FA Cup's Top Six Dominance Leaves Many Managers Without a Dream

The FA Cup remains one of the most beloved and revered competitions in English football, offering an escape from the regular season grind and the drudgery of European qualification battles. However, for many managers outside the top six, the prospect of winning the trophy has become an increasingly distant dream. According to Tony Pulis, a former Premier League boss who has managed at various levels of the sport, targeting an FA Cup run is no longer a realistic goal for teams without a significant squad budget and a strong squad dynamic. “If you’re outside the top six, you can never target an FA Cup run,” he says. “The financial disparity between those in contention and those not in contention has created a gulf that’s difficult to bridge.” Pulis attributes this shift in attitudes towards the FA Cup to the increasing focus on Europa League qualification spots. The lucrative prize money and UEFA coefficient points associated with European competition have become a major draw for clubs, making it harder for those outside the top six to justify spending significant resources on cup campaigns. Despite this, Pulis still sees the FA Cup as a special competition that deserves to be celebrated and enjoyed. “The FA Cup is a unique tournament that offers teams a chance to pull off giant-killing results and make history,” he says. “It’s not about winning the trophy, but about the journey and the experience of competing against the best teams in the country.” For Pulis, the FA Cup represents a nostalgic reminder of the sport’s rich heritage and tradition. Growing up as a fan, he would watch his favorite team compete in the FA Cup, relishing the excitement and unpredictability of each match. As a manager, he understands the allure of the trophy and the prestige that comes with winning it. While some managers may view the FA Cup as an afterthought or a secondary priority, Pulis believes that its importance should not be diminished. “The FA Cup is still a vital part of English football’s fabric,” he says. “It provides a platform for smaller clubs to compete against the big boys and creates memories that last a lifetime.” As the FA Cup approaches its traditional mid-winter stage, teams outside the top six will need to reassess their cup ambitions and focus on making progress in the league. However, for Pulis and other managers who have experienced the thrill of FA Cup success, the competition remains an integral part of the sport’s identity – a beacon that inspires hope and dreams in the most unlikely of places.