers artist Ben Willsher, with a page dedicated to Oldham’s win over Fulham, featuring the likes of goal scorer Calum Lang.

A limited number of the comic books were released today by each of the clubs, with school children at St Pauls Primary School in Oldham, queuing up to own a piece of history.

Caretaker boss Pete Wild and forward Callum Lang joined fans to mark the launch of the comic, signing copies and looking ahead to the Fourth Round ties taking place this weekend.

Fans can also download the comic online.

Oldham caretaker boss Pete Wild said: “I described our win as “Roy of the Rovers stuff” and I wasn’t lying. When I heard that The FA were actually creating a Roy of the Rovers comic book I was over the moon.

“To put this club and the players who worked so hard to secure the win in the spotlight is really special. I’m sure the fans are going to love it.” 

Andy Ambler, The FA’s Director of Professional Game Relations, said: “Anything is possible in The Emirates FA Cup as results in the Third Round showed.

“The competition is for all and a chance for players and teams across the football pyramid to write their names into folklore.

“We are delighted to create this commemorative comic book featuring the stars of Barnet, Gillingham, Newport County and Oldham Athletic and hope the fans across the country enjoy looking back on these memorable moments in cartoon form.

“Good luck to all the clubs in the Fourth Round.”

Roy of the Rovers returned to print in 2018 with a brand new story and a new contemporary look and feel after a 17-year hiatus.

The latest edition features hero Roy Race as a 16-year-old footballing prodigy taking his first steps in the professional game, and retaining the same talent and passion that made him a favourite for football fans since the 1950s.

The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round kicks off on Friday 25 January.

Following the doubling of The FA’s prize fund this season, winning clubs will receive £180,000 in prize money and a place in the Fifth Round Proper.