[jambutty]

Once again we have some high profile managers complaining about the tactics of some teams (Blackburn) when involved in a cup match. Some even field a ‘weaker’ team (Man U) against perceived lesser opposition and come unstuck when a draw is the result. They do this to conserve their ‘better’ players for a forthcoming important match. Strange, but I thought that all matches were important. Then they complain about a fixture pile up and the effect it would have and vaguely suggest that a cup-tie should be a one off affair.

In response to some of these complaints a Peter Scott of SR2 in a letter to ITV’s Teletext Sports Letters Page today (ITV1 Page 546) broached the idea that if all cup-ties are to be settled in just the one game the match should be played on a neutral ground. Not an unreasonable suggestion! In fact I think that it is a splendid idea.

In years gone by the final and semi finals would go to not just one replay but several if the need arose, until a result was achieved. I’m not suggesting that we go back to those days but I find the idea of a one of match at a neutral ground for all cup-ties intriguing.

Well the final and semi finals in the FA cup are one off affairs these days so why didn’t the FA think just a little bit outside the box when the change was introduced?

First of all it would probably encourage managers to play their ‘first’ team when facing what is seen as lesser opposition. Secondly the one off match would produce a result after 90 minutes plus extra time plus penalties and thus alleviate a possible fixture pile up.

I don’t suppose that the supporters would be too keen on having to travel to a neutral ground for a cup match but in the event of a draw they would have to travel to the opposition’s ground if they wanted to support the their team. However with proper organisation and financial help from the FA it could be done if the will was there.