Pros and cons of cup shake up

It was announced by the Football League earlier this month all the rounds except the semi-finals will be played over one rather than two legs.

Football League Chief Executive David Burns described the move as a "positive development" for a competition he describes as the "biggest re-distributor of wealth within the game".

"It will mean more entertaining football for fans and even more surprise results than ever before. I am certain we can look forward to an exciting and financially rewarding Worthington Cup next season," he said.

True, the new format will put to an end dead matches, as epitomised by City's game with Stoke this season.

After a 5-1 home defeat in the first leg for City, little more than 3,400 fans turned out at the gargantuan Britannia Stadium for the second-leg, which ended goalless.

It will also provide for more much-needed cup shocks to keep the interest alive. One-off ties gives smaller clubs a better chance of progression over high-flying opposition.

In turn, it will make games more exciting and should prevent the big clubs fielding weakened teams if they are serious about progressing as far as possible.

However, excitement generated over a period of time, like that witnessed during City's wins over Everton and Manchester United in the 1990s, will be lost to fans.

More significantly, should City draw the likes of United again while they can expect bumper gate receipts if they are drawn at home the lack of an away tie would deprive them of a second, more lucrative bite at the cash pie.

However, City chief Terry Dolan has welcomed the move - and not just because of the memory of the Stoke tie still lingers.

"It is definitely a good thing," said the City manager. If you are drawn away to a big club you will probably get a bigger gate than if it was a two-legged situation.

"If you are drawn at home you have a better chance of beating them.

"To me that is what cup football should be all about - a one-off game."

AS SURE as eggs are eggs, Terry Dolan is bound receive a less than rousing reception from the Hull City fans on Easter Monday.

City are, of course, the visitors to Boothferry Park and the Minstermen manager is prepared for a 'warm welcome' from the fans of the club he once managed.

Indeed, the City chief had a taste of what to expect when he went to see the recent tie between Hull and Rochdale - another club Dolan once bossed.

Taking his seat in the stands Dolan admitted he thought his arrival had gone unnoticed until not long into the game a chant emanated from the Hull end directed at the City chief.

The lyrics are unprintable, save to say it was to the tune of the Monkees' Daydream Believer and apes the lyrics to which Sunderland boss Peter Reid has become renowned.

Dolan admitted he allowed himself a wry grin. That grin soon turned into a chuckle when the Rochdale fans then joined in the singing with their Hull counterparts!

SUCH is the demand, a second Travel Club coach for supporters is being run to Hull City on Easter Monday.

Both buses will depart Bootham Crescent at 12.45pm, with seats priced £8 and £6 for non-members.

A family coach for City Reds and their parents is also heading to Boothferry Park, priced £10 per person and including admission to the match.

The time of the Family Coach departure has now been changed and it will also leave for Hull at 12.45pm.

A Travel Club coach will also run to City's rearranged tie with Shrewsbury Town on April 24. Seats cost £12 and £14 for non-members. The bus will leave at 3.15pm.

CITY have vowed to look at the catering facilities in the David Longhurst Stand and the lack of any such facility in the Popular Stand after complaints from supporters at the recent fans' forum.

Public relations executive Sophie McGill also agreed to look into the possibility of offering a specially-priced season ticket for students. She said reducing admission prices for the unemployed was also something the club may consider.