THE NLP SAYS...

FA deserve credit for Cup cash increase

Why The Football Association take credit for addressing the FA Cup prize money in time for next season

Acouple of years ago, our esteemed columnist Ian Ridley penned a superb column in this paper about the need to address the payment structure in the FA Cup. Ian’s plea was simple: there was simply not enough cash being poured into those clubs more deserving of it in the preliminary rounds while the prize for the winners (£1.8 million) was of little significance to a club that had already swept up thousands in TV revenue and who more than likely had seen their run to the final as something of a burden with season aspirations elsewhere.

So it is refreshing to see the FA have taken action here by not just addressing the issue, but doubling the prize pot in every round. I still believe the £3.6 million the winners will pick up at Wembley next season will be next to nothing, and will hardly cover the players’ wages for a week. But on August 11 clubs up and down the country will be cashing in in the extra preliminary rounds with the winners bagging £2,250 (£1,500 last season) and the losers, refreshingly, receiving £750 for their efforts – a huge incentive.

In the Preliminary rounds, again, there is a cash boost for those clubs exiting, with beaten clubs pocketing £960 to the winners’ £2,890. Only when the competition enters the first round qualifying does the losing bonus end. I take my hat off to the FA for recognizing the impact such a small amount of money can make to football clubs at this level.

It’s been a rough old few weeks for the suits at HQ following the ‘restructure’ that was then ‘restructured’. Speaking to the guys at Wembley back in January, I know just how much they would have hated to see clubs shuffled about against their will and there has been much criticism vented against them this week with the failed appeals of Fleet Town, Hednesford Town and Banbury United.

Let’s give credit where it is due. The FA care dearly about the game at grassroots the uplift in money spread evenly across all levels for the FA Cup is proof of that.

Meanwhile, on the note of Fleet Town. The club is continuing in the Southern League this season despite concerns they would have to fold under the strain of travelling expenses brought about by their move the Southern West division. Appeals are ongoing to raise funds for what lies ahead, so let’s show support and get behind the club.