Recently, Firmo wrote an article about how, in his opinion, the FA Cup has lost its magic. With Burnley's fifth round replay against Fulham approaching fast, now seems a good time to air some opposing views. Below are a few of the comments we received in response to Firmo's article. Why not let us know what you think?
Firmo, I don't know what you're on about (or on) with that piece about the FA Cup. Eight years ago I was working in Bangkok, and the Bangkok Times had a huge picture on the back page of Razor Ruddock professionally fouling Liam Robinson to keep Liverpool in the competition. I still have the blown up word “Burnley” in Thai script. Only the FA Cup can do this for clubs like ours.
Thirteen years ago I was in Oz for the period Jan-May, and was amazed by the locals taking an interest in it and running parties round the final, which started at midnight.
Last year I did an analysis, and discovered that most clubs in England get higher gates for Cup games than for League games. This is, of course, in inverse ratio to status, but I think that the problem the FA Cup has with the fancy football supporters is that it doesn't come with their season ticket and it happens at a time of year when they are already disillusioned and / or in the relegation mire etc. For us, a long way off the play-offs and, mercifully, a long way off relegation, it has got to be the focus of dreams: it was far more important to beat Brentford than it was to beat Ipswich or Palace.
And of course the draw should be on a Monday. Sundays don't need it (like London doesn't need the Olympics). It's a wireless event, with no business on the tele - and who can't get to a wireless on Monday lunchtime?
Yours in a spirit of total but amicable disagreement.
Lincoln Allison
It is true that the Cup has been ruined a bit recently, but it's still one of the best ways for small clubs to get some money. There aren't many other ways nowadays they can get it. A draw against a "big" club can be a godsend financially. And sometimes TV money as well.
RB
So, I take it you won't be at the Turf on Wednesday, then?
Yorkie Claret
You are getting cynical in your old age. We all need to support the Cup. If we don't, it will disappear and be replaced with a "Premiership only" Cup or something pathetic. The Cup is a lifeline for a lot of smaller clubs. And it is still magic.
Sean M
Admit it, you would feel some "magic" if Burnley got to the Cup final?
Paul
The reason most of us still love the FA Cup is that we all love a giant-killing. We want the underdogs, the Rochdales - and yes, the Burnleys, to get some of the limelight, the money, and the respect that automatically goes to the big clubs. We want the Manchester Uniteds and the Arsenals to lose to lower-division opponents. It's human nature, and whether the draw's on a Monday lunchtime or a Friday night, whoever sponsors the Cup and whichever matches are shown on TV, you won't change that feeling.
Anonymous Claret
Please click here to see Firmo's follow-up article.
As with all articles on the site, the
views expressed in the comments section are those of the individual contributor, and do
not necessarily reflect the view of the Burnley FC London Supporters Club
