I'm really conflicted about it.
Time was when the FA Cup was certainly as prestigious as winning the First Division. Not exactly sure why, but especially with younger supporters, some of the magic seems to have gone out of it.
The old Wembley, with its twin towers, was part of it. When you got off the tube at Wembley Park, and saw those towers as you came out and started the walk down the hill, your pace would quicken and your heart would lift. And then the singing of “Abide With Me” — most of the stadium, both sets of supporters, would join in. Nothing to do with whether you were religious. It used to give me goosebumps.
Too young for ’69. Saw Chelsea against Leeds there, and again Sunderland against Leeds. Then City in 1981 (not as traumatised as some on here about that — it was a terrific football match, and I'm afraid over the two “legs”, Spurs won it fair and square. That's what I saw, and I'll say it as I saw it. And by the way I dislike Spurs intensely, but for other reasons). Then finally, us against Watford. That was a great day.
And a terrific evening there in 1977, when Keegan scored and England pretty thoroughly outplayed Italy.
I think there's just so much bloody football on the telly, that's part of the devaluation of the competition. Also, the abolition of the fine old Cup Winners Cup which we, as much as any, should appreciate!
I'd kind of like us out, but I'd kind of like us to give it a good run for its money. Just fear the consequences, especially in this weird season with that ridiculous event in the middle of it.
A complicated way of saying that I don't know what I think…