The FA Cup

I read something that really disappointed me today. Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert said today that he believes that the majority of top-flight clubs would rather not have the "distraction" of the FA Cup. This saddens me, as I'd imagine it saddens almost all football fans, but particularly those of an older generation. Let us not forget that the FA Cup is the oldest football competition in the world. 

Undeserved Fab Pen sinks Town - Great day

As a supporter of a 'lesser' team, the FA Cup presents teams like Huddersfield with the chance to test themselves against truly top opposition. Should a game be picked to be shown on TV, clubs receive hundreds of thousands of pounds, which is pure gold to teams in the Championship, League One and below. For fans too, it can also provide some amazing days out to top clubs, like I had in 2008 and 2011 at Chelsea and Arsenal respectively. On each occasion we were sunk by Frank Lampard and Cesc Fabregas. Those are memories I treasure, and typifies the majesty and romance that the FA Cup brings to fans.

Old Wembley - A real acheivement to play there

I recently watched 'The Class Of '92' which focuses around Man Utd in the 90s. Great watch, but more relevantly, in it Ryan Giggs talks about how FA Cup final day used to be the biggest day in the domestic footballing calender year. He reminisced about how it was every young lads dream to be able to play in the final and the unique euphoria around Wembley and the sense of occasion. I think that there are a couple of reasons for the decline in the perceived worth of

'New' Wembley - Overused due to cost?

the FA Cup in recent years. Firstly the League Cup, which serves little purpose and only manages to give out Wembley appearances like Jimmy Savile gave out back rubs. This without doubt takes away the sense of occasion of playing at Wembley. Another thing is the amount of money that goes into the Premier League, meaning that clubs can't afford to take their eye off the ball for a second. Even the difference between 13th and 14th in the Prem' means millions of pounds which could be the signing of a new player! 

That said, I actually disagree with Paul Lambert. Given the choice, I think most managers wouldn't want to see the history and tradition of the FA Cup (now in its 143rd year) cast aside. I sincerely hope that isn't the case. I consider it to be a vital aspect of the footballing identity in England and I would hate to see it devalued with the increase of foreign players and managers.

From the comments made by Paul Lambert, the only thing that is assured is that I, and I suspect a few more, will be hoping that Lambert's Villa side get smashed by Sheffield United in the 3rd round, then go on to lose their place in the Premiership too!

P.S Happy 2014 Everyone