Another nail in the coffin of smaller clubs with today’s announcement that from next season no cup replays from Round 1 onwards.
Premiership clubs have massive squads with a significant number of players who can’t get a game most weeks but are evidently too tired to have the possibility of playing in a replay. Another reason why the few wealthy clubs now dominate our domestic football and the FA Cup Final is now just about which one of the top four or five richest clubs wins it.
Alot of lower league clubs can really benefit from a good cup run and this goes to show the fa only care about the big money teams as usual
Last year our cup run was the magic of the fa cup personified and really brought a good feeling to the club especially for some of the younger fans who have not seen much success in the last 15 years
The ' big 6 ' dictating the rest of English football once again... bet they'll all be in Japan and the US for pre-season though. Fixture congestion my bottom.
The F.A. are such a useless bunch of shits and they quite literally don't give a excrement about lower division clubs. The fact that we have such a thriving professional game at numerous levels is a good thing for most observers, but the bigwigs would no doubt prefer just to profit from a Premier League 1 and 2 with a nod towards the grassroots level.
I think its a good idea. Mainly because if a lower league club has managed to hold (for example) a Premier League club to a draw over 90 minutes, they are more likely to get a result on the night than allow the bigger club to "regroup" for the replay.
How often do we see a plucky draw then smashed by a big score in the replay?
I think its a good idea. Mainly because if a lower league club has managed to hold (for example) a Premier League club to a draw over 90 minutes, they are more likely to get a result on the night than allow the bigger club to "regroup" for the replay.
How often do we see a plucky draw then smashed by a big score in the replay?
what planet are you on, replays are about the money, the exposure.
Its a flipping shocking idea, that extra 30 minutes against Luton ( if no replay) we'd have lost. We wouldnt have had Southampton.
"Falls to Arnold... Arnold! That's it! Thats it! He's sealed it! Grimsby Town are back in the football league!!! Just a minute to go and Nathan Arnold makes it 3-1! Look at the scenes behind the goal! Look at the relief! The agony is finally over!!!"
John Tondeur - Wembley Stadium Sunday 15th May 2016
I think its a good idea. Mainly because if a lower league club has managed to hold (for example) a Premier League club to a draw over 90 minutes, they are more likely to get a result on the night than allow the bigger club to "regroup" for the replay.
How often do we see a plucky draw then smashed by a big score in the replay?
Nah travesty of a decision. Pretend you're Nowhere FC and you've miraculously got to the third round of the FA cup and drawn Man U at home. A replay away at Old Trafford would likely fund your club for the foreseeable future or allow big infrastructure investment that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. You'd take that every day over winning the first game on penalties and getting to the fourth round where you could quite as easily be drawn against another non league or lower division side and miss out on a big pay day.
Frankly it’s about time the EFL clubs - by which I mean the owners and the boards - grew some collective bøllocks and made a proper stand. In other words, they need to threaten a mass boycott of next year’s FA Cup.
Time after time after time the onus has fallen on fans to make a stand but ultimately we are replaceable because we amount to little more than £400 on a spreadsheet each year. The decisions taken by the FA, at the behest of the Premier League, have seen a gradual chipping away at the ability of small to medium-sized clubs to exist sustainably, let alone compete.
In the grand scheme of things maybe this is just a small change, but symbolically it’s huge and cumulatively it’s got to be the tipping point.
And for what? So a handful of individuals can make even more money on top of the tens of millions they pocket each year? The premier league is drowning in its own filth and the supposed guardians of the game just keep pouring more money their way to try and stem the insatiable greed of, what, 6 clubs?
Rick Parry needs removing from his position at the EFL as soon as is humanly possibly. All the other Premier League agents in EFL positions need jettisoning too.
B-teams, TV deals, EPPP, and now this - just what will it actually take for clubs to stand up for themselves for once?
The F.A. are such a useless bunch of SHITS and they quite literally don't give a excrement about lower division clubs. The fact that we have such a thriving professional game at numerous levels is a good thing for most observers, but the bigwigs would no doubt prefer just to profit from a Premier League 1 and 2 with a nod towards the grassroots level.
Owners - foreign shits Managers - foreign shits Most players - foreign shits . The shits don't give a toss about English football - the shits will move to whatever country they can make the most money. 10 years these shits will have THEIR Premiership in Saudi Arabia or somewhere similar.
If it's a case of extra time and penaties, and managing to win via penalties, they forfeit the reply (that they may well lose anyway), but on the flip side would get more money going into the next round, plus the chance of playing another bigger team.
I would prefer the replays for obvious reasons, but it may not be all bad, especially if you draw a big prem team in the next round.
But you don't need to get past extra time to win a replay, just 90 mins. Extra time hugely favours the prem teams with their better fitness and huge squad depth for subs.
If there are no replays then there should be no extra time either
The solution was obvious: no replays between clubs in the same division and no replays if agreed by both clubs. The PL clubs involved in European competitions have big enough squads that they could put out two teams (and subs) with ease. Lower league clubs and their supporters need to take affirmative action on this. Starting with banners and chants at Saturday's game. If anyone can make a proper 'intercourse the FA' banner for Saturday, i'll.chip in gladly
But you don't need to get past extra time to win a replay, just 90 mins. Extra time hugely favours the prem teams with their better fitness and huge squad depth for subs.
If there are no replays then there should be no extra time either
Why on earth would Premier League clubs expose themselves to the risk of penalties after 90mins…I wouldn’t be surprised if in the small print they increase the number of subs allowed as well to further reduce any risks of an upset.
I also note that there is a longer summer break on the grounds of player welfare - ie 3 weeks off before an arduous tour of the Far East.
It’s a total pile of sh!te. I wish they’d feck off and just form the European Super League…
Be interesting to see if JS comments in his Guardian column, I suspect he may not want to stick his head too far above the parapet though, we’ll see.
I think its a good idea. Mainly because if a lower league club has managed to hold (for example) a Premier League club to a draw over 90 minutes, they are more likely to get a result on the night than allow the bigger club to "regroup" for the replay.
How often do we see a plucky draw then smashed by a big score in the replay?
Worked well against Luton that didn't it. We held on for 90 minutes and then got smashed at home.... oh wait, we smashed them
Frankly it’s about time the EFL clubs - by which I mean the owners and the boards - grew some collective bøllocks and made a proper stand. In other words, they need to threaten a mass boycott of next year’s FA Cup.
Time after time after time the onus has fallen on fans to make a stand but ultimately we are replaceable because we amount to little more than £400 on a spreadsheet each year. The decisions taken by the FA, at the behest of the Premier League, have seen a gradual chipping away at the ability of small to medium-sized clubs to exist sustainably, let alone compete.
In the grand scheme of things maybe this is just a small change, but symbolically it’s huge and cumulatively it’s got to be the tipping point.
And for what? So a handful of individuals can make even more money on top of the tens of millions they pocket each year? The premier league is drowning in its own filth and the supposed guardians of the game just keep pouring more money their way to try and stem the insatiable greed of, what, 6 clubs?
Rick Parry needs removing from his position at the EFL as soon as is humanly possibly. All the other Premier League agents in EFL positions need jettisoning too.
B-teams, TV deals, EPPP, and now this - just what will it actually take for clubs to stand up for themselves for once?
Great post ska and so right about how the PL is drowning in its own filth. Forest , Everton docked points for financial cheating .’ , and Man City to be hammered in the near future. Everton in a complete financial mess , taking out a £100m loan at ridiculous interest rates that’s unsustainable… Clubs unable to make signings due to FFP and in Chelsea’s case having to sell players and do dodgy sales of club hotels to themselves… the list goes on . Out of control wages that record TV incomes can’t sustain… it’s just a joke . It’s out of control and will eat itself sooner or later . Same as anything that’s too good. , greed and arrogance will bring it crashing down . Really sorry to see the PL teams crashing out of Europe…
Owners - foreign shits Managers - foreign shits Most players - foreign shits . The shits don't give a toss about English football - the shits will move to whatever country they can make the most money. 10 years these shits will have THEIR Premiership in Saudi Arabia or somewhere similar.
I obviously agree with you about the owners, but don't blame the managers on the players at all. It's is their job to do the best for their own clubs, not their responsibility to think of anyone else. Doesn't mean it isn't irritating when PL managers whine about fixture congestion, as they do, but they aren't the ones organising things.
It's the vermin at the F.A. who are the ones to blame here. Weak or corrupt. Possibly both. Pathetic bunch of non-entities.
I obviously agree with you about the owners, but don't blame the managers on the players at all. It's is their job to do the best for their own clubs, not their responsibility to think of anyone else. Doesn't mean it isn't irritating when PL managers whine about fixture congestion, as they do, but they aren't the ones organising things.
It's the vermin at the F.A. who are the ones to blame here. Weak or corrupt. Possibly both. Pathetic bunch of non-entities.
It’s strange that the successful Managers are the main culprits for complaining about the number of games they have to play but that’s what happens if you’re successful at any level. I played for a very good Sunday League team and a decent Lincs League side meaning we normally had good cup runs as well as the league games. There was one awful winter (.81/82?) at the end of which at least half of our players, who played for the same two clubs, had to play 20 matches in 22 days at the end of the season! Not only draining physically but financially as it was still expected we would all have the normal beers after the game.
At the professional level when Arsenal did the double, only the fourth time this was achieved in 100 years. These feats were achieved by clubs with around 14 players of first team quality, 42 league matches, often more than one replay as penalties didn’t exist, atrocious muddy pitches in the winter and pitches covered in Spring during the summer. As much as I despised the Leeds team of the mid sixties and early seventies we all knew in reality they were the stand out team of that era but in fact they won very little, mainly due to fixture congestion.
Modern football has wonderful pitches, large squads, much improved medical facilities and treatment ( particularly in the Premiership) & more money then ever could be imagined even twenty years ago. But it’s still not enough for them. If you’re so tired stop playing each other eight to ten times at pre-season tournaments earning yet more money as you trip around the globe.
Think Golly said football in this country will collapse at some stage in the future and it’s hard to argue with that. Despite the massive incomes these greedy illegitimates receive they are still allowed to spend £35 million per season in excess of their income. Never was a rule more likely to bring football to its knees then being £105m in debt after three seasons in the Premiership
And tell the PL to keep their solidarity money too?
And tell the PL clubs they aren’t invited into the EFL Cup despite the competition being key to the value of the EFL TV deal with Sky?
The last thing the EFL should do is declare war on the PL.
the PL dont give 2 felicitations about the EFL or the clubs in it. The EFL would survive in one format or another, why should we be so dependent on the big 6 telling us what we can and cannot do?
the PL dont give 2 felicitations about the EFL or the clubs in it. The EFL would survive in one format or another, why should we be so dependent on the big 6 telling us what we can and cannot do?
Because without the co-operation the structure of English football would collapse and the PL would become in effect a closed shop.
Unfortunately we need them (the PL) more than they need us (the EFL). We have more to lose than them.
They wouldn’t care if we collectively blew our brains out. In fact they’d probably be happy, so why give them the satisfaction?
Agreed that a mass boycott is going to be the only way to stop this, but it won’t happen, financially the PL have the FA & EFL by the balderdash.
The only way the blow would’ve been softened today is to say straight to pens, give sides a genuine chance of going through but instead they’ll play sides who can throw on millions of pounds worth of players to overpower sides in ET. I’m convinced our cup run would’ve come to an end at Luton were it not for replays.
Because without the co-operation the structure of English football would collapse and the PL would become in effect a closed shop.
Unfortunately we need them (the PL) more than they need us (the EFL). We have more to lose than them.
They wouldn’t care if we collectively blew our brains out. In fact they’d probably be happy, so why give them the satisfaction?
I'd just like to see us get away from them. Agree in that we do need them but it's just a excrement situation, and should never have been allowed to happen. the big 6 run english football
I'd just like to see us get away from them. Agree in that we do need them but it's just a excrement situation, and should never have been allowed to happen. the big 6 run english football
Patience. Let’s see how the football regulator plays out and what the “new deal” is before we declare war.
The scrapping of replays has been a 33 year process after all. Multiple replays were scrapped ahead of 1991/92 (I think) in favour of a single replay and then penalties and it’s evolved from there. This isn’t a revolution.
Because without the co-operation the structure of English football would collapse and the PL would become in effect a closed shop.
Unfortunately we need them (the PL) more than they need us (the EFL). We have more to lose than them.
They wouldn’t care if we collectively blew our brains out. In fact they’d probably be happy, so why give them the satisfaction?
To a certain extent I agree with your assessment. But I think you’re looking at the situation through the eyes of a foreign owner . The US owners in particular are so used to the closed shop franchise system of sport , they don’t see the structure of the pyramid being central to the heartbeat of the game . Relegation/ promotion to the PL is what keeps the competitive edge. There’s more teams fighting relegation from the promised land than have the chance of winning it . I fully expect another attempt at a breakaway ESL at some point in the near future. I suppose it’s the natural progression now the money men have their claws in the game now. Anyone for a Uk league and fook the PL big boys off to play on their own ?
Tranmeres statement is spot on, we have a really big opportunity to double down on this and hopefully cause a bit of a chain reaction, hope the club are putting something together themselves.
Just read the Tranmere statement which makes eye opening reading. No consultation with the clubs who are represented by the FA is criminal. There must be a legal basis to challenge this I’d guess ?!
Well done Tranmere Of course their top dog used to be head of the FA, so he knows what a useless bunch of potentially corrupt egotists are there
This decision should be reversed without prejudice immediately. The government should step in ahead of the vacant ombudsman.
The potential resolutions should be
Consult all non league clubs and decide democratically for qualifying rounds Consult all EFL clubs and decide democratily for all rounds 1-semi final Tell the PL to F off until we are ready to readmit them to the FA Cup Put a bomb under the government. Metaphorically. Good luck.
This is an absolute abuse of office by the FA and heads must roll.
To a certain extent I agree with your assessment. But I think you’re looking at the situation through the eyes of a foreign owner . The US owners in particular are so used to the closed shop franchise system of sport , they don’t see the structure of the pyramid being central to the heartbeat of the game . Relegation/ promotion to the PL is what keeps the competitive edge. There’s more teams fighting relegation from the promised land than have the chance of winning it . I fully expect another attempt at a breakaway ESL at some point in the near future. I suppose it’s the natural progression now the money men have their claws in the game now. Anyone for a Uk league and fook the PL big boys off to play on their own ?
No, I’m assessing this from the point of view of somebody who knows we don’t have a good hand to play.
If the EFL take on the PL then it’s goodbye solidarity payments, goodbye PL clubs in the EFL Cup, goodbye EFL Trophy and probably 2 up - 2 down between the PL and EFL.
The lack of consultation and how it’s been an FA & PL stitch up is wrong, but is the scrapping FA Cup replays a hill worth dying on?
Let’s add it to the list and wait for the football regulator and see what happens.
It’s a nonsense to suggest that we all have to sit here and get píssed on in every conceivable manner and accept it because the premier league throws a few measly groats our way every now & then.
The whole point with something like a protest is to make the competition absolutely toxic to sponsors and broadcasters. I think the announcement has gone down worse than the FA anticipated because you’ve even got the likes of Darragh Macanthony telling fans to give Emirates grief directly over the issue.
More clubs need to get stuck in today or tomorrow and build up some real momentum. Anyone who disagrees should contact the club or owners directly, really force them into addressing it.
The idea that an independent regulator is going to be some white knight who comes to everyone’s rescue is absolutely juvenile. If you want to see how well these government-appointed regulators work just have a look at your energy bill, or go for a swim in the sea and try to avoid swallowing human excrement.
It’s a nonsense to suggest that we all have to sit here and get píssed on in every conceivable manner and accept it because the premier league throws a few measly groats our way every now & then.
The whole point with something like a protest is to make the competition absolutely toxic to sponsors and broadcasters. I think the announcement has gone down worse than the FA anticipated because you’ve even got the likes of Darragh Macanthony telling fans to give Emirates grief directly over the issue.
More clubs need to get stuck in today or tomorrow and build up some real momentum.
Yep. I'll be disappointed if we don't put out a similar statement to Tranmere. The clubs need to unite over this.
Not sure boycotting is the way to go cause they’d bin it off entirely. Would be better to hold the 10% of profits the FA gets from the gates for ransom.
No, I’m assessing this from the point of view of somebody who knows we don’t have a good hand to play.
If the EFL take on the PL then it’s goodbye solidarity payments, goodbye PL clubs in the EFL Cup, goodbye EFL Trophy and probably 2 up - 2 down between the PL and EFL.
The lack of consultation and how it’s been an FA & PL stitch up is wrong, but is the scrapping FA Cup replays a hill worth dying on?
Let’s add it to the list and wait for the football regulator and see what happens.
Football existed before the Premier League. Football existed before TV revenue. Football existed before greed and monopolies. It would again.
Granted it’d take a long time (if at all possible) - it’d take huge hits, particularly on those clubs who’ve already gone down the path of chasing/risking to join the elite. But it is possible for football to operate without the Prem and TV money. Arguably it’d be better, more cost effective, more sustainable and a more close, competitive system than what we have now. The arguments in that football is slowly killing itself at present are loud and clear. The evidence of what the power/s that be want to achieve and have is loud and clear.
As said, it won’t happen (walking away from it all) - but every part of me wishes we did.
Grimsby Town Football Club finds it absolutely disgraceful that such fundamental changes to the format of the FA Cup have been agreed without, it seems, any consultation outside of the English Premier League.
The removal of early round replays, among other changes, without the voice of any club outside the EPL, shows scant regard for those clubs that make the English football pyramid the envy of most. A decision that could have substantial consequences for any lower league club embarking on a cup run. We know only too well the importance of a ‘second chance’ having taken Luton Town to a replay, setting up that memorable tie against Southampton last season.
This is yet another example of why the Independent Football Regulator, with the right powers, is so important to the game and cannot come soon enough.
The dreams of so many should not be denied by so few. We call on The FA to pause any changes to the competition and undertake a fair consultation with all clubs that these changes can impact on.
Really glad the club have put out a strong statement, scrapping the replays without consulting outside the Premier League is scandalous. The FA should hang their heads in shame for this cowardly pandering to a group of clubs that showed their true colours with trying to breakaway to form a “super” League
We need to fight this as hard as we can, because once they're gone, replays aren't coming back.
Petition your MPs. Anti-FA and PL chants at games. Try and convince the club to boycott the FA cup. Mass protests in conjunction with fans of other, proper football clubs.
If this leads to a full on split between the Premier League, the pathetic, soulless shell of a competition that it is, and our English game, then so be it.
For all the stick the board have had for the on field stuff this year, you just knew they’d have their fingers on the pulse with this one. Hopefully it starts a chain of statements from others.
"Thin end of the wedge" springs to mind ......shite like this just demonstrates how important the boycott of the Papa John's Checkatrade no sponsor cup was and is.....they want it all and don't give a fck.... I would wholeheartedly support the club if they decided to withdraw from the first season this applies.....I doubt they will as finances are essential but would love to be a supporter of a team that took a stand....even if just for 1 season
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Not sure boycotting is the way to go cause they’d bin it off entirely. Would be better to hold the 10% of profits the FA gets from the gates for ransom.
No they wouldn’t as they’d lose the TV revenue.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s style
For all the stick the board have had for the on field stuff this year, you just knew they’d have their fingers on the pulse with this one. Hopefully it starts a chain of statements from others.
Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but only us and Tranmere have released a statement so far, which is disappointing. Clubs need to come together and threaten to boycott the competition.
Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but only us and Tranmere have released a statement so far, which is disappointing. Clubs need to come together and threaten to boycott the competition.
The idea that an independent regulator is going to be some white knight who comes to everyone’s rescue is absolutely juvenile. If you want to see how well these government-appointed regulators work just have a look at your energy bill, or go for a swim in the sea and try to avoid swallowing human excrement.
Football isn’t real life though. The PL are scared sh!tress off a regulators and are doing everything within their power to try and avoid it and get it watered down. That should tell you everything about what a football regulator would mean.
"Thin end of the wedge" springs to mind ......shite like this just demonstrates how important the boycott of the Papa John's Checkatrade no sponsor cup was and is.....they want it all and don't give a fck.... I would wholeheartedly support the club if they decided to withdraw from the first season this applies.....I doubt they will as finances are essential but would love to be a supporter of a team that took a stand....even if just for 1 season
The 'Thin end of the wedge' was many years ago. Tradition had it that the semi finals would be at Villa Park and Hillsborough/Old Trafford. I believe this was the start of the changes when the New Wembley was opened in 2008.
You can please some of the forumites some of the time but not all the forumites all of the time
Football existed before the Premier League. Football existed before TV revenue. Football existed before greed and monopolies. It would again.
Granted it’d take a long time (if at all possible) - it’d take huge hits, particularly on those clubs who’ve already gone down the path of chasing/risking to join the elite. But it is possible for football to operate without the Prem and TV money. Arguably it’d be better, more cost effective, more sustainable and a more close, competitive system than what we have now. The arguments in that football is slowly killing itself at present are loud and clear. The evidence of what the power/s that be want to achieve and have is loud and clear.
As said, it won’t happen (walking away from it all) - but every part of me wishes we did.
Nailed it.
Action now. This belief that we should just accept that we're going to get whatever scraps we get thrown and with that a lot of crap as well needs to stop. The PL have the EFL clubs by the balls because we're comfortably allowing them to do so. It's time to do something ourselves, take our balls out their hands.
Yeah, there's gonna be a short term bit of pain but frankly that's always going to happen. At some point the PL will implode, it can't sustain itself and you can be virtually guaranteed that once their gravy train stops, we'll be the first to find our supply chain cut off.
Take the hit now, collectively. intercourse them off. Leave the FA Cup, kick the PL teams out the League Cup, close the door for entry/exit to the Premier League and go alone. The PL product will go stale very quickly and will speed up their demise.
Great to see strong statements from the Board and the Trust, but it's not enough. There's absolutely no chance a regulator will achieve anything. ska face is spot on with his comparison to the energy regulator and the water regulator, puppets. Nothing more and nothing less. It'll be the same with a football one. They'll be utterly toothless.
I would absolutely love to see a statement from GTFC today stating they're boycotting the FA Cup next season.
I would absolutely love to see a statement from GTFC today stating they're boycotting the FA Cup next season.
It needs to be an organised boycott though, not just one or two teams. The EFL clubs should have a meeting over this, can you imagine what would happen if the entire League One and League Two clubs boycotted the FA Cup next season?
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Take the hit now, collectively. intercourse them off. Leave the FA Cup, kick the PL teams out the League Cup, close the door for entry/exit to the Premier League and go alone. The PL product will go stale very quickly and will speed up their demise.
Unfortunately, if you take this route, all the 'big' clubs in the Championship/League One will negotiate, resign from the English Football League and join a new Premier League 2 with no risk of relegation. The EFL will then wither and, no doubt, ultimately merge with the National League.
That's the problem with the way things are at the top now. If those in charge are Wrong 'uns (and it tends to be this type which gets into positions of power due to the money and influence swishing around up there), they do things for the benefit of themselves and not the game as a whole.
I've no time for royalty, but what we could do with right now is William (President of the F.A.), speaking out against this move. That would put the cat amongst the pigeons. Of course, it will never happen as we couldn't have the royalty doing anything useful.
Starmer is one for a bandwagon. Can we get both him and Sunak to speak out against it? Get some of the papers to take a stand as well?
No, you're absolutely right. You'll get some who will see this as an opportunity to further themselves. The strength is in the collective.
The thing for me though is that even if we get them to change their mind on this it'll be for now. They'll come back before long and we'll be expected to take it. Then it'll be something else, then something more...
I'm done with the elite levels of football. I barely even gave a glance to the Champions League results this week, even then I raised a wry smile when I saw them the next morning to see both PL teams had gone out. They don't represent me, couldn't be further from it.
I'll watch MOTD but it's half-arsed. I don't care for Manchester United, Liverpool, City, Chelsea...they can do one. If Leeds, Leicester, Derby and others want to join them in their closed group then go for it. We're not going to be eating at their table and I don't want to be. I would rather it be three leagues (let's say version of League One, Two and the Conference) at the top of our own pyramid, reduced TV incoming, reduced levels of stupid spending to chase pipedreams and football for the people.
It won't happen but this could and should be another catalyst for change.
So, instead of replays , the teams that reach the third round are seeded using the position of were they finished the season before. The prem/ championship clubs are also seeded in the home ( or vice versa) slot by the same rationale that equates to 50% of the teams. The draw is made and out comes man utd v gtfc for example, the question is then asked of the away team, where do you want to play BP (if we fancy our chances of whooping them) or Old Trafford. One leg and pens no extra time, GTFC make some money.
I'm sure the purists on here will rip this apart...hey ho.
No, you're absolutely right. You'll get some who will see this as an opportunity to further themselves. The strength is in the collective.
The thing for me though is that even if we get them to change their mind on this it'll be for now. They'll come back before long and we'll be expected to take it. Then it'll be something else, then something more...
I'm done with the elite levels of football. I barely even gave a glance to the Champions League results this week, even then I raised a wry smile when I saw them the next morning to see both PL teams had gone out. They don't represent me, couldn't be further from it.
I'll watch MOTD but it's half-arsed. I don't care for Manchester United, Liverpool, City, Chelsea...they can do one. If Leeds, Leicester, Derby and others want to join them in their closed group then go for it. We're not going to be eating at their table and I don't want to be. I would rather it be three leagues (let's say version of League One, Two and the Conference) at the top of our own pyramid, reduced TV incoming, reduced levels of stupid spending to chase pipedreams and football for the people.
It won't happen but this could and should be another catalyst for change.
I stopped watching it about 20 years ago any Prem or european games apart from a brief glance if it's on in the pub . Far more engaged with Town and other clubs in league 2 / the NL find it a lot more enjoyable than that dross tbh . Seeing Notts forrest put their ST's up to nearly a £1000 quid sums it up for me ; let them lot have it I say .
With a lot more matches shown live on Sky next year, is that an opportunity for visible and audible protests across the EFL?
Every EFL game broadcast you can audibly hear the chant ' Sky TV is fuck1ng sh1t ' - they'll start adding in fake fan noise soon... Oxford play Stevenage tonight on Sky and I highly doubt the scrapping of replays will even be brought up. You see it when the WC went to Qatar... all these presenters/ex footballers have got an issue with it unless they're being paid by the people at fault. Too many people place money above morals nowadays.
I understand why people are suggesting one thing or another, but it’s kind of missing the point. These options aren’t on the table - nothing is “on the table”, we don’t even have a seat at the table.
It’s not even a “take it or leave it” scenario unless 5,6,700 clubs all decide to show a bit of unity and boycott the competition. There might be a bit of a tokenistic row back and a few more quid spread across everything from Sunday league to the championship, but you couldn’t get a clearer indication of how the FA acts and who’s interests they prioritise.
Who is on the "Professional Game board". Anyone know?
Who are the 4 EFL on the board, sounds like they were not representing the majority view of clubs in the EFL!
Tweet 1781243989389197420 will appear here...
The 4 EFL representatives are:
Rick Parry - former Liverpool and Premier League CEO (no involvement with EFL clubs) Peter Ridsdale - famously bankrupted Leeds, nearly liquidated Barnsley, embroiled in financial scandals at Cardiff & Plymouth Jez Moxey - formerly of Wolves & Burton, universally loathed Steve Kavanagh - Milwall CEO
It strikes me as this being a bargaining tool played by the FA & PL. The EFL have obviously dragged their heels at the table (rightly so) so they’ve forced their hands.
Everyone will go back to the table and the EFL will be strong armed into making a shite deal (they’ve historically been flipping useless as well).
Looking at the statement, "Additional revenue opportunities" stands out to me. i.e. "You might get a bit more money, but most of it will go to the Premier League and bigger clubs, of course".
Have any of the big name football journos in the press said anything about this yet? No doubt they are too busy talking some boring shite about English clubs in Europe being shite. Perhaps they are going to blame it on those nasty F.A. Cup replays?
“I think the football schedule is too full, I think there are too many games. Something has to give in football somewhere or you may find it’s going to be very difficult. I’m not saying that this was the thing that had to give, but somewhere along the line, I think something will have to loosen up a little bit to give the players a little bit more room.”
intercourse you, Moyes. If you aren't competent enough to rotate your squad of 46 players (including 'Development team' players who nonetheless have a squad number), that's your problem, not ours.
So clearly the FA are aligning to the “too many games” bollox spouted by the top flight managers but don’t mind getting players to fly around the country & overseas to play meaningful international friendlies to just generate cash. Absolute numpties.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s style
Looking at the statement, "Additional revenue opportunities" stands out to me. i.e. "You might get a bit more money, but most of it will go to the Premier League and bigger clubs, of course".
Have any of the big name football journos in the press said anything about this yet? No doubt they are too busy talking some boring shite about English clubs in Europe being shite. Perhaps they are going to blame it on those nasty F.A. Cup replays?
Henry Winter was on yesterday saying this is not the solution.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s style
Winter is generally quite on the pulse of things and of all the big name journalists is one who gets 'it' more than most. Unfortunately he's probably pissing in the wind as most will just ignore this as ultimately little clubs don't sell papers, draw in listeners/viewers.
As much as he churns my stomach, it needs the likes of Gary Neville to get behind any objection for it to get into the mainstream.
Winter is generally quite on the pulse of things and of all the big name journalists is one who gets 'it' more than most. Unfortunately he's probably pissing in the wind as most will just ignore this as ultimately little clubs don't sell papers, draw in listeners/viewers.
As much as he churns my stomach, it needs the likes of Gary Neville to get behind any objection for it to get into the mainstream.
No chance of that, doesnt negatively affect his precious United
The problems with the congested fixture schedule are caused by FIFA and UEFA expanding competitions and creating more matches. It is not for national associations to reduce their own competitions.
We’ve already allowed higher division academies to hoover up youngsters from outside of their catchment area, allowed ever more players on the bench, ever more substitutes to be used, and now cutting down the number of matches throughout the pyramid in our famous domestic cup competition.
This won’t be the end of it, but another step in the destruction of the domestic pyramid.
It’s another step towards making the top division a closed shop via the back door. Whether it’s one big step to a Superleague, or a series of smaller steps, it is becoming increasingly difficult for smaller clubs to reach the higher levels of the domestic game on sporting merit.
The loss of replays loses both romance and much needed finance for the lower levels of the game.
The only thing I'd add is that the clubs at the higher echelons are moaning about their own creations.
They wanted and voted for more games in the European competitions so they could get more money. They wanted a winter break and they then took their teams off for 'breaks' that were glorified promotional tours.
The bigger clubs are flipping everyone over for their own gains. That's bad enough but it's even worse when they FA are bending over to take it dry.
Very little on what the EFL and their member clubs intend to do to oppose the changes beyond "calling on" the FA and Premier League to "re-evaluate their approach". Think the EFL and their member clubs need to buck their ideas up ASAP and start threatening some actual concrete action if they want this decision reversed frankly.
GTFC's statement was posted on Brentford FC Loyal's FB page where the overwhelming majority of supporters are disgusted by the proposals. The only dissenters are the recent gloryhunters. Bees (my second team) supporters identify with being a small club. It isn't that long ago that they had bucket collections around the ground.
The sides competing in Europe tasted karma this week. While Man City were still in Europe there was a doubt on whether Brentford's scheduled TV game at Everton would take place a week tomorrow or a week on Sunday. A swap, if required, would take place with Man City's TV fixture depending on if/when City next played in Europe. Bees fans only found out yesterday that their match would take place a week tomorrow. The club are now underwriting half the cost of away tickets. A similar scenario two years ago saw the club pay the full cost for fans.
While the PL is regarded as the 'be all and end all' you find that supporters of the smaller clubs quickly tire of the hype. Some of my friends would be happier if they were playing in the third or fourth tier to be more competitive, escape VAR and lose the 'tourist' support. Oh, and no more half and half scarves on sale.
I'd like to see the Bees stay up but wouldn't be crying if they didn't. I like the Championship. I'm sick and tired of the hype myself. I only watch the segment of MOTD which features them. The rest of it leaves me cold.
I always thought the PL was toxic and the cup proposals just reaffirm that.
As for European competition, I supported any British club from the early 80s but I don't have any interest in it now. I'm glad that only Villa are left in now.
Brentford are guilty of not fielding their best sides in the FA Cup so in some ways are part of the overall problem.
Can anyone explain to me why the Premier League should care if there are replays in rounds one and two? I think if they continue with replays in rounds one, two, and three then most people would accept that. It's not ideal, but compromise rarely is.
Can anyone explain to me why the Premier League should care if there are replays in rounds one and two? I think if they continue with replays in rounds one, two, and three then most people would accept that. It's not ideal, but compromise rarely is.
All their youth players get tired.
(or are up past their bed times or have to miss school the next day...)
Miss Scunthorpe. Not a beauty pageant, just sound advice.
Why on earth would Premier League clubs expose themselves to the risk of penalties after 90mins…I wouldn’t be surprised if in the small print they increase the number of subs allowed as well to further reduce any risks of an upset.
I also note that there is a longer summer break on the grounds of player welfare - ie 3 weeks off before an arduous tour of the Far East.
It’s a total pile of sh!te. I wish they’d feck off and just form the European Super League…
Be interesting to see if JS comments in his Guardian column, I suspect he may not want to stick his head too far above the parapet though, we’ll see.
I reLly do wish the top six - eight clubs would sodomist off out of the English game, and not be allowed to enter the FA cup too.
I was there, the day Bradley Wood scored a 35 yarder!
From the black and white striped shirts To the fish in the sea You'll hear us singing Coz we are Grimsby.
You won't hear us crying But you'll hear us shout Coz we are the Grimsby And this is our chant.......... Grimsby! Grimsby! Grimsby!
We seriously need government to lesiglate and create a regulatory body. The FA/Premier League/EFL have shown they cannot be trusted to regulate themselves.
Whilst I don't want to turn this thread into a political football like many others, whichever government is in next (we all know who it'll be) could build a popular, easy-win policy of ensuring fairer funding and preventing poor stewardship destroying clubs, campaign on 'football for the fans' platform
GTFC's statement was posted on Brentford FC Loyal's FB page where the overwhelming majority of supporters are disgusted by the proposals. The only dissenters are the recent gloryhunters. Bees (my second team) supporters identify with being a small club. It isn't that long ago that they had bucket collections around the ground.
The sides competing in Europe tasted karma this week. While Man City were still in Europe there was a doubt on whether Brentford's scheduled TV game at Everton would take place a week tomorrow or a week on Sunday. A swap, if required, would take place with Man City's TV fixture depending on if/when City next played in Europe. Bees fans only found out yesterday that their match would take place a week tomorrow. The club are now underwriting half the cost of away tickets. A similar scenario two years ago saw the club pay the full cost for fans.
While the PL is regarded as the 'be all and end all' you find that supporters of the smaller clubs quickly tire of the hype. Some of my friends would be happier if they were playing in the third or fourth tier to be more competitive, escape VAR and lose the 'tourist' support. Oh, and no more half and half scarves on sale.
I'd like to see the Bees stay up but wouldn't be crying if they didn't. I like the Championship. I'm sick and tired of the hype myself. I only watch the segment of MOTD which features them. The rest of it leaves me cold.
I always thought the PL was toxic and the cup proposals just reaffirm that.
As for European competition, I supported any British club from the early 80s but I don't have any interest in it now. I'm glad that only Villa are left in now.
Brentford are guilty of not fielding their best sides in the FA Cup so in some ways are part of the overall problem.
Ironic that a lot of Brentford supporters don’t like it when their manager clearly loves the idea.
"Crombie you would have got to that if you weren't such a fat ba%$@rd" - George Kerr, inspiration from the dug out 70s style
If the cartel are that bothered about the number of games maybe they could withdraw their B Teams from the football league trophy and play them in FA Cup replays instead. The FA’s response is horrific - we’ll throw a bit of money at you to keep you quiet. Our chances of watching town at the best grounds in the country have just significantly reduced and I’m fuming about it.
If the idea is to alleviate fixture congestion, it would also help lower league clubs who may have a backlog due to postponed games because we lack the facilities to deal with inclement weather. Imagine if we were in an automatic promotion position and the games were piling up. We'd be happy there are no replays.
It’s nothing to do with fixture congestion.. that’s just the ‘excuse’ being given out.
It’s everything to do with a monopoly. From FIFA/UEFA..corrupt organisations making decisions based on backhanders. Been the same for years. EPL have the power in this country and will bend backwards not to upset/offend the hand that feeds them. The elite can’t be upset at any cost.
Wish they’d all sod off in all honesty , can go play in Riyadh..or on the Moon for all I care.
Time for all football clubs in this country, however small - to unite, make a point, a stand.
Ironic that a lot of Brentford supporters don’t like it when their manager clearly loves the idea.
As I said, most Bees fans remember the times when a cup run made a huge difference to finances. Had Benham not bought the club they'd be playing in non-league. Yes, ironic that the manager doesn't like replays but he wasn't there then. Fans will always have the longer memories.
The dreadful cowards at the FA are doubling down with some gaslighting 'we consulted all the EFL clubs' nonsense:
Tweet 1781263421012316221 will appear here...
Can only see this latest statement fanning the flames even further tbqh
Everything about that statement tells me their only concern is money . They seem to think the football fans concerns are about money too. There’s no mention of the tradition of the oldest football competition in the world or the concerns and interest of fans of lower league clubs. They think they can throw a few quid at us and we’ll go away
I don’t know what we are all bothered about! In a few years time it’ll be back to as it is now as the European “Super” League will come off the back of this as the Premiership teams will take their ball home because of too many games. So instead they’ll replace fatigue from playing by fatigue from travelling or claiming they need fewer games to fit in training missed due to travelling.
I saw an interesting piece on twitter a few weeks back regarding the payment restructuring in that only 8 teams (I think) have remained in the prem since its inception and another 40(ish) have been up and down. So there’s only at any one time 12 teams who can vote who understand what helps but the huge majority of those are like turkeys voting for Xmas in that they “hope” they won’t need the efl payments “next season” and so it continues. They suggested any voting extends to any former epl members rather than current ones. Quite similar to the professional game board with 4/20 from epl and 4/72 from efl; how is that fair representation? Oh it isn’t and that is the very reason isn’t it?
It was inevitable unfortunately. There are going to be too many games, you've got 8 European games to fit into midweeks next season along with the League Cup and even got a Club World Cup next June now, so a lot of players are going to be playing all year round going forward.
But it's just excrement that the lower league clubs are the ones that have to suffer when none of that has anything to do with them.
Dress it up how you want, it’s all just a money grab by the elite.
It’s only a matter of time before the “big six” play maybe 5 games a season in Saudi Arabia (they wont be moaning about being tired/travelling then)
Boxing and golf virtually “owned” now by the Middle East, and though I’m not the biggest snooker fan I have a soft spot for the world championship being at the Crucible, but apparently this could be the last year, as other destinations (Saudi?) “would grow the game twenty fold” (according to an objective onlooker called Mr B Hearn)
Simon Jordan hit the nail on the head with this use it as a bargaining chip for better distribution of the money and threaten to force a regulator on football at government level.
What's really drunk me off with this is the lack of outcry from people who are not quite at the top table but they're not feeding off the scraps like we are either, more getting to lick the plate before the scraps are dished down.
Kevin Nolan on the Friday Night Social last week, basically his argument in defence of the move was that everyone loves the Champions League and we all want English teams to do well. By not having replays we're improving those chances. Darren Fletcher quite rightly fired back at him that the average EFL fan doesn't care less about Arsenal's chances in the Champs League. Nolan, who all but confirmed his moron status at this point, replied that they do and because the viewing figures will be low for the final, in the absence of an English side, that's proof.
He also couldn't get his head around the benefits of Notts County's cup replay with Swansea when he was manager, despite Fletcher telling him that as he was on the board at that point the club were delighted with the extra revenue streams.
This is the type of idiot we're dealing with in this situation.
The cup Semi-Final between Coventry and Man Utd last night was a wonderful example of cup drama. Yet you can absolutely guarantee that the FA are using the drama from Extra Time and penalties as justification for no replays.
Absolutely boils my urine that we're going to completely ruin a competition for a few big clubs, yet you look at the reaction of Manchester United staff, players and fans yesterday. They don't care. The United end emptied as soon as the final penalty was taken. Coventry fans stayed to cheer their side on. Ten Haag was straight down the tunnel with his players very quickly following suit. They don't care.
I really hope the talk over the weekend of mutiny comes to fruition. copulated off with the greedy twits ruining the game.
What's really drunk me off with this is the lack of outcry from people who are not quite at the top table but they're not feeding off the scraps like we are either, more getting to lick the plate before the scraps are dished down.
Kevin Nolan on the Friday Night Social last week, basically his argument in defence of the move was that everyone loves the Champions League and we all want English teams to do well. By not having replays we're improving those chances. Darren Fletcher quite rightly fired back at him that the average EFL fan doesn't care less about Arsenal's chances in the Champs League. Nolan, who all but confirmed his moron status at this point, replied that they do and because the viewing figures will be low for the final, in the absence of an English side, that's proof.
He also couldn't get his head around the benefits of Notts County's cup replay with Swansea when he was manager, despite Fletcher telling him that as he was on the board at that point the club were delighted with the extra revenue streams.
This is the type of idiot we're dealing with in this situation.
The cup Semi-Final between Coventry and Man Utd last night was a wonderful example of cup drama. Yet you can absolutely guarantee that the FA are using the drama from Extra Time and penalties as justification for no replays.
Absolutely boils my urine that we're going to completely ruin a competition for a few big clubs, yet you look at the reaction of Manchester United staff, players and fans yesterday. They don't care. The United end emptied as soon as the final penalty was taken. Coventry fans stayed to cheer their side on. Ten Haag was straight down the tunnel with his players very quickly following suit. They don't care.
I really hope the talk over the weekend of mutiny comes to fruition. copulated off with the greedy twits ruining the game.
When I got into my football in my teens, I would support any British club in Europe be it Liverpool, Forest, Aberdeen, Dundee United, Newport etc. I'd also support any British club in international competition.
Now I take no interest. I hope they fail. I have zero interest in them. I did enjoy Liverpool winning the CL in 2005 because it took me back to their success in the early to mid eighties and listening to radio commentaries waiting for Town updates at a time when we also had a great side. Just a touch of nostalgia really. Nothing more than that.
I also support a PL side but have watched them in every division. Like many, I enjoy watching the team play at the highest level but the PL hype leaves us cold. Old-school.
I know it was the League Cup but I can remember two replays against eventual winners Wolves in the 1979 QFs( who were lucky to get past third division Swindon in the semis). Football was so much more interesting then. If Town had beaten Wolves, it would have been a Grimsby v Swindon SF.
When I got into my football in my teens, I would support any British club in Europe be it Liverpool, Forest, Aberdeen, Dundee United, Newport etc. I'd also support any British club in international competition.
Now I take no interest. I hope they fail. I have zero interest in them. I did enjoy Liverpool winning the CL in 2005 because it took me back to their success in the early to mid eighties and listening to radio commentaries waiting for Town updates at a time when we also had a great side. Just a touch of nostalgia really. Nothing more than that.
I also support a PL side but have watched them in every division. Like many, I enjoy watching the team play at the highest level but the PL hype leaves us cold. Old-school.
I know it was the League Cup but I can remember two replays against eventual winners Wolves in the 1979 QFs( who were lucky to get past third division Swindon in the semis). Football was so much more interesting then. If Town had beaten Wolves, it would have been a Grimsby v Swindon SF.
I mostly supported the English clubs in the 70s, except for Leeds. I always had a soft spot for Ajax and Cruyff. Now I favour the Germans, the only nation with football properly structured as community owned sport.
When I got into my football in my teens, I would support any British club in Europe be it Liverpool, Forest, Aberdeen, Dundee United, Newport etc. I'd also support any British club in international competition.
Now I take no interest. I hope they fail. I have zero interest in them. I did enjoy Liverpool winning the CL in 2005 because it took me back to their success in the early to mid eighties and listening to radio commentaries waiting for Town updates at a time when we also had a great side. Just a touch of nostalgia really. Nothing more than that.
I also support a PL side but have watched them in every division. Like many, I enjoy watching the team play at the highest level but the PL hype leaves us cold. Old-school.
I know it was the League Cup but I can remember two replays against eventual winners Wolves in the 1979 QFs( who were lucky to get past third division Swindon in the semis). Football was so much more interesting then. If Town had beaten Wolves, it would have been a Grimsby v Swindon SF.
Re English clubs in Europe, I seriously want Chelsea and Man City to fail, due to well known reasons. I’m largely ambivalent about the other club’s success, but won’t pay BT sport or its equivalent to watch.
I am both old enough and stupid enough to want football clubs to be heavily involved with the community in which they are based. One of my old pals used to say supporting your club is in the blood. I agree. Now it’s regrettably in the wallet and bank balance.
This country has already sold its family silver to crooks, vagabonds, Americans, oil barons and wealthy Asians.
The time has come to stop the Rape and Cancer spreading across our national game. Appoint the regulator, sack most of the FA and tell the Premier league that it’s the other 1000 or so clubs that run football, not the 20 richest.
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