Grimsby Town Football Club finds it absolutely disgraceful that such fundamental changes to the format of the FA Cup have been agreed without, it seems, any consultation outside of the English Premier League.

The removal of early round replays, among other changes, without the voice of any club outside the EPL, shows scant regard for those clubs that make the English football pyramid the envy of most. A decision that could have substantial consequences for any lower league club embarking on a cup run. We know only too well the importance of a ‘second chance’ having taken Luton Town to a replay, setting up that memorable tie against Southampton last season.

This is yet another example of why the Independent Football Regulator, with the right powers, is so important to the game and cannot come soon enough.

The dreams of so many should not be denied by so few. We call on The FA to pause any changes to the competition and undertake a fair consultation with all clubs that these changes can impact on.

The GTFC Board