Years ago that used to be a big deal, but I imagine it hardly figures in their calculations nowadays as the FA Cup has lost so much prestige. The really big clubs are obsessed with getting Euro qualification, and with three up, three down, nearly everybody else, all the way down through the divisions, is battling for a play-off place or to be certain of avoiding relegation. In the old days, by February, a lot of clubs had nothing much to play for unless they were still in one of the cups. That is not the case these days and it makes football much more interesting. Charlton are one of the few that are close to that state of limbo. We are extremely unlikely to grab a play-off place and are, I trust, safe from relegation. But CP won't rely on the latter just yet, and perhaps rightly so. Another unlucky batch of injuries and we could be struggling again. If any team is justified in playing their strongest team and having a real go in the cup, especially as we start with a winnable home tie, it is Charlton. And we are not so well off that we would not appreciate the money from a run and a possible glamour away match. But I suspect CP will want to give top priority to making 100% sure we don't get relegated. The alternative would be disastrous for the club and a massive blow to his personal CV.
I like Hulse more than most on here, but he would be lost in the Premiership. The standard really has gone up there with the influx of foreign players. For example, Wigan are struggling but play some lovely football. Would have been top five contenders a few years back.
How many years back? I don't think the current Wigan team would 'walk' the Championship. Playoff hunt, sure, but the way you're talking about them, you seem to think they're a big step above Championship level. Not that that means Hulse would prosper in the Premier League.
