KENNY DALGLISH
Something has to be done about the FA Cup
THERE has been plenty of negativity around the FA Cup over the past week.
Those of us who grew up during the halcyon days of the competition know its place in the game.
And as someone who ended up with a winners’ medal just once in nine attempts as a player, I know how difficult it is to get your hands on the trophy.
But in recent days, managers have been criticised for not playing what would be regarded as their strongest starting line-up in FA Cup ties.
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe, for example, was on the receiving end for making 11 changes to his team for their tie away at League One Millwall.
The Premiership club lost 3-0.
Jurgen Klopp also decided to put out a Liverpool side with several youngsters for the home tie against Plymouth Argyle last Sunday and his side were held to a goalless draw.
The young lads Jurgen played will be the better for that experience, but most of the reaction to the result from outside the club has been negative.
Crowds are also down, and the conclusion is that the FA Cup has lost a bit of its importance in the English game.
Clearly the authorities need to find something to rebuild the FA Cup’s reputation.
It has been suggested that to liven the whole thing up, a place in the Champions League should be on offer to the winners.
I can understand that. I suppose it’s a bit like what UEFA put in place when they offered the winners of the Europa League a Champions League spot.
Dangling a carrot of that magnitude made clubs and managers take the tournament more seriously, and there is now a real emphasis on winning it.
But would the Premier League allow the FA to take one of its Champions League places?
Is it fair that you should get into the Champions League for winning five or six FA Cup games instead of finishing fourth in the Premier League over 38 games?
Would UEFA allow it to happen?
Time will tell if the FA explore any avenues to re- energise their flagship competition, but there appears to be a growing feeling that the FA Cup has lost a bit of its sparkle.
Empty seats at la s t weekend’s ties tell you that, and it’s not just the big guns who are to blame.
Even the smaller clubs are now resting players to make sure they’re fit for league action. It’s not just teams in the top flight that are fielding so-called ‘weakened teams’.
Maybe if clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two played their best available players, that would encourage more fans to attend ties.
But when eight or nine changes, if not more, are being made it’s maybe getting tiresome for the punters. I totally understand that.
One suggestion I believe is worth considering is for the 20 Premier League teams to be seeded in the opening round.
At least that would guarantee 20 ‘smaller’ clubs a chance of playing a team from the top flight. The chance of causing a memorable Cup upset might bring a bit of energy back, and the crowds, and help revitalise the competition.
You only need to look at Plymouth. They brought around 8500 fans to Anfield last Sunday and they created a fantastic atmosphere.
It inspired their Scottish manager, Derek Adams, and
Even the smaller clubs are now resting players
his team to a deserved draw. They will now get a replay in front of a full house at their own place – and even more television money.
Stuff such as that keeps the romance of the FA Cup alive and can create stories for players and fans to pass down from mums and dads to their sons and daughters, and then on to their grandchildren. That’s what it’s all about – giving fans memories that never leave them that they can share.
We must never forget that fans make the game of football what it is, and they pay good money to follow their team home and away.
I’m sure Liverpool fans have good memories of winning the FA Cup in 1986. It was part of a ‘ Double’ success that season.
I was player-manager and thoroughly enjoyed winning that competition when we beat Everton in the Final at Wembley. It was the only time I won it.
I cherish that medal, as I do every medal I won in my career.
But what gave me the most pleasure that afternoon was seeing how happy it made the fans. That, above all else, is what counts.
I’d love to see Liverpool winning it this season, and I’m sure the FA Cup sponsors, Emirates, would want a glamour Final with two of the biggest clubs in the country battling it out in a showpiece occasion at Wembley.
But we must also never forget that there is something magical when there is a fairytale element to it all because it’s wonderful to see dreams becoming a reality.
Just don’ t mention Wimbledon and the FA Cup Final in 1988!