Smaller clubs need replays

ENGLAND'S most famous football family is backing our growing campaign to save FA Cup replays.

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG

Jack and Bobby Charlton's brother Tommy watched their uncle Jackie Milburn in the great Newcastle Utd FA Cup-winning side of the 50s.

He wants the FA to overturn the decision to end replays which help cash-strapped lower league clubs.

And Jack's son John, 65, former manager of non-league Blyth Spartans, which had a famous FA Cup run in 1978, pointed out how much smaller clubs need replays.

"It is such a shame about the end of replays," said Tommy, 77, who played football with his famous brothers in the back streets of Ashington, Northumberland.

"I know it has come out of the view of the modern game now.

"They are concerned about footballers playing too much. But there are 52 weeks in the year. Surely, we can get the best teams not playing so much football and still keep the traditions of the FA Cup?"