Having seen Palace dump United out of the League Cup last night I had memories of our great night at Old Trafford in 1979 (Or 80 I can`t remember). The only great difference being (Not taking anything away from Palaces' achievement) that our game was against the full United team - how things have changed. Although Uniteds' reserve team still had 8 full internationals in it - my question is should premier league teams be allowed to devalue our domestic cup competitions by fielding weakened teams in them ? Would you rather take the risk of being thumped by their full squads or be insulted (Because that is what it amounts to) by playing Arsenal or Man. City reserves ? Having seen 30,000 + crowds at the Vic. for cup games in the distant past (At a time in which the 3rd round of the F.A. Cup generally saw a slight rise in attendances for most clubs) I always still look forward to the competition, only to be disappointed by the present realities of it. After we have disposed of the tractor boys on Saturday (I hope !) the draw for the Cup 3rd round is upon us. My last question is, who are you hoping for - what would be a dream draw for us ?
Totally agree that our domestic cup competitions have been badly de valued by the money chasing prem teams ! I feel they should play a full strength squad or not bother entering the competition ! Was 1978 http://www.bsad.org/victory/manu.html I was there as a very happy 13 yr old schoolie
When they have a squad of +20 players of this standard, how can they be stopped from fielding any team they want to. To be honest, I really do not care what teams they put out - but I would like to think that we would take 5K fans up to Manchester as Palarse did last night. In the 3rd round, I want the filthy scummers at The Kennel - any chance to hammer them in their own toilet and more bragging rights for years to come is always welcome...
The thing is, it's not just Premiership teams who field weaker sides. Anyone who has somethign to play for, so many sides pushing for promotion, trying to avoid relegation are all putting weaker sides out. Even we have 'rotated' many of our squad for League Cup matches. It's just not really a priority, and although Europe is a goal, the way the Europa League is set out, it has such a detrimental effect. If they keep the europa League, it needs to change back to a Knockout competition, with far less games As for the League Cup. yes it is becoming devalued. Personally, I'd take away the qualification for Europe, and maybe make it like Olympic football; make it an under-23s competition. Most teams plays younger players (with a few fringe, older players) anyway, and no-one takes it seriously until the latetr stages either! The sponsors won't like it... not sure what other 'carrot' they can have for the winners other than Europe though - other than winning a trophy - which really should be incentive enough! As for the FA Cup. I would love Salisbury to beat Grimsby and we draw them at their ground!
I've thought for a while that as it's the Football League Cup, why should PL clubs be in it in the first place? If their sponsorship deals end at the same time, I would have the FL Cup as exactly that and scrap the Paint Pot.
It's a good idea Barry, but unfortunately while money talks, it won't happen. The FL won't find a high-profile sponsor without the Premiership teams, and whle there is still a Europe League place up for grabs, it won't exclude them either. I must admit, when the EPPP came in, it would have been nice if the FL fought for their clubs, saying whatever the PL were going to fund for this new rule, the FL would match to avoid having to agree to it!
It's so sad that domestic cups mean so little these days. I heard yesterday someone (chelsea supporter) that they'd rather Chelsea ended in the top 4..than won the Carling and FA Cups ...how sad...
Thats what money and the Champions League has done to the 'big' teams. Even the FA Cup is becoming devalued. I really wish a European 'Super League' happened where we could get rid of them, and the FA could start all over again with the rules, with regards to funding, transfers, wages etc....
shame we cant turn the clock back to before the prem league was formed , that was the start of things going downhill rapidly! and of Footy being affordable to the working man!
it's so sad what they've done..and they don't care...like with the EPPP...they don't care about the little clubs who are the heart and pulse of English football..
he said on the BBC when asked about public sector strikers he replied" they should be taken outside infront of their families and executed"
