“If You’re Not Among the Top Six, AFA Cup Aspirations are Distant”

The FA Cup’s Changing Landscape

The FA Cup remains a renowned tournament globally, with its third-round weekend being a prominent date on the football calendar. However, as per managerial perspectives, navigating this competition has become more complex than in previous years.

The influence of the Premier League has overshadowed fixture arrangements, leading to a decline in the FA Cup’s prominence, particularly when clubs are fighting to maintain their status and the financial stability that comes with it. Nowadays, financial implications weigh heavily on decisions, with the Premier League’s voice reigning supreme.

The rise of European competitions has further shifted focus away from the FA Cup, pushing it further down the priority list. As fixtures pile up, the inevitable choice often sees managers sidelining the Cup, despite its legacy as a cherished event.

After a busy holiday game schedule, Premier League clubs are likely to treat this weekend’s matches as an opportunity to rest key players, if not entirely. This trend, while disheartening for traditionalists, could allow smaller clubs a chance to rise and claim their own moments of glory—an aspect that has defined the Cup’s allure.

Reflecting on a personal experience from 2008, when Stoke was promoted to the Premier League and met League One side Hartlepool in a third-round fixture, significant roster changes were made in pursuit of a more favorable league standing.

Fond Memories of Cup Runs

As a manager, setting your sights on a Cup run is challenging for teams outside the league’s upper echelon. Such runs happen serendipitously, much like Stoke’s journey to the FA Cup final in 2011. A combination of luck, favorable matchups, and a capable squad are essential for a deep tournament run.

Having managed for two decades, achieving the cup final remains a highlight. Games against Cardiff, Wolves, Brighton, West Ham, Bolton, and Manchester City each brought their unique challenges and memories.

Despite a strong start in the third round against Cardiff, who played impressively, Stoke managed a robust away victory. Likewise, the match against Wolves came down to a penalty save and a decisive goal that secured progression.

The quarterfinal against West Ham followed a dismal league performance but culminated in a satisfying win that highlighted the resilience of the squad as they prepped for Wembley.

Creating Legacy through the FA Cup

As I compare past and present, the FA Cup’s significance remains undeniable. Its historical moments, such as my time with Bristol Rovers, shape its legacy. In my playing days, the Cup commanded respect, with rituals that many teams observed leading into matches.

Rewind to 1978, when my Rovers side reached the fifth round against a formidable Ipswich team. Despite a nail-biting encounter, we narrowly missed advancing after a controversial disallowed goal.

Today, the FA Cup continues to showcase thrilling narratives, and making history goes beyond merely holding the trophy. Players like Colin Addison, known for iconic moments rather than accolades, remind us of the competition’s singular legacy.

One of the enduring memories from the Cup involves Ronnie Radford’s unforgettable goal that surprised the football world, shedding light on the magic within this tournament and reflecting only part of its rich narrative.

As we look forward to the upcoming matches, I remain hopeful for new heroes to emerge—those who will contribute to the legacy of the FA Cup and inspire generations to come.

Tony Pulis shared these insights with BBC Sports’ Chris Bevan.