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      Ex-footballer dubbed Mosquito, 42, had trial with Treble-winning Man Utd only to KO them from cup with Coventry goals

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      MICHAEL MIFSUD has a long history with Manchester United.The former striker went from being on trial at Old Trafford to scoring twice against them in a famous Coventry victory within eight years.Michael Mifsud celebrates the first of his memorable goals in Coventry’s 2-0 League Cup win at Old Trafford 17 years agoCredit: GettyMifsud trained with Paul Scholes and David BeckhamCredit: PA:Press AssociationIn 1999, as one of the hottest prospects in Maltese football, the teenager was invited to train alongside United’s Treble-winning stars at The Cliff — their old complex.And while he was unable to sign a permanent contract with Malta not in the European Union at the time, those two weeks helped shape his career.Mifsud, 42, told SunSport: “I trained with the first-team. Gary Neville, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Roy Keane were all there, the legends.“Just entering the dressing room, seeing all the kits, you’re getting changed with Beckham’s boots next to you, it was surreal. It was a dream come true.READ MORE TOP STORIES“I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson a little bit, even though everyone was scared of him.“It showed me what real football was like and made me even hungrier. I wanted to be like Beckham and to be scoring goals like Andy Cole.”Mifsud, famously nicknamed The Mosquito by a rival, did eventually make his way to English football — via spells in Norway and Germany — when he joined Coventry in January 2007.And he could hardly believe his luck eight months later when the Sky Blues drew United away in the League Cup third round.Most read in FA CupAgainst a Red Devils team that included the likes of Gerard Pique, Anderson and Nani, he wrote his name into Coventry folklore.Having scored the opener, Mifsud sealed the tie 20 minutes from time with a memorable second.Shocking moment Coventry boss wildly celebrates in ball boy’s FACE after FA Cup winner – then accuses him of ‘smirking’In front of the 11,000 travelling Coventry fans, he left the great Pique on his backside before rifling home.He said: “I’m getting goosebumps thinking about it.“You never get sick of something nice. I was so grateful and lucky to achieve what I did. We were like a family, so it was a real team effort.“The game and my performance was fantastic. I could have scored a hat-trick with my backheel hitting the post, but my second goal was so nice.“I went to celebrate with our fans, they were behind the goal and it was a really special feeling.“All of Malta were behind me. Half of Malta supports United but on the day they were supporting me. I received so many messages, my phone was like ping, ping, ping.”Among those United fans were Mifsud’s mum, although she was not at the game.Early on in his career, he banned her from coming.The-then Coventry hero tangled with Man Utd’s Danny SimpsonCredit: Getty – ContributorMifsud is ‘buzzing’ along with the fans to see if the Sky Blues repeat his gloryCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe explained: “Sometimes as a striker you have to dive to win a foul and my mum would go nuts and say, ‘Is he hurt, is he hurt?’.“So, I said mum, ‘Please don’t come and watch, I do it on purpose’. So, she always watched games on TV.”Mifsud smiles when asked about making a mockery of Pique.At the time, the Spaniard was a rookie but he went on to enjoy a trophy-laden career — one the striker takes responsibility for.He said: “My friends sometimes joke about what I did to him, and I say to them, ‘I pushed his career up, he won the league, the Champions League and the World Cup after that’.”The ex-hitman has flown over for the semi-final at Wembley.But does he think the current Cov crop can replicate the Class of 2007? Mifsud said: “Yes, I believe they can.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It is a good time to play them. Manchester United are not enjoying a good spell, so it’s a good time to achieve and win the game.“I’m buzzing to be there with the fans. I’m so grateful for them, it’s like going back in time.” More

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      Former Premier League star, 62, now postman who delivers letters to old club’s training ground

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      THERE’S a good reason why Coventry’s FA Cup 1987 hero Micky Gynn hopes his old club delivers a first-class show against Manchester United at Wembley.Because for the last 28 years Gynn has worked as a postman for the Royal Mail and his daily round at Berkswell and Balsall Common — just ten minutes from Birmingham Airport — includes delivering the post to Sky Blues supporters as well as Aston Villa and Brum fans, too.Coventry legend Micky Gynn played in the club’s 1987 FA Cup final win over TottenhamCredit: PA:Empics SportHe has only been back to Wembley once since winning the FA Cup 37 years agoCredit: PA:Empics SportAnd Gynn, 62, who has been off work since January after a hand operation, once had a round that included delivery to his old Coventry training ground!He said: “That always felt a bit strange. I used to have that urge to turn back time and run in and get my shorts on and join in!”I have a hereditary condition called Dupuytren contracture where you suddenly get lumps appear on your hands, which need removing quickly.”I hope to get the all-clear to return to work next week. I have really missed it. I’ve worked for Royal Mail for 28 years and I want to celebrate my 30th anniversary with them.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer midfielder Gynn made his Wembley debut in the 1987 final, when his Sky Blues side won 3-2 against Tottenham.Amazingly, he has only been back to the national stadium once since as a player… three months later when Cov lost 1-0 to Everton in the Charity Shield.And he won’t be there tomorrow, either.He revealed: “I have been given two tickets for the semi-final but gave them to my son, Luke, and his friend due to the problem with my hand.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGynn has made lifelong friends from Coventry’s incredible first-ever major trophy success 37 years ago.He added: “We had reunions in 2007 after 20 years and in 2017 after 30 years. It’s not quite the same since we lost Cyrille Regis and our managers John Sillett and George Curtis.Chris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decision”I joined Coventry in 1983 from Peterborough at the same time as Trevor Peake and Dave Bennett. These guys are like my extended family.”The three of us were at the Coventry Transport Museum last week where the open-top bus we used after winning the final is still there. We did a bit for the BBC. It brought back so many happy memories.”Peaky will ping us a WhatsApp message every six weeks or so and a few of the lads including Steve Ogrizovic and Dave Burrows, Dave, Kirk Stephens, myself, Peaky plus family and great friends like Ady Metcalfe who are all part of our get together.”I will never ever get bored of talking about our 1987 win. My only regret is that I had a chance right at the end of the final to make it 4-2 and score the final goal.”Unfortunately I was out on my feet. It was a boiling hot day and I was completely dehydrated. Luckily it didn’t matter as we won anyway.” More

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      I scored iconic diving header as Coventry beat Spurs in 1987 FA Cup final… but few remember scrappy winner vs Man Utd

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      KEITH HOUCHEN’S spectacular diving header for Coventry against Tottenham in 1987 will go down as one of the greatest goals in FA Cup final history.Yet just as important was possibly the scrappiest of his career in the fourth-round tie that season, against the Sky Blues’ semi-final opponents tomorrow — Manchester United.Keith Houchen scored a brilliant header against Tottenham in the FA Cup final in 1987Credit: PAThe goal helped Coventry land the cupCredit: RexHouchen will be hoping Coventry can upset Man UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHouchen recalled: “At the time I was just delighted to have scored the goal to win the tie at Old Trafford and get us through to the next round.“I had only joined Coventry at the start of that 1986-87 season from York and was trying to establish myself.“I had been out between September and December after suffering an injury in the second or third game of the season, so to score the winner at Old Trafford was a big moment for me.“I would love to say it was as memorable as my diving header in the final but it was the complete opposite.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Our left-back Greg Downs hit a low cross in from the left-hand side and first it reached David Phillips, who nicked it towards goal before it got to me at the near post.“From my initial shot, the ball bobbled about to the United keeper, Chris Turner, then the rebound hit me smack in the face!“Finally, as the ball crept along the line I managed to stick my leg out, which was only fractionally longer than Norman Whiteside’s and was able to poke it into the goal.“It’s amazing to see Sir Alex Ferguson’s blast afterwards at his United team in the press the next day after we had won the tie. I suppose he was just warming up his hairdryer!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Of course, at that time, Fergie was under pressure to deliver in his early days in charge. What he went on to achieve at the club was sensational.“When you win in the fourth round you don’t even think about Wembley.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?“Yet, I’m pretty sure it was after this win at Manchester United when our manager John Sillett told everyone, ‘We’re going to win the FA Cup this season’. It was a grand statement but a fairytale that came true.”Sadly Sillett died two years ago, along with his fellow Sky Blues manager George Curtis. Another of Coventry’s FA Cup heroes Cyrille Regis passed away in 2018. Houchen added: “We have always remained such a close-knit group and all three are very sadly missed. I reflect on our 1987 Cup success with huge pride at the Coventry squad and the way we all played for each other.”FA Cup goal hero Houchen will be watching Sunday’s semi-final against United at home and kicking every ball.The former striker said: “Coventry’s quarter-final performance at Wolves was so reminiscent of our side in 1987.“I sat glued to it with my grandson, Roman. They had played so well and I thought they deserved to win the game.“But then to be 2-1 down in the 88th minute felt absolutely gut-wrenching.“However, the way they kept believing and then got two goals in added-on time was jump-off-the-sofa excitement at the end.“I felt absolutely elated for the whole club at the final whistle. I was also delighted for Ellis Simms who had missed a great chance at the start but didn’t let it affect him and went on to score two goals.“I also watched Manchester United last weekend at Bournemouth, and if they play anything like that at Wembley on Saturday, I think Mark Robins’ side have a chance. I’ll be watching avidly.“If Coventry win the FA Cup this season I believe it will be a greater achievement than our victory in 1987.“To overcome Wolves, Manchester United and then either Manchester City or Chelsea in the final as a second-tier team would be extraordinary.”What the teams were on that day:READ MORE SUN STORIESMAN UTD: Turner, Sivebaek, Garton, Moran, Duxbury, Strachan, Blackmore (McGrath), Whiteside, Olsen, Stapleton (Davenport), Gibson. Manager: Alex Ferguson.COVENTRY: Ogrizovic, Burrows, Kilcline, Peake, Downs, Emerson, Phillips, McGrath, Pickering, Regis, Houchen. Subs: Gynn, Sedgley. Managers: John Sillett/George Curtis.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Coventry boss Mark Robins saved Fergie’s job at Man Utd in 1990 FA Cup.. now he may hammer final nail in Ten Hag coffin

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      IT was one of my favourite FA Cup memories — not as a player but as a fan.I was in the away end at what was then called the Ricoh Arena to watch Coventry City suffer a first-round giant-killing at the hands of non-league Worcester City in 2014.Mark Robins netted a vital goal early in Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man United careerCredit: GettyFergie had been under pressureCredit: APRobins now faces United as the manager of CoventryCredit: AlamyErik ten Hag takes on Coventry in the FA CupCredit: GettyMy brother Ellis, a loose-cannon of a central midfielder, was playing for Worcester and I had a thoroughly good day out, shouting myself hoarse, watching his team cause a proper upset.Fast forward a decade and Championship Coventry will face Manchester United at Wembley tomorrow in an FA Cup semi-final.It says a lot about the Cup’s special place in the English football calendar that Coventry can experience such extreme fortunes in the competition.Indeed, back in the 1980s, the Sky Blues won the Cup in a classic final against Tottenham and then lost to non-league Sutton United a couple of years later.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCoventry and their supporters have been to hell and back in the last decade or so.They have had to play home matches at Birmingham’s St Andrew’s and Northampton because of a dispute between their former owners and the arena operators.I was at Birmingham when they were sharing St Andrew’s and I managed to snap my Achilles playing against them in an ‘away’ fixture at our ground.Coventry fell into the fourth tier at one point. For a club which was a fixture in the top flight for three decades that was a hell of a fall.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey are back under local ownership, after years of being run by a hedge fund — although the only cloud might be Mike Ashley owns their ground, now known as the Coventry Building Society Arena.Mark Robins, whose seven years in charge make him the fourth-longest serving manager in English football, has done a tremendous job, taking Coventry to within a penalty shoot-out of the Premier League last season.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Mark is a terrific bloke, who knows football inside out. He is such a decent and generous man.He has this aura about him which makes him a big personality without having to shout and scream.He has consistently had to sell Coventry’s best players — especially Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer last summer — but still manages to rebuild impressively.He famously scored the FA Cup third-round winner for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest to save Sir Alex Ferguson’s job in 1990.And if Cov pull off a win at Wembley, he could do the opposite for Erik ten Hag, whose job as United boss is hanging by a thread.I genuinely think Coventry have a chance, mainly because you never have a clue which United are going to turn up on any given day.Also, Coventry have two forwards who can really cause problems.Ellis Simms, who has scored five goals in their last two Cup ties, and the American, Haji Wright, both have the ability to make runs behind United’s defence and that is exactly what the Premier League side don’t want to encounter.Simms, signed from Everton last summer, is one of many players whose careers have been revived by Robins at Coventry. He might not be absolutely top-drawer but he has a real eye for goal.He scored twice in a dramatic 3-2 win at Wolves in the quarter-finals and a hat-trick against Maidstone in the previous round.Like some of their team-mates, Simms and Wright will be thinking ‘one big game here and I could earn myself a Premier League move’.This is a free hit for Coventry’s players. They have already earned a massive day out for their supporters — a Wembley trip for the second successive season after the Championship play-off final against Luton.Nobody is expecting them to win but they have a real chance. Anything is possible in the Cup, as I remember from my day out with Worcester City.My main memory of that match was that Sean Geddes, who I’d played with at Walsall, scored both of Worcester’s goals.All I can remember of my brother’s performance is that he got booked for a heavy challenge!READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there will be plenty of Coventry fans at Wembley tomorrow who will have seen their team lose at home to Worcester.And when you have experienced bitter moments like that — especially with people like me goading them from the away end — then the good times taste all the more sweet.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Clubs threatening to BOYCOTT FA Cup in protest after replays axed as Government wades into row

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      CLUBS are threatening to boycott the FA Cup after the FA axed replays.On Thursday, it was announced that replays were being scrapped along with other changes.Clubs are threatening to boycott the FA CupCredit: PAA spokesman for Rishi Sunak has demanded to know why the changes have been madeCredit: AlamyThe FA also confirmed that the mid-season break would be removed and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.There has been a huge amount of backlash to the decision to dump replays as it could affect potential revenue for lower league clubs.It now appears that a number of EFL and National League clubs are threatening to boycott the competition next season.A number of EFL sides have issued statements condemning the changes made by the FA and Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios has suggested he would be willing to back a boycott.He told the Telegraph: “There needs to be further debate.”But if that was the situation that most of the clubs felt that way, I’d support it.”His comments came after Accrington Stanley’s chairman Andy Holt posted on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I would support a boycott if enough clubs feel the same.”Traditionally replays have taken place until the fourth round if a match ends in a draw.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonHowever, the changes will see all first-round and onward matches go to extra-time and penalties if no winner can be found before the 90th minute.Leading Government figures have also waded in on the controversial matter.A spokesman for the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the Cup.”We know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the years.”These are, however, decisions for the footballing authorities.”But clearly it’s incumbent on the FA and Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the interests of fans.”Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the decision as “wrong” and said that replays are “part of the tradition of the FA Cup”.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Fuming EFL claim they had no say in abolition of FA Cup replays as they blast FA and Premier League in damning statement

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      THE EFL have blasted the Premier League and FA over the revamping of the FA Cup and Premier League season schedules. On Thursday the FA announced FA Cup replays were being scrapped along with other changes including the removal of the mid-season break and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.EFL bosses have slammed the FA and Premier League for the changes announced yesterdayCredit: GettyThey accused football bosses of not consulting themCredit: APHowever, after furious backlash from fans, the EFL have joined the chorus of dissent against the decision.In a statement released today, the fuming EFL said there had been no agreement between it and the FA and Premier League over the changes which will come into play from next season.A statement said: “The EFL wishes to clarify further its position in respect of yesterday’s Premier League and Football Association bi-lateral announcement over the removal of FA Cup replays and the role of the League’s representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB). “The agreement which now sees the abolition of replays from the competition format was agreed solely between the Premier League and FA.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Ahead of the deal being announced there was no agreement with the EFL nor was there any formal consultation with EFL clubs as members of the FA and participants in the competition.”The statement continued: “In September 2023, the EFL did initially discuss with clubs potential changes to the FA Cup format but only as part of a wider and more fundamental change to financial distributions. “As is now clear, there has been no movement in this area since September.”This latest agreement between the Premier League and the FA, in the absence of financial reform, is just a further example of how the EFL and its clubs are being marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid and that only serves to threaten the future of the English game.  Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The EFL today calls on both the Premier League and the FA, as the Governing body, to re-evaluate their approach to their footballing partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues directly affecting our clubs.”The EFL statement concluded: “A separate issue is the role of the EFL representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB) in agreeing to the 2024/25 overall fixture calendar. FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fate”PGB is there to make technical decisions across the game as opposed to key policy decisions such as competition changes or formats.”Any decisions taken on the calendar involving EFL representatives are in no way an endorsement of the joint deal agreed between the FA and Premier League that imposes changes to the FA Cup competition format in isolation.”As part of the discussions the EFL representatives did challenge the position and were told that clubs would be comfortable with no replays. “They were effectively advised that, as a result, of it being an FA competition, the fixture list needed to be agreed as presented. “It is also important to note that this matter was not discussed by the FA Cup committee, a separate group that oversees the competition across the professional and national game.”The official FA Cup account received a ‘community note’ against it’s announcementThe FA were hit with a “community note” – a feature on X, formerly Twitter, to fact check claims made on the site – which said: “To suggest that the revised format ‘strengthens the format’ of the FA Cup is fundamentally untrue.”The decision to remove FA Cup replays deprives lower league clubs of crucial revenue and has been taken without consulting EFL or non-league clubs. The £33m is inadequate.”The changes to the English game will run for six years.In response to the backlash the FA Cup released a statement of its own earlier today.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s own statement tried to reduce fears of lower league teams regarding the financial impact of the changes by pointing out that more games would be shown on TV in earlier rounds and would therefore guarantee additional broadcast revenue.However, the statement neglected to mention many FA Cup games are moving away from terrestrial television and to subscription service TNT Sports from 2025/26.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Never-before-seen FA Cup rule change proposed as footie bosses battle huge backlash to controversial replay decision

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      EFL chiefs will demand a change in the FA Cup prize fund after being left out of the decision to scrap replays.And a significant number of club bosses want EFL and non-league teams to have the right to decide whether to switch venues if they are drawn at home to Prem sides.EFL clubs are hoping to take action following the scrapping of FA Cup replaysCredit: RexClub chiefs in the lower three divisions are furious at claims they were part of the process that led to Thursday’s announcement, which came during an EFL board meeting.The EFL does have three representatives on the Professional Game Board, which agreed the proposed FA Cup changes and other parts of a revised fixtures calendar.But senior EFL representatives insist the ending of replays was effectively sprung on them at the end of a virtual meeting of the PGB two weeks ago.It is understood that EFL chief Rick Parry made the point that he had not been consulted – although it is recognised the prospect of replays being scrapped has been a discussion point for two or more seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL bosses are adamant there was not a formal vote at either the PGB meeting or the subsequent FA Council gathering where the decision was effectively ratified.And while there is a reluctant acceptance that the announcement effectively means the EFL clubs have been left with no option, that does not mean they will roll over.That, though, is extremely unlikely to see the “aggrieved” EFL clubs refuse to take part in the FA Cup in protest.Doing so would be a breach of the current tri-partite agreement between the FA, Prem and EFL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhy FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here.

      It includes an undertaking by the Premier League sides that they will take part in the Carabao Cup which is a huge money earner for the 72 clubs.Senior EFL figures recognise that breaking the agreement would give the Premier League sides the opportunity to pull out of the competition and therefore wreck a major financial stream.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotBut EFL clubs are likely to demand a change on the prize money structure so that it is weighted more towards the earlier rounds of the competition.One well-placed source said: “It’s the lack of proper consultation on this that has caused the most anger.“The reality is that the EFL is outnumbered on these committees and sometimes we think our voice simply doesn’t count.“Realistically we have to fight a battle we can win and one of those is about prize money and how it is distributed because if we do not have replays and that income, it has to be made up in another way.“The other thing that has to be discussed now is whether clubs should have the right to change the venue if they are drawn at home to a Premier League club.“That was allowed a few years ago before it was stopped but many people think it has to be back on the agenda now.”The latest development came as football lobbying group The People’s FA slammed the decision to scrap replays as a further erosion of the game.Co-chair and former Charlton player Mickey Ambrose said: “Once again, our weak governing body is pandering to the needs of the Premier League.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmbrose has now organised a petition he hopes will be signed by all 92 clubs across the top four divisions to then be sent to FA chairman Prince William.He added: “Once again this proves the FA is not fit for purpose and needs to be reformed.”The FA have received huge backlash on their decisionCredit: PA More

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      How Man Utd lined up last time they played Coventry with Barcelona legend unable to prevent humiliating defeat

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      A BARCELONA legend was left red-faced the last time Manchester United faced Coventry City.The Red Devils will meet the Sky Blues in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday.Coventry City’s Michael Mifsud celebrates after his second goal against United in 2007Credit: PA:Press AssociationGerard Pique was in defence for United on that night against the Sky BluesCredit: GettyJonny Evans (pictured in 2007) is back at Old Trafford playing under current boss Erik ten HagCredit: GettyJohn O’Shea has just taken his first job in managementCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s side will go into the clash as heavy favourites against the Championship team managed by their former striker Mark Robins.The two clubs were regular opponents in the Premier League throughout the 1990s but have barely met since Coventry were relegated from the top-flight in 2001.However, there was a shock the last time they went head-to-head back in September 2007.Old Trafford hosted the League Cup third round tie with over 74,000 fans packed in to watch the action.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut it was Coventry who were left celebrating as they ran out 2-0 victors thanks to a brace from Michael Mifsud.It was far from a star-studded line-up named by Sir Alex Ferguson that night.And the result seemed to have little impact on their season as they lifted both the Premier League and Champions League.Here’s who was in the United starting XI that night:Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTOMASZ KUSZCZAKThe Polish goalie spent six years at United having caught the eye previously at West Brom.He later played for Watford, Brighton and Wolves before finishing his career at Birmingham City in 2009.It’s baffling,’ says Gary Neville as he blasts Ten Hag’s coaching and reveals what Man Utd are ‘worst in the league at’DANNY SIMPSONCame through the academy at Man Utd but it would be at Leicester City where he enjoyed his greatest success as he helped them to Premier League glory in 2016.PHIL BARDSLEYThe ex-Scotland defender left United for Sunderland at the end of this season and later played for Stoke, Burnley and Stockport.JONNY EVANSThe veteran defender is now back at United after rejoining on a free transfer following an eight-year absence that included spells at West Brom and Leicester.GERARD PIQUEThe Spanish icon won the Euros and World Cup with Spain and everything possible at Barcelona after his move to the Nou Camp in 2008 but he was given a torrid time by Mifsud on this night. JOHN O’SHEAThe versatile Irishman was a huge favourite with Fergie and fans but left in 2011 to join Sunderland and then ended his career at Reading.ANDERSONThe Brazilian spent eight years at United before returning to his homeland, and then he headed to Turkey to finish his career.LEE MARTINAlso played for Rangers and Nottingham Forest on loan before he dropped down the pyramid and ended up in non-league.CHRIS EAGLESLeft for Burnley in 2011 and became a big fave and was equally loved at Bolton before spending the latter years of his career with several clubs in the lower leagues and Scotland.READ MORE SUN STORIESNANIThe Portuguese winger was a first-team regular for years at United after this and still plays as a winger for Super Lig club Adana Demirspor.DONG FANG ZHOUThe Chinese forward was simply not good enough to cut it at United and after just a handful of appearances he was shipped out, and following some stints elsewhere in Europe, he finished his career back in his homeland.WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Here’s what the United players from that night are doing now:
      KUSZCZAK
      He was most recently the goalkeeping coach of the Poland national team.
      SIMPSON
      Still plays for Northern Premier League Premier Division club Macclesfield.
      BARDSLEY
      Assistant manager of Macclesfield.
      EVANS
      Back playing for Man Utd under Ten Hag.
      PIQUE
      Retired from football in 2022 and then hit the headlines after splitting with his pop star wife Shakira.
      O’SHEA
      Recently appointed interim manager of the Republic of Ireland.
      ANDERSON 
      Assistant manager of Adana Demirspor in Turkey.
      MARTIN
      Signed for Isthmian League South East Division club Ramsgate at the start of the season.
      EAGLES
      He joined Alcoholics Anonymous in September 2021.
      NANI
      Still playing for Super Lig club Adana Demirspor.
      DONGCoaches youngsters back in China after retiring from playing More