THE IMPORTANCE OF THE F A TROPHY

[MIKE PERRY]

Several posters have said they are not bothered what happens against Bashley in the trophy and that it is not important. I have to disagree on these counts:

 

1. Winners of this round get £1,000.

 

2. Winners play Dartford or Dover at home so possibly sell out crowd if Dover and thus more revenue (plus a possible replay) and chance to progress thus earning more revenue as round winners.

 

3. Winning needs to become a habit and instil much needed confidence in the team and manager and this is an opportunity to get the Cray farce out of our systems.

 

4. Every competitive game matters (to me as a fan, anyway!)

 

Now JJ and CoffinEnder tell me that it is not an important game on saturday. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

[BlueGate Alan]

I agree completely Mike, every game should count, even when we play friendlies! Still get by nose rubbed in it by Ramsgate fans about their win in pre season friendly!

[Leedsclive]

Of course it's an important game for Margate. Confidence will have been knocked by defeat against Cray so to lose to another division side won't help. And the prospect of playing Dover in front of what would be a very large crowd should be motivation enough. A long run in the Trophy brings in money, crowds and boosts confidence. It's been along time since Margate won - actually beating a team may turn those draws into wins and set you off on a good run in the league.

[Coffin Ender]

Sadly the FA Trophy has become much diminished in stature in recent years. Crowds and interest are well down since leagues introduced play-offs and Wembley was closed. I think recent finals have struggled to attract 10,000. Even if the final returns to Wembley, I can't see it returning to its former glory. It's only worth taking seriously once you get to the last eight - and only then if you have nothing to play for in the league (or, like Grays last year, are nailed on to win your league anyway).

However, I have to accept that subjecting Parmenter to an afternoon of non-stop abuse would be something to look forward to!

[JeremyJacobs]

I'll go along with that CE. BTW, which Parmenter are you talking about!!

[dalgliesh]

I agree with Mike Perry and Taffy. As a team manager every game is important to me (be it league, cup or friendly).

[MargateFan]

Also agree with Mike.

Every game is also important to me, in whatever competition.

And I want to see our lads WIN SOMETHING.

[michael]

By way of a reminder