CHORLEY FC join a number of clubs in sharing their upmost disappointment in the changes made to the format of the FA Cup, which have been made without any consultation to clubs outside of the Premier League.
The removal of replays in the competition will not only have a detrimental effect to clubs at National League/National League North/South level and elsewhere within the lower league pyramid that are embarking on a cup run, but fundamentally a massive part of the heritage of the competition has been stripped away.
Like many, several segments of our history is owed both past and present to the FA Cup and FA Cup replays - this has now been taken away.
The Magpies have shared many famous FA Cup experiences in recent years, arguably our most memorable replay being in the 1986/87 season where a 3-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers came as part of a trilogy (two replays).
Even the run in the 2020/21 season, as good as it was could have had some serious replays in there had it not been for the Magpies' heroics in making it to the fourth round to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in front of no spectators at the Chorley Group Victory Park Stadium.
Without replays being in force over the years, this would not be part of our history, the history of the competition and its records - the decision made here is extremely upsetting.
Chorley FC would like to reiterate their disappointment of the decision to scrap FA Cup replays and call on the FA to suspend these changes until a consultation of all stakeholders has taken place at all levels involved.
