An FA Cup icon has called for a rethink on controversial plans to ditch replays from the competition.
Jimmy Montgomery became a household name with a double save in Sunderland’s epic 1-0 victory over Don Revie’s all-conquering Leeds side in 1973. Now 80 and still living on Wearside, he urged England’s governing body to overturn their decision to axe FA Cup replays. “It is an absolutely abominable decision,” he said.
“The money does not come from the top down in any other competition. This is the chance for the smaller clubs to go through to a replay, it gives the minnows hope. And they are taking that away, they are crucifying the smaller teams. It is ridiculous.”
Jimmy, awarded the British Empire Medal in 2015 for his services to football, added: “I would encourage the FA to think again. They should listen to people like yourselves who are against it. I don’t think they realise the enormity of what they have done.”
DON'T SCRAP REPLAYS!
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The second of Jimmy Montgomery’s double saves in the 1973 Cup final (Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)Replays from the first round have been axed to reduce the pressure on top players due to the increasing demands of European football. We are campaigning to overturn that ruling, backed by ex-players including Peter Reid, Malcolm Macdonald, Dwight Yorke and Bobby Gould.
Jimmy attacked FIFA for expanding the Club World Cup tournament to 32 sides from next summer. He said: “They will give that as another reason not to have replays. They should not be the priority.”
The FA said: “We are working on a financial package to ensure lower league clubs don’t lose out.” More than 9,000 people have signed the Mirror’s Save the Cup petition.
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