BURY manager David Flitcroft has launched a passionate plea to protect the FA Cup replays that offer hope to smaller clubs.
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| Bury boss David Flitcroft wants the FA Cup to continue having replays as it gives smaller clubs hope |
Arsenal's Arsene Wenger has led calls to make ties a one-off, like the Capital One Cup, and other leading clubs involved in Europe might well agree.
But Flitcroft argued: "It's a shortsighted view from the top. It's great when you're getting £90m from payments in the Premier League but that replay can change the course of the season for a League One or Two club.
"It can change their destiny. It can keep people in jobs. If you get that money you'll be able to invest in new players or infrastructure, or a training ground to help develop players."
Bury, who recently settled a winding-up petition over a tax bill, host Championship leaders Hull today after winning a third-round replay against Bradford on penalties.
Flitcroft, who guided Barnsley to the quarter-finals in 2013, estimates Bury's Cup run could be worth up to £500,000 to the club.
He added: "Look at what the Cup has done for Exeter - if you get the replays, it's massive. Carlisle playing Everton is a huge financial benefit. We are the teams that prop up the pyramid, and we're as important as the top clubs for me."
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