FA Cup replay change costs non-league Tamworth millions after Tottenham clash
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Tamworth have missed out on a money-spinning replay in the FA Cup after their clash with Tottenham went straight to extra-time - as per new rules. The competition, for years, had replays as part of its DNA and often that was the aim for those further down the pyramid when they took on a Premier League club. Tamworth, in the bottom half of the National League, were drawn to play the north Londoners.
A spirited display saw them hold Tottenham for the entire 90 minutes, but rather than call it there, they went straight to extra-time. They eventually scored three times to finish off the tie. It means that Tamworth will miss out on any extra revenue which would've come as a result of a game at Tottenham, which may well have been on TV once again. Replays from the first round proper onwards are no more after the FA struck a new scheduling deal with the Premier League.
In return they will increase funding to the grassroots game by up to an extra £33million per season. The agreement will be in place for at least six years but it was not well received by EFL and non-league clubs when it was announced last year. Tamworth - like so many of those in the lower tiers - are in need of a cash injection with the club's chairman and owner, Bob Andrews, admitting all the money from their FA Cup tie would go back into the club, who need to develop them Lamb Ground Stadium.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It is the biggest day in the club's history. We thought Wembley was good in the FA Vase but this tops it. To have a Premier League club of this stature at Tamworth is fantastic. It is just nice to get all the crowd here. I wish we could get more in but we are full to capacity.
