Land Of The Giants

The Football Association Challenge Cup. F.A. Cup to ordinary people like you and me.

Dave Kitson of The Royals has caused something of a storm this week by saying that the tournament is of minimal value to him. In fact what he actually said was that he "didn't give two s***s about it". He said the priority is the Premiership, and in particular ensuring that Reading say in the top flight.

The response has been something of a furore, with some even calling for him to be charged by the F.A. for bringing the game into disrepute.

I have to say as someone new to football I don't share the sense of tradition and passion that surround the competition. Whilst I think it unfortunate he chose to use somewhat unsavoury language, what he is saying makes perfect sense in the big business world of football.

But for those whose love of football has a far better pedigree than mine, Kitson's remarks have proved heretical. So what is this fine tradition?

Well one of the unique opportunities it offers is for small teams to find themselves up against the top teams in the country. Like Chasetown who play in the British Gas Business Division One Midlands league and who are hosting Championship Cardiff in the third round tomorrow.

As a knock-out tournament it presents different pressures. For example, a more tactical rather than strategic approach is required.

Leicester City have a record in relation to the cup. Sadly, it is for being the team to appear in the most finals (4) without winning one of them. Hey ho.

As for Chasetown's chances of being giant killers, either in this round or further on if they do well tomorrow, I think a miracle might be required. They are in the lowest league of any team ever to get to the third round. The last non-league team to beat a top flight club was Sutton United in 1989.

Still we believe in magic don't we.