The new-look FA Cup kicks off tomorrow.
Well, what other day would it start? Three third round ties on a Thursday is probably in keeping with a very different feel for the greatest domestic cup competition in the world.
This is the first season where there will be no replays. And while scrapping replays caused debate and understandable anger, surely people can now see why. There is simply nowhere in the football calendar or fixture list to put third and fourth round replays.
But don’t blame the Football Association. If you want a target then blame the big clubs. The greed surrounding more European fixtures, an expanded Champions League and the demands of the big boys is the real reason.
Next midweek there is a full Premier League programme. The following week: Champions League. And the week after that. So, where would they go? The crying shame in all of this is that the smaller clubs – both Non League and EFL – will miss out on pay days and replays.
But that’s gone and is another huge reason why there should be a better Premier League deal on the table for the football pyramid. Yes, they give a lot of money already but the new-look FA Cup is another reason why it needs to increase.
It’s hard to take some Premier League executives seriously when they talk about the perils of the regulator and how to run football when they struggle to run their own club. This is not a defence of the FA. They are in serious danger of reneging on their pledge in the Love Football Protect The Game initiative over a lack of respect for referees and officials.
Why hasn’t Fulham winger Harry Wilson been looked at after his shocking reaction to referee Darren Bond? Because the ref dealt with it at the time… what happened to failing to control players? Ange Postecoglou’s post-match rant, anyone? The refs are raging.
But this one is not down to the FA. And this year’s FA Cup could actually be more exciting because of the sudden death element. Teams will go for it, field stronger line-ups for one-off games and I bet we don’t actually end up with too many penalty shootouts.
But hooray if we do. One of the most annoying commentator sayings is: “No-one wants to see a game settled like this.” Er, I think you’ll find we do. I love a shootout. I’m a real traditionalist. That’s why I love the FA Cup. I hate semi-finals at Wembley. But you also have to be realistic and move with the times.
This year’s FA Cup could be really exciting. And if you don’t like it… blame the greed of the big boys rather than the FA.
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The FA Cup Giant Killers celebrates the biggest moments that only the FA Cup can throw up. Our special edition is on sale now here
The FA Cup Giant Killers celebrates the biggest moments that only the FA Cup can throw up. Our special edition is on sale now here
Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter with the day’s key headlines and transfer news straight into your inbox