Southend United manager Kevin Maher has again criticised the FA’s decision to scrap FA Cup replays from the first round proper.
It was announced in April that the FA and the Premier League had struck a deal to scrap that famous replay system. This is despite top tier teams not joining the competition until the third round, thus ending the opportunity for non-league clubs to earn potential money-spinning replays.
It was a decision that sparked anger throughout the football pyramid. Several clubs subsequently released statements saying that they had not been consulted, despite the FA stating the contrary. Ultimately, these pleas fell on deaf ears and the changes will commence from this evening when the first of the first round ties take place.
Southend United Boss Reopens Debate
Southend’s financial woes over the past few years have been well documented. The Shrimpers were taken over by a consortium led by Justin Rees in July, but the issues they inherited from the previous owners are still being felt today.
A period of rebuild is being undertook at Roots Hall and the FA Cup will offer some much-needed income for the National League side. Having earned a place in the first round with a win over Eastleigh in the fourth qualifying round, they are set to host League One’s Charlton Athletic. However, with the tie having to be decided on the day, the chance to earn a replay at the Valley, which boasts a capacity of over 27,000, has gone.
Speaking ahead of the game, via South London News, Southend boss Maher once again criticised the decision:
“It can bring gate receipts and money through the door, which is important in terms of sustainability.
“We haven’t had great runs in the FA Cup recently. We’d love to, but it’s a tough game and that’s our focus.
“The fact that we weren’t consulted on replays is something. For clubs like us who are trying to get to a sustainable position, replays against big teams can make a huge amount of difference for clubs at our level.
“For that to be taken away is really disappointing, but we’ve got to accept it and move on.”
Writer’s View
There’s not a lot that can be said of the decision to scrap replays that hasn’t already been said. It’s a ludicrous decision, made only to cater for the eight or so clubs that compete in European football. We’ve seen clubs survive purely on the basis of a good cup run, ones that wouldn’t have been achieved without the benefit of a replay. A tie at the Valley could have been a great money-spinner for Southend, although there is now of course the added incentive to get the result on the day.
Head of Writing
