Southend boss disappointed by removal of FA Cup replay chance – with Charlton Athletic first-round opponents

Southend United boss Kevin Maher expressed his disappointment at the fact FA Cup replays have been scrapped ahead of his side’s first-round clash against Charlton on Saturday.

The National League side welcome Nathan Jones’ side to Roots Hall, but they will not be able to set up a future meeting at The Valley after the FA announced towards the end of last season that the competition will only be played on weekends, with replays scrapped from the first round onwards.

The Addicks are 12th in League One, with their opponent’s 14th two divisions below.

Maher, who played with the Charlton boss during their time together at Southend, said: “It can bring gate receipts and money through the door, which is important in terms of sustainability.

“We haven’t had great runs in the FA Cup recently. We’d love to, but it’s a tough game and that’s our focus.

“The fact that we weren’t consulted on replays is something. For clubs like us who are trying to get to a sustainable position, replays against big teams can make a huge amount of difference for clubs at our level.

“For that to be taken away is really disappointing, but we’ve got to accept it and move on.”

PICTURE: ALAMY