Gillingham's Steve Evans backs FA Cup replays and says Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp should manage Reds for Shrewsbury tie
09:00, 29 January 2020
updated: 12:08, 31 January 2020
FA Cup replays should be here to stay, says Gills boss Steve Evans.
Debate has been raging about the subject of scrapping replays following Liverpool’s draw with Gills' midweek opponents Shrewsbury in Sunday’s cup tie.
The Shrews are likely to cash in on what will be a huge day for the club, playing away to Liverpool at Anfield, but Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has poured cold water on the occasion.
The match is scheduled during their winter break - something the Premier League have introduced this season after top-flight club’s complained of fatigue.
Klopp insists he won’t be at the replay, as he’ll be taking a break along with his players, and will be naming a youth team for the fixture.
Many people have waded into the debate, including former Spurs and England striker Gary Lineker. The BBC pundit says replays should be scrapped and that the FA Cup qualification rounds should start earlier - in the spring!
Evans, who was at Shrewsbury to watch them fight back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Liverpool, said: “I think replays are an invaluable source of income to clubs at the lower end of the scale, whether you are halfway down the Championship or League 1 or 2 or non-league.
"You welcome cup replays don’t you for revenue generation alone? And there is the excitement and magic of the FA Cup and playing under lights.
“We were so close to going back to West Ham (in the third round). Newcastle reduced their ticket prices against Oxford and got over 50,000 there. I think replays should continue.
“I 100% agree that Jurgen is entitled to play who he wants. I am a believer that the minute you don’t pick the team as manager you should hand the chairman your keys and take the bus home.
“You take guidance and influence around you from your staff but you should pick it. Jurgen picks it but I just don’t agree with the fact that he is going on holiday for a week when these young players are getting such a wonderful experience, which he has been brilliant at, but he should be there.”
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