Hull City boss responds to controversial FA and Premier League agreement
The Tigers boss has opened up on his feelings around the big talking point of the week
Hull City head coach Liam Rosenior admits the congested football calendar is a problem at the top level, as he addressed the scrapping of FA Cup replays.
There was significant outcry from EFL and non-league clubs this week when the FA announced that they had agreed a deal with the Premier League to abolish replays from the first round proper from the start of next season, after the governing body came under increased pressure from the top flight.
That decision was met with fury with the 72 clubs in the EFL being blindsided by the decision, which can cut off a significant revenue stream for lower league clubs and those in non-league.
READ MORE: Hull City’s week of destiny as Tigers face three cup finals in bid to reach Championship play-offs
City themselves went to a replay this season when their third-round tie with Birmingham City ended in a 1-1 draw and the pair replayed at St Andrew’s with the Tigers bowing out with a late 2-1 defeat.
The Tigers head coach, whose dad Leroy has managed in non-league and has seen at first hand the importance of FA Cup finances to those outside the EFL, admits it’s a difficult situation. But Rosenior says the funding must filter its way down the pyramid to ensure it continues to thrive.
“Obviously, there’s been some amazing, memories with the FA Cup, especially replays,” Rosenior told Hull Live. “I remember being a kid and watching Ryan Giggs run through Arsenal’s team at Villa Park and score that goal, I was running around the front room. The FA Cup is an amazing, amazing tournament.
“Everything evolves and football needs to evolve with the times. There are so many more commitments for teams in the Premier League in terms of European competitions, making sure that they fly the flag for this country. Also, my dad was manager of Gloucester City in the Southern League, and I understand the pyramid as well. Those clubs that go on cup runs in non-league rely on those replays.
