[Football] FA Cup Final Day - 07:45 and not one thread about the event on NSC.

[Paulotheb]

I'm with most others on here: Cup Final morning was special. Want to know what Frank Stapleton is having for his breakfast? Well, let's take a look in the player hotel.

But that was in the days when you had Match of the Day, The Big Match and Sportsnight for your footballing fix. And that was about it.

Now we have back-to-back football throughout the week and whether we like it or not, some of the football on offer from other leagues matches or beats our own.

So for me, it's not the FA Cup getting worse, it's just an also-ran in a crowded tv market. Which is a shame.

 

[Cowfold Seagull]

In years gone by I would have been almost sick with excitment on FA Cup Final day. Irrespective of the Albion's involvment.

A great spectacle , and a trophy John Vinnicombe described as the 'most precious prize in sport ' almost allowed to rot.

Very sad.

I agree. In fact when my Arsenal supporting mate sent me a text half an hour ago saying l'm off now, l asked him where to. Wembley he said. Why l asked?, what's going on at Wembley today?, the Play Off Finals aren't until next weekend?

 

[Bold Seagull]

I can't really get excited about watching Arsenal v Hull, I still love the FA Cup but I'm more interested when its two teams that aren't in the big four or five Premier League teams.

What was the last final that didn't feature a top 4 or 5 team!?

'07 Portsmouth v Cardiff probably. You then have to go back to '91 for Forest v Spurs, then '84 for Everton v Watford. You've basically been interested in 3 cup finals in 30 years!

 

[hart's shirt]

What was the last final that didn't feature a top 4 or 5 team!?

'07 Portsmouth v Cardiff probably. You then have to go back to '91 for Forest v Spurs, then '84 for Everton v Watford. You've basically been interested in 3 cup finals in 30 years!

2010-2011 - Manchester City v Stoke

 

[Bold Seagull]

2010-2011 - Manchester City v Stoke

City finished 3rd.

 

[Dan Aitch]

Going to shoot some local cricket, then head to the pub for the game; more to have a couple of beers than out of any real interest. If it's still warm and sunny I may just sit in the pub 'garden' (tiny stone courtyard, ruined by smokers).

 

[The_Viper]

Wow. I'd completely forgot it was today, I guess that answers the question. Lol.

 

[Pavilionaire]

Getting Wembley used to be a big thing. You only did it if you made the League or FA Cup Final. Now, with semis, Play-Off Finals too you get 9 or 10 different sides playing at Wembley each season, rather than 3 or 4. Fans now also go there to watch rugby union, concerts and other quality stadia have sprung up too.

I suspect that in the last 10 years as many different clubs have played at Wembley as played there in the 40 years after WW2. Most of the magic of the place has been lost.

 

[Gullflyinghigh]

I would be watching it, like any cup final, except a very good friend has chosen today to have his wedding. Selfish I call it.

 

[Rookie]

Used to absolutely love cup final day, the whole build up right up to the lifting of cup and the celebrations. However, today I will probably watch Barca v A Madrid

 

[withdeanwombat]

I'll be watching as I have every season since 1957/8. I've even been twice. This year Ill be thinking "Leo, this should have been us " as Hull run out. And three or four goals later, "glad that wasn't us" !

 

[Bold Seagull]

Getting Wembley used to be a big thing. You only did it if you made the League or FA Cup Final. Now, with semis, Play-Off Finals too you get 9 or 10 different sides playing at Wembley each season, rather than 3 or 4. Fans now also go there to watch rugby union, concerts and other quality stadia have sprung up too.

I suspect that in the last 10 years as many different clubs have played at Wembley as played there in the 40 years after WW2. Most of the magic of the place has been lost.

I honestly don't think it has much to do with the whole Wembley thing. It has to do with the priority of every club playing in every round. From non-league qualifiers, to the first round proper, to the third round draw right through, the magic of the FA cup is not so much eroded by just getting to Wembley, its for me at least mainly sides threatened by relegation or going for the title / or promotion from other leagues playing weakened sides.

The prime example of this season was Southampton. Completely clear of relegation, but well short of top 6, they played a changed side at Sunderland, when they could have thrown everything at the cup. Incredible decision which highlights why the magic is eroded.

 

[shaolinpunk]

I'm pretty indifferent about the cup final, but I'm very much looking forward to the La Liga decider between Barca and Atletico Madrid

 

[Pavilionaire]

The decline of the Cup is undoubtably down to a host of factors, some in the FA's control, some outside. Some level of decline was inevitable, but they could have done more to help. The semis at Wembley is a shocker; it's now an economic necessity for Wembley but that wasn't the case when they switched.

Often you have a Wembley semi that is a 'bigger match' than the Final itself, this hasn't helped.

 

[Pavilionaire]

I agreee the Barca - Atletico match, looking forward to that.

 

[Bold Seagull]

What the FA should do, is work something out with UEFA, scrap the 4th place Champions League spot in the Premier League (why should anyone be rewarded for coming 4th?) and give that slot in the Champions League qualifiers to the FA Cup Winners. Then we'd see what a priority cup competition looks like again.

 

[Creaky]

I honestly don't think it has much to do with the whole Wembley thing. It has to do with the priority of every club playing in every round. From non-league qualifiers, to the first round proper, to the third round draw right through, the magic of the FA cup is not so much eroded by just getting to Wembley, its for me at least mainly sides threatened by relegation or going for the title / or promotion from other leagues playing weakened sides.

The prime example of this season was Southampton. Completely clear of relegation, but well short of top 6, they played a changed side at Sunderland, when they could have thrown everything at the cup. Incredible decision which highlights why the magic is eroded.

This - still haven't forgiven OG for the team we put out at Hull

 

[Seagull1989]

Has been ruined by tv companies moving the kick off time and fans being exploited. I dont know how much fa cup final tickets are but my mate who's a derby fan said playoff final tickets start at £36 for cheapest tickets and go upto £98.00 !!!! With various prices inbetween!

 

[The Brighton Bear]

I'm with most others on here: Cup Final morning was special. Want to know what Frank Stapleton is having for his breakfast? Well, let's take a look in the player hotel.

But that was in the days when you had Match of the Day, The Big Match and Sportsnight for your footballing fix. And that was about it.

Now we have back-to-back football throughout the week and whether we like it or not, some of the football on offer from other leagues matches or beats our own.

So for me, it's not the FA Cup getting worse, it's just an also-ran in a crowded tv market. Which is a shame.

I think that pretty much sums it up.

 

[Brian Fantana]

It may be a generational thing, but I've never been excited by FA Cup Final day.