Derek Fazackerley will put his emotional loyalties to one side later this month when Oxford United face Blackburn Rovers in The Emirates FA Cup.
The Us assistant boss is the record appearance maker for Rovers, having played nearly 600 games for the club during an 18-year spell at Ewood Park.
He’s now aiming to oust them from The Cup when Rovers visit the Kassam Stadium for their fourth round tie on Saturday.
Oxford United v Blackburn Rovers
The Emirates FA Cup
Fourth Round Proper
3pm, Saturday 30 January 2016
Kassam Stadium, Oxford
Winners receive £90,000 from prize fund
Click here for fixtures
And with Oxford boss Michael Appleton also having spent time at the Lancashire club, albeit a much shorter two-month stint as manager, there’s no shortage of knowledge to help them in their quest.
"I've got my own connections with the club going back years and years," said Fazackerley, who is one of the most experienced coaches in the game following spells with Newcastle United, Birmingham City, Manchester City, Leicester City and England to name but a few.
"Michael [Appleton] was manager there as well, so from that point of view it's a tie you're looking forward to.
"It'll be a wonderful day, but only of course if you go on and win the game."
Oxford produced the shock of the third round when they knocked out Swansea City in a thrilling 3-2 win at the Kassam Stadium.
When the League Two high-fliers were paired with either Newport County or Rovers in the fourth round draw, Fazackerley was an eager viewer last Monday evening when those sides met in South Wales.
Emirates FA Cup highlights: Oxford United 3-2 Swansea City
The Lancashire club won that tie 2-1 to progress and the prospect of the fourth round tie is already bringing back memories of his days as a swashbuckling central defender in games against his current employers for Fazackerley.
And a previous FA Cup encounter between the two clubs, when Oxford beat Rovers in 1964 to reach the quarter finals for the only time in their history, is now firmly lodged in the 64-year-old’s mind.
"I started playing there in the early 70s and played right through the 80s, and had many a tussle against Oxford - it was definitely in the black and white days," he chuckled in an interview with BBC Oxford.
"One of the pictures on the boardroom wall now is when they played in The FA Cup against Blackburn down at the old Manor Ground, when Oxford managed to beat Blackburn.
"It'd be nice if we get the opportunity to repeat it again this year."
FATV Focus: Oxford United trio Michael Appleton, Derek Fazackerley and Jake Wright prepare for fourth round tie with Blackburn Rovers
