Bournemouth next Saturday.

[Leicesterbaggie]

What sort of side will be selected for this game? From my point of view, I would pick a strong side. We have got no midweek game this week and no game before the Stoke game the following Saturday. Bournemouth will probably field a weaker side although that is not a given. We have a great FA Cup tradition and I do not see the point in entering a competition if you are not trying to win it. Having said this, we will probably field a weaker eleven.

[Dubbag]

What sort of side will be selected for this game? From my point of view, I would pick a strong side. We have got no midweek game this week and no game before the Stoke game the following Saturday. Bournemouth will probably field a weaker side although that is not a given. We have a great FA Cup tradition and I do not see the point in entering a competition if you are not trying to win it. Having said this, we will probably field a weaker eleven.

I agree with you Leicester.
We have no relegation worries and sadly too many draws ave put paid to promotion. We could possibly have an outside chance like last year of making the play offs but I would not hold out too much hope on that front. I see it more as a bonus to make them.
I would love to see a good cup run for excitement over the next few months. Leave Brunty and co in charge for now and regroup over the summer with new management and players.

[Prando]

My FA Cup excitement left me many years ago. I guess the fielding of ‘reserves’ by the major clubs have succeeded in demeaning the status of the trophy. I prefer a focus on a top 6 position and would field a team with that target very much in mind.
I’m disappointed to have said that, but I’m afraid that’s how I feel.
COYB

[Dubbag]

My FA Cup excitement left me many years ago. I guess the fielding of ?reserves? by the major clubs have succeeded in demeaning the status of the trophy. I prefer a focus on a top 6 position and would field a team with that target very much in mind.
I?m disappointed to have said that, but I?m afraid that?s how I feel.
COYB

I understand your position Prando.......I actually lost interest in it as a competition when the then holders, man Utd went on tour to Japan or some such place rather then defend the cup. Ferguson's regime tore the heart out of the cup in pursuit of money.

[9goals2hattricks3pen]

I understand your position Prando.......I actually lost interest in it as a competition when the then holders, man Utd went on tour to Japan or some such place rather then defend the cup. Ferguson's regime tore the heart out of the cup in pursuit of money.

The last thing I am is an apologist for United or any other big club and the FA Cup but from memory United didn't want to boycott the cup. As Champions they were compelled to enter the World Club Championship. They initially refused and were then threatened by FIFA/UEFA with expulsion from the Champions League. The choice was then compete and get a cup bye or play a 3rd round cup tie and get kicked out the CL!

Testament that Albion fans have fallen out with the FA Cup was borne out when yesterday I got 2 tickets for the game after they went on general sale. It's possibly the only away game I'll get to this season.

[Dubbag]

The last thing I am is an apologist for United or any other big club and the FA Cup but from memory United didn't want to boycott the cup. As Champions they were compelled to enter the World Club Championship. They initially refused and were then threatened by FIFA/UEFA with expulsion from the Champions League. The choice was then compete and get a cup bye or play a 3rd round cup tie and get kicked out the CL!

Testament that Albion fans have fallen out with the FA Cup was borne out when yesterday I got 2 tickets for the game after they went on general sale. It's possibly the only away game I'll get to this season.

Thanks for that....it was a while back but I just remember it was like a torpedo to the competition at the time. I'm sure it will be a good question in years to come. Which team never defended the cup they won.
Cheers...

[Bombers right foot]

I too would like to see a strong side put out, however the gap between the Premiership and the Championship is now huge, seriously are we better than the bottom three? We?ll get a good stuffing whether we play the first team or not, Bournemouth are a classy side on top form, they?ll have far too much for us
It?ll be what?s in store if we go up

[Leicesterbaggie]

I too would like to see a strong side put out, however the gap between the Premiership and the Championship is now huge, seriously are we better than the bottom three? We?ll get a good stuffing whether we play the first team or not, Bournemouth are a classy side on top form, they?ll have far too much for us
It?ll be what?s in store if we go up

The thing is that if Bournemouth put out an under strength side, which they may well do, a decent Albion side could cause them problems.

[Prando]

I remember in 1961 at school, the caretaker would write the 3rd round FA Cup draw (Midland Clubs) on a blackboard in the playground. Great excitement from the majority of the lads (800 of us) to see who we had drawn. Excitement heightened, if your club had won, as the further rounds were similarly announced in the future.
Interesting that the draw must have taken place, daytime, during a weekday !
Somehow not the same now !! Must be my age

[greyhound]

I remember in 1961 at school, the caretaker would write the 3rd round FA Cup draw (Midland Clubs) on a blackboard in the playground. Great excitement from the majority of the lads (800 of us) to see who we had drawn. Excitement heightened, if your club had won, as the further rounds were similarly announced in the future.
Interesting that the draw must have taken place, daytime, during a weekday !
Somehow not the same now !! Must be my age

I seem to remember it being Monday lunch time