Town boss Kieran McKenna believes it’s important to protect the heritage of the FA Cup where possible, the FA having announced a controversial agreement with the Premier League which will see replays scrapped.

The announcement has led to widespread condemnation from smaller clubs for whom a replay against a Premier League side can provide a financial lifeline. Some are threatening to boycott next season’s competition, which the Blues won for the only time in 1978, as a result.

“I understand the disappointment from the clubs, especially smaller down the pyramid, who can benefit a lot from the FA Cup replays,” McKenna said when asked about the situation.

“I’ve been involved in those, even in my time as a coach at Loughborough [University] in the very earliest rungs of the FA Cup.

“So I understand the disappointment from those clubs and it’s a fantastic competition. Of course, there’s an argument at the higher end of the pyramid around fixture congestion.

“I think the FA Cup’s a fantastic tournament and I think in all aspects possible, it’s important to try to protect that heritage where possible.”

Photo: Action Images

MK1 added 17:33 - Apr 25 Far to many games played now. I also believe that the smaller clubs best chance is in the first game. Right choice to scrap replays for me.
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bobble added 08:52 - Apr 26 the premier league greed killed the cup games and the lower leagues and some might say football in general...
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Nigeglos added 10:41 - Apr 26 If you don't get the the pure excitement that would exist with Gloucester City drawing with Cheltenham away and bringing them back home, perhaps the FA cup isn't really for you. Or Bolton or Derby or Portsmouth. Go on, refresh your football soul, go to a 4th qualifying game, a local non league derby. Swop ends at half time, have a cup of tea for a £1 and chat with away fans during the game. Don't get taken in by the premier league with their massive squads.

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virginblue added 11:29 - Apr 26 Lol. So lower division teams never win cup replays, and they don’t generate much needed revenue. It’s fine to add a further 2 pointless Champions League games and keep the Carabao Cup semi-finals though, as that makes the mercenary clubs at the top more money, which ultimately goes into the pockets of already wealthy footballers and their agents. Find it hard to believe that anyone who respects the history of the game would think this is anything other than a dreadful change.

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HighgateBlue added 19:34 - Apr 26 One element of protecting the FA Cup's importance is for the teams in the top two divisions to bother putting out decent strength teams. Maidstone didn't need a replay to make it past us this year, and our record over the last decade has been laughable. We have a vested interest in maintaining the idea that the FA Cup matters - it's the last domestic trophy of any real importance that we have won. We should give it the respect that it deserves.

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