Following the most recent FA Cup update, Darragh MacAnthony, the chairman of Peterborough United, revealed what most upset him about Wrexham.
The FA and the Premier League signed an agreement on April 18th, proposing a new system for the FA Cup, which includes Wrexham.
There will be no more midweek fixtures, and the final will be played the weekend before the last set of Premier League matches.
Most controversially, replays are set to be scrapped from the first round onwards.
This has caused a mass outrage from many EFL clubs and those in the non-league as this agreement was made by the FA without consulting clubs outside of the top flight.
Considering that, including qualifying rounds, a total of 731 teams participated in the FA Cup, speaking to a group that only includes 20 of those sides sparked a mass outrage.
For many grassroots and non-league clubs, FA Cup replays are seen as an invaluable source of revenue that contributes to the running of a football, so to see them scrapped is a huge disappointment.
What irritated Darragh MacAnthony about Wrexham
Last season, Wrexham lost to Sheffield United in the FA Cup’s fourth round, enduring the agony of a replay.
In the first game, Phil Parkinson’s team nearly pulled off a massive upset, but John Egan’s goal in the 95th minute forced a rematch at Bramall Lane, where they lost 3-1.
Even though they lost, the Welsh team is aware of the magic replays can do for non-league teams struggling financially, providing much-needed relief.
Darragh MacAnthony, the chairman of Peterborough United, claims that Wrexham was among the teams that disregarded his email for clubs to express their disapproval of the decision.
“I did an e-mail to EFL clubs asking them to join us in criticizing the decision to scrap FA Cup replays, but Championship clubs have been quiet and it’s disappointing that Wrexham have been quiet,” MacAnthony remarked in an interview with the Hard Truth podcast.
“I apologize if they have said anything; nonetheless, I have not seen it. Their supporters may argue that this is just another jab at their club, but that isn’t the case.
Generally speaking, I think nothing but good things about them, and I adore their proprietors. However, this is a team that has profited handsomely from ESPN replays. I’ll watch the third installment of their documentary, but I found it funny that they were promoting it with Rocky’s theme song—one of the best underdog stories ever!”
If accurate, disappointing from Wrexham
It’s regrettable that Wrexham isn’t fighting the FA’s decision after emerging from the National League’s abyss, where they spent 15 years before being promoted last year.
Nobody really knows if the Reds support or oppose replays, although they belong in the former group as minor league teams ought to have an opportunity to defeat the big teams.
And while the charm of the FA Cup is undoubtedly still there—I’ve seen Maidstone make it to the round of 16 this season before losing to Coventry City—part of that magic is diminished if this decision isn’t reversed.
If Wrexham decides to retain FA Cup replays, it would indicate that they haven’t lost their heritage, which is something we should all wish for.
