When I think of the FA Cup, I think of giant killings, drama and Wembley! I think of the magic of the greatest cup competition in the world and the The FA Cup 4th round weekend is upon us. For me the most appealing factor of the FA Cup is that a part time non league side could come up against a Premier League giant; Potentially causing an upset.
Going through the history books, non league Hereford beating Newcastle; An extra time goal from Ronnie Radford stands out as one of the most famous. In more recent times Wigan beating Manchester City in an FA Cup final and Bradford beating Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge are up there with the biggest shocks.
“Wembley, Wembleyyy”
When I was growing up in the 90s The FA Cup was massive you would look forward to the draw; excited at the prospect of picking out a team that you wouldn’t usually play against. For some teams it would be their best chance of silverware, for fans; a dream to see your team play at Wembley. Team’s respected the cup, after all it is the biggest cup competition in the world; Teams would play their best starting line up or at very least a very strong starting lineup. Because they wanted to win, they wanted to play at Wembley!
I feel now the FA Cup doesn’t have the same importance to clubs and fans as it once did. With the TV money that is now involved with Premier League Football, The money clubs get for just being in the league and additionally for where they finish is massive. So there is now a huge importance of one staying in the Premier League; And two finishing as high as possible in the table. The money in the championship does not compare and with the league being as competitive as ever; There is never any guarantee of an instant return so teams value their Premier League place more than ever.
“..the average changes to the starting line up between the 20 teams was 7.65 changes”
As a result of the importance of the Premier League, its competitiveness; It would be apparent that the FA Cup has become less of a priority for clubs who see it as a chance to rest key first teamers to reduce the risk of injury. For teams such as Liverpool and Manchester City who are vying for the title; It is the perfect opportunity to rest players. In the FA Cup 3rd round the average changes to the starting line up between the 20 teams was 7.65 changes; The lowest amount of changes was 5 from Everton, Whilst the highest was a full 11 changes by Watford. When your making 6/7/8 changes or more, You cannot expect any consistency. You cannot expect the players who have been brought it to play at the top of their game; Without form and match fitness.
Fans dream about watching their team at Wembley
An average of 7.65 changes between the Premier League sides is disrespectful towards the best club competition in the world. Fans dream about watching their team at Wembley but when you disrespect your opponent; Disrespect the competition by making 7 changes. And then go on to get knocked out by a League Two side. It does make you question the clubs thinking. Newcastle United who at the time of the 3rd round tie were in the bottom 3 made 8 changes for their tie against Blackburn Rovers. Their priority was evident, Premier League survival is more important than a cup run. After a 1-1 draw Manager Rafa Benitez moaned about a replay – an unwelcomed extra game. Newcastle made another 8 changes in the replay – resting key players and surprisingly went on to win 4-2.
“It just shows you what a little bit of ambition can do”
Newcastle Fans are crying out for a cup run, in the last 12 seasons they haven’t progressed past the 4th round. In the preceding 12 seasons there was two finals, 3 Quarter finals and 2 semi finals. In 2013, Wigan of the Premier League shocked the footballing World by beating Man City in the FA Cup Final. This while fighting relegation, A fight which they lost and were relegated a few weeks after that glorious afternoon in Wembley. It just shows you what a little bit of ambition can do; Ambition from clubs that has been curtailed by Premier League demands and TV money.
Over the years, changes have been made to the FA Cup. Historically Semi Finals were in two neutral venues (Villa Park and Old Trafford). But since the birth of the “New Wembley” semi finals and the Final have been held at the famous ground. VAR (Video Assistant Referee) has been introduced to help out referee and cut out refereeing mistakes. However this is only available at grounds that can afford it – Mainly Premier League grounds at present. In recent times all ties would go to a replay in the event of a draw however since 2016/17 only ties upto and including round 4 will be replayed. After round 4 matches that are tied will be decided by extra time and penalties.
Making the FA Cup more appealing
Whilst there is no denying the FA Cup is still a much coveted prize; It doesn’t seem to have the same appeal to the bigger clubs. For the smaller clubs it is a chance to make history, a chance of a giant killing, a chance for someone to make a name for themselves. The FA Cup however in my opinion will be a better competition if sides played strong sides; Not making 6+ changes per game. I have had a thought of what can be done to make the FA Cup more appealing.
Firstly, I think all replays for all rounds should be scrapped. The extra games are not normally welcomed by all and can cause fixture congestion. For smaller non league teams mid week replays are not always feasible; So scrapping replays and ensuring ties are decided on the night with extra time and penalties will benefit everyone. Secondly I would like to see a cap on how many changes a team can make to their starting lineup; A team should only be able to make a maximum of 5 changes to the starting line up from their previous game. I believe this will protect the integrity of the cup and make sure the best players are playing in the competition. It should also help to keep teams competitive and aid the drama of the FA Cup.
Time to Regionalise the Semi Finals
My last change is probably the biggest and one that should be enforced straight away. The decision to have semi-finals as well as the Final at Wembley was a financial decision; A way of recouping the stadium costs. But it is a decision which devalues the cup and takes the shine and limelight off the FA Cup Final. For fans the excitement of a day out at Wembley is taken away by having to make the same trip for a semi final; a guardian poll in 2013 found 86% opposed Semi Finals at Wembley. Wembley is the holy grail, the aim for clubs to play at in a Final, not in a Semi Final.
Also for fans up north two trips down south to Wembley can be costly which is why we should go back to regionalising the Semi Finals. For Years Villa Park (42,785) and Old Trafford (74,994) held the semi finals. There are 3 stadiums in the country which are 60,00 plus and are suitable for hosting a semi final; Old Trafford in Manchester, Emirates Stadium and London Stadium in London. There will be a 4th stadium once Tottenham’s new stadium is opened. Having one match in Manchester and one in London would help ease travel issues for fans and would leave Wembley as the prestigious venue of the Final.
No one grows up dreaming off finishing 17th and getting knocked out in the 3rd round.
Whilst attendances haven’t been affected too much in the last 5 years in the FA Cup, it is quite obvious the Cup doesn’t quite have the same appeal to the Premier League teams. The FA Cup could be on a path where it is tossed aside, deemed unimportant and loses its worldwide appeal. It is now when something must be done to preserve it as the best club competition in the world. Most players grow up dreaming of lifting the cup or scoring the winning goal at Wembley; No one grows up dreaming off finishing 17th and getting knocked out in the 3rd round.
Let me know your thoughts, If you agree or disagree or have any ideas of your own on what can be done – Comment Below
While your here, Check out my blog post which paid tribute to Khun Vichai; The Leicester owner who lost his life in the tragic helicopter accident. Click Here
