Liverpool legend John Aldridge has joined our crusade to save FA Cup replays.
The fans’ favourite lined up alongside Bury, Wimbledon and Bolton Wanderers, former winners of the world’s oldest knockout tournament, to back our campaign. Aldridge, a prolific striker for club and country, played for the all-conquering Liverpool side in the 1980s.
He went on to manage Tranmere Rovers during their FA Cup runs in 2000 and 2001. But his early career was in the lower leagues with South Liverpool, Newport County and Oxford United.
He told how the income from a FA Cup run was vital for the survival of grassroots sides, especially with lucrative replays against top flight opposition. “South Liverpool were my first club and we started in the FA Cup in August,” John, 65, now working as a pundit, said.
“Like everyone else we were dreaming of a tie against a big club. Then I joined Newport County. We got into the third round a few times, played Everton, got knocked out at the second attempt.
Premier League odds and betting tips
“It is what the tournament is all about. And people forget, the money also helps communities. I got Tranmere Rovers to two FA Cup quarter finals. They were unbelievable matches, against Newcastle Utd and Liverpool. It was brilliant for us.
“The top teams have the squads to play FA Cup replays. It is losing its value as a tournament if you ditch the replays, it is a bad decision for football”
John Aldridge ahead of the 2019 Champions League final (Getty Images)Should FA Cup replays be reinstated? Share your thoughts in the comments below
His Tramere side defeated Premier League Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park, then they came from 3-0 down at half time to beat another Premier League outfit Southampton 4-3 before losing to neighbours Liverpool in 2000. Campaign group Fair Game said dozens of clubs had now joined the call to bring back replays, including Tranmere and Newport County.
National League Maidstone United, who knocked Championship club Ipswich Town out of the FA Cup this year on an historic run to the fifth round, back it also. The Premier League has pledged an extra £33m funding to support grassroots football.
No 10 said the Government accepted that smaller clubs needed David v Goliath matches for income but it was for the football authorities to resolve the issue of FA Cup replays.
A FA spokesperson said: “We have had to find a solution to our domestic calendar congestion and take into account player welfare. We will make sure no club loses out financially from the loss of replays and are sure that the FA Cup will continue to bring fans exciting and memorable moments for many years to come.
“Lower league clubs can continue to draw Premier League giants in the Cup - this is an important part of the magic of the cup and it won’t change “
DON'T SCRAP REPLAYS! Join our petition to keep the magic of the FA Cup alive!
and 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
World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
