Albion blog: FA Cup still matters

Albion" class="imageframe alignright" height="130" src="http://www.expressandstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/alblogo.thumbnail.jpg" width="175"/>Well so far I think 2008 is rubbish, writes Albion blogger Jarrod Hill.

We were deservedly beaten at Ipswich, having matched the best home team in the division for the first 45 minutes, we were totally out played in the second half.

Many of the players looked a little jaded from a hectic festive programme of football, and it is not that surprising when you realise that it was the first time many of them have experienced the English Christmas fixtures.

Our unbelievable goal difference has ensured us remaining at the summit, and now look forward to an FA Cup game away at Charlton, which brings me to my subject of interest today, the FA Cup.

Once regarded as the best knock out competition in the world, I read with interest each year from many of our national sports journalists how the glory or romance of the cup has dwindled.

The emergence and dominance of The Champions League, and the intense media coverage of The Premiership and the financial rewards on offer in both competitions have served to help push The FA Cup backwards in terms of priority. It can also be argued even as lowly as The Championship; clubs are devaluing the Cup competition when considering promotion as more important.

Even Premiership teams are viewing the competition as out of their reach and will place a greater emphasis on avoiding relegation or achieving a European place, and in some respect the recent statistics re-enforce that view. You have to go back 13 years to find a winner outside of the big four (Man United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea).

But what I feel all of these national journalists fail to comprehend is that what makes the FA Cup special is that it is open to everyone, yes everyone.

It allows lower league clubs access to play the big boys, and in the process gain access to the kind of funds that can make a real difference.

How teams view their chances of winning the competition is almost irrelevant, personally I view my chances of winning the lottery as slim but I still buy a ticket.

Chasetown FC feel they have already won, because everything is relative, they have achieved far and beyond what was expected of them and the financial reward, and the memories gained along the way will live long after their exit from the competition.

I believe the competition is still great and look forward to it every year, and if offered the option of winning the FA Cup or promotion I would choose the FA Cup every time, but both would be nice.

I know many fans will argue that promotion is more important, and I agree that promotion is more important than going out in the fifth round, but winning it, that remains forever.

Unfortunately I am not old enough to remember 1968, but I am sure many of our fans still smile from the memory.

Albion fans, what do you think? Have your say below