Blackpool boss Neil Critchley says clubs in the EFL and below have been treated with âdisrespectâ regarding the changes to the FA Cup.Â
It has been announced that from next season the competition will no longer be replays from the first round onwards following a new six year agreement between the FA and the Premier League. This decision has been made due to the expansion of UEFA competitions, which will increase the number of fixtures for those at the top end of the football pyramid.
Blackpool know just how important FA replays can be, after they earned a second meeting with Nottingham Forest following a 2-2 draw at the City Ground back in January. Despite the rematch at Bloomfield Road ending in a 3-2 defeat in extra time, it still proved to be an important occasion for the Seasiders due to the revenue in gate receipts and TV money- with ITV in town to broadcast the fixture which was played in frosty conditions.