Boss calls for Mont Cup revamp

 

Four Crosses became the latest side to pull out, following on from a difficult recent history for the ancient trophy which only played out its 2010 final after Christmas this year.

 

Crosses boss Nick Popyk said the club “simply could not fulfil” their Sunday fixture with Carno and has warned the competition’s guardians that unless a new format or compromise is found, there may not be a place for it in the modern game.

 

“This has not been a decision we have taken lightly but one that was necessary,” he said: “We were struggling for a side to travel to Carno. I have six players out as well as others at a christening and committed to a Sunday League title decider.

 

“We have been trying to sort out an alternative date as we wanted to remain in the competition and play against higher league opposition in Carno but due to an increase in the amount of midweek games there was no alternative date.

 

“Out of respect for the competition and Carno we made the decision early rather than leave it to see if there was any chance. We wish Carno all the best in the rest of the competition and just wish we had made their passage a little more difficult by giving them a game.”

 

Popyk has joined the likes of Guilsfield boss Russell Cadwallader in calling for a revamp of the competition and has suggested an idea he believes would be workable.

 

“Perhaps the early rounds could be played pre-season instead of friendly matches?” he said. “It could be wrapped up a lot earlier and would also pull in bigger crowds.”