The VSC statement on FA Cup replays

[silent majority]

A statement from the Board of the Viking Supporters Cooperative.

The FA Cup changes.

The Viking Supporters Cooperative is appalled that such major and fundamental changes can be made to the FA Cup without, it seems, any consultation with the EFL, Supporter Groups, or anybody outside the English Premier League.

The very fact that the removal of early round replays without the consultation of the clubs and supporters that it does affect shows the scant regard that those clubs lower down the English  football pyramid are held in by the elites of the Premier League. It seems that the wishes, and fortunes, of clubs like ours are disrespected when it comes to the scheduling of European competitions, something that we would never expect of a Football Association that prides itself on being the first and premier association in world football.
The FA Cup has always been about dreams, achieving something that doesn’t happen often and yet when it does is remembered forever. Who can forget the cup games against Liverpool, and the trip to Anfield in the 73/74 season, that came about because of a replay?
Yet again football in this country has shown itself to be in desperate need of an Independent Football Regulator with the powers to deter the vested interests of a few clubs who seem determined to shape football for themselves. This change cannot come soon enough.

Finally, we ask the FA to suspend these changes until a fair consultation has taken place with supporters and clubs who are to be impacted by this decision. We implore the FA to help us hang onto our dreams and not, with a stroke, remove them from clubs like us.

[roversdude]

Says it all well done

[BobG]

Seconded.

BobG

[TonySoprano]

Can't fault that statement, I noticed the club sharing this, but what is their position ?

[donnyguy]

Just issued statement

Doncaster Rovers were disappointed to learn of the decision to abolish replays in the Emirates FA Cup proper without fair consultation with clubs.

The future of replays in the competition had been a major topic in the on-going negotiations over vital financial redistribution from the Premier League to the clubs of the EFL.

It is frustrating to hear that this important topic of conversation has been overridden, particularly without a just and proper consultation process.

Cup replays have been incredibly valuable for dozens of clubs across the EFL and non-league pyramid for decades. That they should be so flippantly removed, with no details of recompense provided, is bitterly disappointing.

We look forward to receiving guidance from the EFL on how the decision will be challenged as well as hearing from the Football Association on how the organisation plans on either compensating clubs or engaging in a fair consultation process.

[colfromdonny]

Just got this from Barnsley:-

Hi Reds Fan



Barnsley Football Club Supporters’ Trust was bitterly disappointed with yesterday’s announcement that FA Cup replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards.



We find this decision to be disrespectful to the history of the FA Cup and what it means to football clubs and supporters throughout the football pyramid, and would urge the FA, the Premier League, and all relevant parties to reverse the decision for the greater good of the game.



This isn’t just about what it means to Barnsley Football Club, but the game of football as a whole and the memories, experiences and opportunities the magic of the FA Cup delivers every single year. Our own supporters will remember our 4th round replay at White Hart Lane against Enfield, in front of 35,000 fans in 1981, or Scott Jones going down in history with his two goals in our 3-2 replay win over Manchester United at Oakwell in 1998 – something we wouldn’t experience today because we’ve already lost replays from the 5th round onwards.



Lincoln City’s 2017 run to the Quarter-Finals benefitted from replays. In 1972, Hereford beat Newcastle 2-1 in a replay to go down in English history as the lowest-ranked non-league side to beat top-flight opposition. Non-league Blyth Spartans hosted a fifth-round replay against Wrexham at St. James Park in 1978, in front of over 40,000 supporters, after a run from the first-qualifying round.



This proves the magic of the FA Cup is real, but we lose more and more of that magic every year through decisions made by the few, to the detriment of our beloved game. It shouldn’t be this way.



We’re continuing to speak with Barnsley FC, the EFL, the FSA, local MPs and fellow Supporters’ Trusts, to ensure the unanimous voice of the supporter, and the football pyramid as a whole, is heard.



Regards

BFCST

[BobG]

Well done Barnsley.

BobG

[bellevuebulgar]

Is this statement VSC or FSF?

[Branton Rover]

I feel a boycott coming along - power to the people.

[silent majority]

Is this statement VSC or FSF?

Definitely VSC.

[Colin C No.3]

Just issued statement

Doncaster Rovers were disappointed to learn of the decision to abolish replays in the Emirates FA Cup proper without fair consultation with clubs.

The future of replays in the competition had been a major topic in the on-going negotiations over vital financial redistribution from the Premier League to the clubs of the EFL.

It is frustrating to hear that this important topic of conversation has been overridden, particularly without a just and proper consultation process.

Cup replays have been incredibly valuable for dozens of clubs across the EFL and non-league pyramid for decades. That they should be so flippantly removed, with no details of recompense provided, is bitterly disappointing.

We look forward to receiving guidance from the EFL on how the decision will be challenged as well as hearing from the Football Association on how the organisation plans on either compensating clubs or engaging in a fair consultation process.

An excellent statement from our club.

Let’s hope it’s one of many thousands sent by clubs from as far afield as West Auckland Town FC to Yeovil Town FC.

‘Power to the People’ indeed.

[Iberian Red]

Steve Bracknall put it well,a little more blunt than the VSC,but the same songsheet.