So after tonight's defeat, Wigan have made more history by becoming the first team to win the FA Cup and be relegated in the same season. Just wondered what everyone's thoughts are on this. Obviously you'd want to win something and be able to celebrate it without the cloud of relegation hanging over you. It happened to Brum a couple of years ago with the League Cup. But would you rather your team win the cup or remain safe in the EPL? I personally would prefer Leeds winning the cup if it meant relegation, rather than just finishing 17th.
Unfortunately the biggest prize is the Premiership and its is much more profitable than having a prestgious title like the FA cup for a year. Theres been plenty of teams we havent seen back in the top flight since relegation, Nots forrest, Derby, the Sheffield teams, Derby and ourselves who havent clawed there way back yet (excluding shef united briefly I suppose) And lets look what has happened to Wolves only recently, football is a money game now like it or not and for some in this league its **** or bust to get there. I bet you Martinez would have swapped that FA cup for 6 points in the league, thats if he was in it for Wigan rather than himself. Conclusion- Premiership safety over the FA cup and I bet 99% of Reading QPR and Wigan fans would agree
In wigan's circumstances I'd definitely opt for the cup win and relegation. They weren't building on Premier League survival (constantly selling a key player every summer), so the way I see it relegation was inevitable in the foreseeable future. That cup win and even a chance to play in Europe can't be taken away from them and will live long in the fans memories.
Not trying to twist your words but looking at the last sentence from the OP would you prefer Leeds winning the cup if it meant relegation, rather than just finishing 17th? After all the time we've spent out of the top flight and with the additional funds we would generate for staying up and also making us a much more of a tasty investment I think your be mad at opt for a FA cup win.
I'd be quite happy to be in Wigans position tonight. Martinez stated financially they are in a fantastically strong position heading into the Championship. They have silverware and a European spot to boot. I've a feeling they'll be straight back up
I understand the point about the money and finances etc but it shouldn't always be about that. If I was a player I'd prefer to have some winners medal of sorts to show for my career than just brag about surviving for a few seasons and ticking along. The influx of money in the game has bred footballers, fans and owners to be losers effectively. Teams from the top would much rather finish 4th, rather than win a cup. I agree we have spent far too long now out of the Prem but we didn't win anything by gambling either, even though we had a ball for a few years.....
Well if we're talking about next season, I certainly couldn't take relegation back to League One, even if we were to win the FA Cup in the process. Although, on winning promotion to the Premier League, my answer may favour the cup, possibly due to the belief we would be in a strong position to bounce back, but that may be naive given how many big clubs as you mentioned are now stuck down here and have been for a number of years.
Wow. Just me that would rather be in the top flight then? Lets not take for granted how hard it is to get back competing in the premiership. I dont even think forums were around when we were ruffling feathers back then. So next season, promotion or FA cup? Again, Promotion by hook or crook for me everytime
You should visit our board a bit more often Steve, that way you would be able to keep up Any news on your new gaffer yet?
in there situation I would prefer to win FA Cup. Wigan are bound to get relegated at some point but getting relegated now. European football offer to there players could keep a lot at the club and they will likely bounce straight back
Everyones missing the point on this one. The question was would you rather your team win the cup or remain safe in the EPL? Wigan have been punching above there weight for years. If we went up and came straight back down after all the years of being outside the top flight (which means we would have had a poor season as well to get relegated) I would be gutted. Screw holding the FA cup when next season your back to getting beat by teams like Bournemouth all over again. We need to be back in the top flight and stable. Every year we fall further behind the pace!
