It's two different arguments though really, isn't it?

Is the FA Cup dead?
Should the semi-finals be at Wembley?

As far as the latter is concerned, the obvious answer is no. There is no practical or footballing reason why a semi-final between, say, West Brom and Barnsley should be in London and not in Manchester or Leeds. It's just bloody, cold hard cash.

But even if the semi-final was between Bolton and Aston Villa, there probably wouldn't be more than 65,000 in the ground. It's not the small club's fault if you can't sell 90,000 seats for a semi with the prospect of possibly going back there a month later.

Is the FA Cup dead? Well it's not as popular as it once was but then I think it was disproportionately popular in the first place. It never should have had the cache it once did and of course it's the third priority for leading clubs. Durrr!

But they still want to win it and e can't have it both ways. Every year it's too predictable and now it's been devalued. Oh woe is me!

Posted By: The Judge, Mar 10, 12:02:17