The FA Cup: is the magic gone?

Fan Poll:

Following on from my previous piece, I thought it apt to ask readers for their opinion, asking: ‘Has the FA Cup lost its magic?’ with the results shown below.

To make this particular entry different from others I have done before, I thought it only right to ask football fans for their reasons for voting the way they did. With a handful of teams from Non-League playing in round two, I was interesting in hearing their views. Added to this are the views of a fan so used to not having to qualify for the cup, so imagine the disappointment when not only their team had to join the preliminary stages, and then not even making the first round proper!

AFC Totton are a club in the Southern League (for those who don’t know, this is the league below the Conference North/South), who face Bristol Rovers on Sunday. Ryan is an AFC Totton fan:

“It’s been a fantastic FA Cup run so far and I’m cautiously optimistic of continuing it for a little while longer against Bristol Rovers. The town is buzzing. Ever since the draw was made, it’s all anyone in Totton is talking about. Totton have never made the first round proper in our 125-year history, so to reach round two this season is incredible; this game will be like our cup final. It’s also the first time we have ever played against Football League opposition in a competitive match AND the first time we’ve ever been on live TV. The financial implications are huge. We’ve already made £40,000 in prize money so far, and the club will receive about £72,000 in TV revenue – big money for a club of our size. Win or lose there will be a real party atmosphere at the Testwood Stadium this Sunday.”

You can follow Ryan on Twitter @Ryn_Bru; as well as the club’s official Twitter feed @AFCTotton, which Ryan runs. Check out his blog for match reports and other Totton related articles.

Another team playing at the weekend are Salisbury City from the Conference South, who face Grimsby Town. Liam is a Salisbury fan:

“Some may say the FA Cup has lost its magic, but come to the Ray Mac and you’ll see that it really hasn’t! After starting our Cup campaign in September, slogging through the qualifying rounds, all of a sudden the city has sparked to life, especially when the word ‘proper’ gets used. It’s amazing how it pulls people in and creates a buzz around the place – it captures the city and gives it that spark that doesn’t happen in the league. This being only the third time we’ve reached the second round means it’s a huge thing for the club and the players involved. Only two-thirds of the squad have been involved in the proper rounds and it’s a great chance for the club to make history. Grimsby Town will be a test but realistically it’s the biggest chance to the make the third round we’ll ever get! It’ll be nice to see a big crowd and decent away support – we haven’t had one of them since our conference days! Forest was great in 2006, and a 1–1draw was deserved… hopefully these lads can go one better and mix it with the big boys!”

You can find Liam on Twitter @LiamSCFC

It’s not been a great time to be a Lincoln City fan of late – the club stared relegation to the Blue Square Premier in May, not only losing Football League status, but also having to qualify for the FA Cup. In the final qualifying round they faced Alfreton Town and after drawing 1–1, they then went on to lose the replay 2–1, meaning they failed to qualify for the Cup for the first time since 1924/25. Karl is a Lincoln City fan, who despite his club’s misfortunes, believes the magic of the cup is still very much alive:

“Having to qualify for the FA Cup this season was very strange, due to the fact it was the first time I’ve had to experience it, what with it being my first season as a Lincoln City supporter outside of the Football League. The qualifying rounds made me realise how much I took for granted that instant first round proper status, having that privilege and not needing to qualify. However, I guess it could have been made harder, particularly given all the other qualifying rounds prior to when we joined. I felt this season was more important than ever to at least make round one – to generate some much needed revenue, and hope for a cup run before reaching one of the big boys. All those dreams were diminished, however, losing at home in the replay 2–1. Even though we didn’t qualify for round one this season, I still love the FA Cup and one day hope to have that dream tie at Old Trafford. In my experience as a lower league fan, there is nothing more exciting than seeing the cup draw on TV on the Sunday waiting in anticipation to see who you get – hoping one of the minnows could cause an upset. I still think the magic of the cup is very much alive, especially by the third round stage with the big boys joining in.”

You can follow Karl on Twitter @Lincoln_Karl

Who’d be a football manager?

Being a football manager must be a tough job, because let’s be honest, unless you are the calibre or have the successes of the likes of Sir Alex, you never know when you’ll be hitting the firing line. There will always be someone else out there who can do a better job than you! If you take into account all the money involved in the modern game, particularly in the top flight, the chances of job security are very slim – having money pumped into a club which reaps no real benefit or reward can only consequentially mean you’re back on the job search. And football fans have the right to express their displeasure when needed, as after all, it is them paying their hard-earned money to watch their teams. If the fans aren’t happy surely those who are the reason behind their unhappiness should hear about it. That’s not to say sometimes it’s taken one step too far…

For an example of that just take this first example of Glenn Roeder. I quite clearly remember back in 2001 when he was made manager of West Ham. At school a lot of the boys were Hammers fans and season ticket holders and I clearly remember them, and plenty of others being unhappy with the decision – particularly given the other names circulated in the media for the role. However, as is usually the case in these kinds of scenarios, they were willing to give him a chance. Coming originally from a London borough in Essex, West Ham was a reasonably local club for him, so there was no need for relocation. In fact, at this time, he was living in the next town from me (in Shenfield) and my family and I had seen him and his family about in the high street a number of times (I don’t think we ever spoke to him though). The club were going through a rough patch, which saw them in the relegation place at Christmas (which eventually saw them demoted), but the way in which he was treated shocks and sickens me, even to this day. It began with hate mail and death threats to him in his family, which were posted through the letterbox of his family home – both of which were totally unjustified – but eventually culminated in the vandalism and attacking of his home, by angry ‘fans’. It began with bottles through windows. I still recall it making the local newspaper, as well as obviously all the national reports. I think it was the fact that occurred so close to me and it was most likely to be local people behind it that scared me the most – of course, I was fairly young at the time. The fear that people could treat someone and the family of someone they didn’t personally know in that way was slightly harrowing. The abuse the family got as a result of his management was totally unnecessary and could well have been a reason behind his own personal health. I am all for expressing what you feel, but in this case, it was just one step too far.

Now to Barnet, which from an outsider’s view may appear somewhat like a circus, particularly when you look back at last season. I don’t think I have ever known two managers to be as disliked (openly disliked as well) as Mark Stimson of the previous campaign, and Lawrie Sanchez of this. Let’s start with the former. A ‘funny’ appointment it has to be said, particularly given his previous record. In all fairness he was given a chance, but it was near impossible to with some of the 17 or so signings he made and the final straw came on Tuesday November 2^nd, following a 3-0 home defeat to rivals Stevenage. Really that should have been the end of it all – the humiliation of defeat in that way, the ineptitude he possessed, that single dire performance – but of course, it wasn’t. Every week the boos and jeers got louder and louder. It even got to the stage whereby someone even brought a “Stimson Out” banner to Underhill, only for it to be confiscated and the perpetrators to be ejected from the ground. The phrase ‘truth hurts’ springs to mind and I believe we went about it all the right way, there was no violence or vandalism…

Now onto the man behind our frustrations this season. Some fans are still undecided and there is a definite divide amongst the masses as to whether we should get behind him or want him gone. In all truth, he has done very little to endear himself to the faithful and the fact of the matter is that his past experience is, well, in the past! Very little has changed in this space of time: we find ourselves in a similar League position, we still concede unnecessary goals and too many of them, and don’t really look like improving. The fact he has taken the glory for our survival from last season is almost laughable and in no way a fair representation of what really happened. The way he presents himself to the media, whether that be talking about us or other aspects of football hasn’t helped matters. The comments regarding Nigel Worthington and hinting at a return to the national side only angered fans more and encouraged the weekly chants of “Sanchez for Ireland”. I can’t help but think had he kept that quiet, not so many would constantly be calling for his head. However, the complete contradictions he makes are somewhat confusing:

Friday 14^th October – “Lawrie says the squad is good enough”

Sunday 30^th October – “Lawrie Sanchez accepts the blame”

There is quite a big difference in what he says from one minute to the next – “the squad is good enough” … “I can’t find two in the centre half positions that work – new players need to be brought in”.

Fair enough, this has now been addressed with three defenders being brought in on monthly loans, but surely this should have been arranged sooner – and as a manager, this should have been his responsibility and priority. Obviously injuries (particularly to the back four), but the squad is not dissimilar from last season. If it wasn’t good enough then, he had plenty of time and windows of opportunity to do something about it.

Of course negativity gets you nowhere and probably doesn’t help the players on match day with the boos and chants, but I don’t think really, it should affect them in anyway – after all, the fans’ frustrations aren’t aimed at them! It would also be interesting to hear the opinions of those in the dressing room, as I can’t see him having any real control or ownership; especially if his demeanour is as blank as his expression from the dugout on a match day.

Fans’ poll

The question asked this time was ‘have you, or would you ever consider booing your own manager?’ – with the results being shown below:

I don’t think it’s any real surprise that ‘yes’ shaded it as football fans these days are known for saying and showing how they feel – particularly when their teams aren’t performing. Managers are under pressure the majority of the time, and even the views of fans could have an impact on their jobs. The people that voted ‘no’ were clearly not Barnet fans, either!

The modern day footballer: a role model?

I remember a time when footballers did all their talking on the pitch and the media didn’t pick up on their behaviour off it. I’m not sure, but it must be a generation thing as when I was growing up, all the boys in my class at school idolised the star players in their supported teams. The players then warranted the shirts on their backs, gave their all and played with the passion that fans love to see. Today, footballers are being seen in a totally different light. Now it’s all about who’s earning the most money and causing the most controversy. It seems we are in an age where footballers are spending more time on the front pages of newspapers for their behaviour off the field, as opposed to the back pages for their footballing achievements.

When I was at primary school, with the likes of the World Cup in 1998 and Euro 2000, all the boys looked up to players such as David Beckham and Michael Owen – players representing the country at the top levels. All the Arsenal fans idolised the likes of Thierry Henry and the handful of Newcastle fans (yes, I never understood it either, although they did actually go to games!), Alan Shearer. Now who have kids got to look up to – the likes of Wayne Rooney and Andy Carroll; no thank you!

So I asked a couple of people which footballers they idolised growing up and here are some of the responses:

“Paul Merson” (an Arsenal fan)
“Gary Mabbutt and Tony Adams for defensive and leadership qualities as a defender myself, and Bees Paul Wilson for toughness, effort and leadership”
“Paul Merson, ‘Gazza’, Gary Bull, Darren Currie, Dennis Bergkamp, Ian Wright”
“David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry and Lee Frecklington” (a Lincoln City fan)

As figures in the public eye, I can’t help but think footballers should know they are looked up to by children, and thus, should behave accordingly. Obviously, they are only human and although there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the Christmas or end of season party; as well as social events with partners, family or friends, the media will watch and scrutinise their every move in order to create a sensationalist story.

And now to the reason for writing this piece, the Barnet link. Last Saturday saw us finally win a match – a 2–1 home win against Aldershot Town. But talk wasn’t about the much-needed three league points, nor was it about the Kabba penalty, or the winner by an in-form Ricky Holmes – it was all about what occurred at the final whistle. I probably wouldn’t need both hands to count how many times I have witnessed incidents like this at Underhill; after all we are branded and prided in being a family club. But the 22-man brawl made for some entertaining viewing, particularly given we’ve not had much to celebrate or be remotely happy of, of late. Now I don’t know the reasoning for why this took place, but there were incidents throughout the match that must have fuelled the fire. Rumours continued all weekend as to what happened – verbal abuse, racism, physical contact and spitting – and this week some light has finally been shed on events.

One of our players, Charlie Taylor has been given a three-match ban for admitting to an allegation that he spat at one of the Shots’ players (following an altercation regarding remarks to Clovis Kamdjo and Steve Kabba); as well as both clubs being handed a £1000 fine for failing to control their players. I don’t think it matters whether you’re a footballer or not, but spitting is disgusting – whether that be intentionally at someone or just in its general act. He’d been on the pitch for only a couple of minutes anyway, so was there really any need for him to get involved? It makes no difference as to whether you’re playing in the top flights or anguishing in the lower leagues or below, the kind of behaviour is just not on and completely unnecessary. What sort of message is it sending out to kids that are watching? Although in this case the incident was only picked up after analysis of the match dvd – the referee and officials didn’t see so I can only imagine, neither did anyone in the crowd – that but that’s besides the point! We may not be of a similar stature of the clubs and players often in the papers for their ‘bad’ behaviour, but I’m sure there are fathers that take their kids to Underhill who do idolise the squad – I remember when I was younger, a lot of my favourite players were Bees! In my opinion, the FA have reacted accordingly, and really we can have no complaints about the repercussions.

I know it’s nowhere near the same scale, but the incident reminded me of the several El Hadji Diouf has committed throughout his career: in 2002, when we accused at spitting at a West Ham fan whilst warming up for Liverpool, or 2003 when during a televised Champions League fixture, he spat at a Celtic fan. Then there’s the two incidents in 2004 whilst playing for Bolton, he spat at an 11-year old Middlesbrough fan and then went on to spit in the face of Portsmouth player Arjan de Zeeuw. Then there’s the other altercations he’s been involved in – racism to a ball boy, taunting QPR’s Jamie Mackie whilst lying on the floor with a broken leg and then numerous driving offences. Then there are the players who constantly cheat on their partners, whether it be for money, random girls out of the spotlight or other players’ partners. Why would anyone growing up aspire to be a ‘player’ or ‘animal’? Surely these overpaid prima donnas realise it’s not only their club’s reputation on the line, but their own as well? Why some of them go out of their way to tarnish their names despite their footballing ability is beyond me. If I was a young boy growing up in this era, there is no way I’d want to emulate the modern day football. I haven’t even mentioned Joey Barton, but there is yet another example (or lack of it)…

Which leads me on to the poll for this piece. After the success of the previous one, I asked readers this time round: Are today’s footballers role models? The results are shown below.

I don’t think it’s any real surprise the general consensus is a resounding ‘no’. What with several incidents highlighted above and all those we don’t yet know about, it is obvious that footballers aren’t the well-respected figures they once were.

Cup competitions: should they really be a priority?

Our unsurprisingly bad start to the campaign continued last week with two league defeats (at home to Northampton, 2–1 and away to Shrewsbury 3–2) on either Saturday with a victory on the Tuesday night – 3–1 in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at the hands of Gillingham, at Priestfields.

This was our second win in the competition, following a further 3–1 victory in the first round against Colchester United at the Weston Homes Community Stadium. The draw which took place on Saturday morning before the game at the Greenhous Meadow saw us pitted against Cheltenham, which will be in the Southern area quarter final (for those who are remotely interested, games will be played on the 8^th/9^th November) – a mere three games away from a trip to Wembley for the final. It’ll also be our fifth away tie (out of five games) in all Cup competitions this season so far!

I think it’s fair to say we seem to be performing a lot better in the cup competitions this season, in comparison with recent years; however, for me, this is massively frustrating, as despite decent runs, we are clearly underachieving in the League. The table doesn’t lie and I would much rather be getting the points on board (now, and throughout the season), than be having these cup runs. Even more so when you take into account one is nicknamed the “paint pot”, and the other, the “Mickey Mouse” trophy – both inferior in terms of prize money and overall club revenue, and the former inferior in terms of the quality and stature of the teams that participate.

Talking of the League Cup, a further example of where we fared well (up until the second round, that is). Round one saw us paired up with a massively difficult away tie at Fratton Park and Portsmouth – where we triumphed to a victory, albeit a 1–0. The second round wasn’t much kinder to us, again another trip on the road, this time at Burnley. Despite unfortunately losing in extra time (with the scores levelled at 2–2 after 90 minutes), we gave a very good account of ourselves – it’s just a shame we cannot put those kind of performances in on the average League game, where ultimately it matters.

With the FA Cup still in its preliminary qualifying stages and us not scheduled to play until the first round proper (November 12^th is the date for that), the following month is surely high time to get some wins together and more importantly, gain some points. We haven’t got the concern of any Cup competitions up until the second week of November – but it looks set to be a busy month with the League and two Cups to worry about.

Now, let’s be honest, if you’re a supporter of a League 2 club like myself, you’re only ever interested in a cup run if it culminates in your team getting a glamour tie at the stomping grounds of the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham etc. This is where the League Cup was harsh on us (with no disrespect to Burnley, of course) – in our case, it’s all about getting a tie we as fans, and the players could only ever dream of.

After looking at the prize fund in the said, JPT, I can’t help but feel slightly disappointed and that surely our priorities should be focused elsewhere, i.e. the League. Obviously this is scraping the bottom of the barrel for the worst case scenario, but imagine if we (or any other club, for that matter) got that trip to Wembley and won the £40,000 jackpot at the end, but then got relegated. Think of all the money lost as a consequence. Like I said, worst case scenario, and it doesn’t really bear thinking about.

For beating Colchester in the first round of the cup, we received a measly £5,000 – probably covering the wages of Izale McLeod and Mark Marshall for a week! The victory against Gillingham last week saw us pocket £7,000, again not much better! A win in round three against Cheltenham will see a prize of £10,000; area semi final winners receive £17,000 and area finalists, a more modest £25.5k. I was unable to find the prize pot for each round of the Carling Cup, but I can’t see a knock-out after round two really generating that much cash. The FA Cup has yet to release its prize money for this season, but again, that will also depend on how far we progress.

In the long run, is it really worth it?

Fan Poll:

To see if it was just me who felt this way, I decided upon putting a poll on the blog for a couple of days. The question posed was: ‘As a fan, which do you feel is more important?’ – with the answers ‘League’ and ‘Cup progression’. The results are as follows.