Press-ing on triumphantly

[dave.woodhall]

Yup.

https://thebirminghampress.com/2024/04/aston-villa-and-looking-the-other-way/

[Legion]

Done.

[MplsVilla]

Great read. I too have more than one standard when it comes to football. I think Emi's second booking was wrong as you see this all the time. I agree that the FA decision over replays is crazy and I'm struggling to understand who the replays disadvantaged.

[darren woolley]

Great read Dave.

[Baldy]

Great article as always Dave but I don't agree with your last paragraph.

Due to an ever increasing fixture congestion and most top clubs suffering an ever increasing injury crisis, I think player welfare has come into the equation.

My one proviso, a suitable financial package is agreed with the lower league clubs when a loss of revenue applies.

[dave.woodhall]

Great article as always Dave but I don't agree with your last paragraph.

Due to an ever increasing fixture congestion and most top clubs suffering an ever increasing injury crisis, I think player welfare has come into the equation.

My one proviso, a suitable financial package is agreed with the lower league clubs when a loss of revenue applies.

As you said - top clubs. The FA Cup is as much for Boldmere as it is Manchester City.

[dave.woodhall]

Great read Dave.

A pleasure Daz.

[ChicagoLion]

The FA cup decision is the latest on a long list of the destruction of the game, no relegation is on the agenda, just a matter of time.

[Chris Smith]

The FA cup decision is the latest on a long list of the destruction of the game, no relegation is on the agenda, just a matter of time.

I think the one factor that might stop that is that Sky would hate it because so many games would become meaningless. If there’s no jeopardy and no chance of getting in the top 6 what motivation is there for those in the bottom half after Christmas?

[simon ward 50]

Summed up perfectly Dave.

[Hookeysmith]

Great read although was the Dougie header (easier to score than miss) in the period of extra time?

If so then i would of preferred that way to win the tie than the drama of pens

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Excellent read Mr Woodhall.
Loved the Villa bits which I agree with 100% (you missed that we actually had the two best chances to win it in extra time!)

The last bit?
I agree with you 100%
I'm happy that we are currently enjoying life in the upper echelons, but there are so many teams and their fans, regardless of level, that deserve a chance of a bit of glory/kudos/income/fame for 15 minutes. Why take it away from them?
Mean, is what it is.

[ChicagoLion]

The FA cup decision is the latest on a long list of the destruction of the game, no relegation is on the agenda, just a matter of time.

I think the one factor that might stop that is that Sky would hate it because so many games would become meaningless. If there’s no jeopardy and no chance of getting in the top 6 what motivation is there for those in the bottom half after Christmas?

Yes I get that Chris but counter balanced by the  stream investors in the PLwanting to protect their investment.
I hope you are right.

[Jon Crofts]

The ONLY benefit I see here is nobody will want to park the bus as they won't be able to take 'em back to our place etc which may make for a more exciting game for the fans. That really is it and of course that's not guaranteed either.

[olaftab]

Nice. We win on merit, always😊