FA Cup

The Aston Villa's manager Paul Lambert's comments on the FA Cup has been debated in the media to the extent of who cares anymore. What is important is the competition is now underway with the big boys involved.

I think Lambert's comments were borne out of intense pressure for Villa to survive in the Premier League. In terms of a business staying in the top league is essential and Lambert without any real spending power does want to expend any players on the FA Cup that may keep him in a job.

With all that said, I firmly believe the dream of the a junior team having an opportunity to compete against the bigger teams, is what keeps the game going in the lower leagues. You must be able to test your players against superior opposition for them to progress. The FA Cup also acts as a reward programme for the owners and supporters of the lower teams that experience the later rounds.

The Premier League of course is reason for all of the discussion, everyone loves the football but are not so happy with the deterioration of our home talent. When was the last time a Premier team played a 100 percent home grown team? ( If you know please post a comment). It is time some restriction is made on imported players to preserve and encourage our home players ( see previous blog). This would not only improve the balance, but help our national teams. Look at the top teams in Spain - a lot of Spaniards and they play for the national team.

My prediction for the FA Cup is an Everton and Arsenal final, only time will tell.