FA Cup 25-26

[arbitro]

This weekend is the FA Cup second round proper and the Premier League and Championship clubs are entering in the next round. Despite the almost downgrading of the competition by the FA and clubs for me the third round is a special date in the football calendar. I guess it's an age thing as many of a certain generation will recall the excitement and magic of the cup. 

I have vivid memories of crowding around a transistor radio at school on Monday lunchtime after the previous rounds games had been played. Replays were always the week after the original game and replays would go on until there was in a winner in a proper game. And clubs would play a full strength team.

The draw takes place on Monday evening around 6.45 but the bad news it's on TNT, Discover+, ESPN, something called FUBO and YouTube which pretty much precludes a lot from watching it.

Personally I would like to get an away match at a lower league ground I haven't been to but failing that any home draw.

[MarkBRFC]

I still like the FA Cup but its a dead competition these days.

No replays, games kicking off at anytime between a Thursday evening and Monday evening, empty grounds, sides playing reserve teams even if they sit comfortable mid table in the prem.

My guess is we'll get West Brom at home.

[ABRAM ROVER]

Standard defeat at Wigan away (if they beat Barrow)

[GHR]

Way back when I would stop and see my grandad on the way home from school as he wrote the draw down as it happened (live from Soho of course!) and he would give me the list to mull over as I walked back. Wonderful memories.

I remember posting on here a few days before our fateful QF at Bramall Lane a couple of years ago that I was literally bouncing around with excitement. It may be old and weary these days but my god when it sparkles it is utter magic.