Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder makes an admission about the status of the FA Cup after 11 changes and 19,000 drop in attendance

Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United manager, admits the FA Cup may have lost a bit of its magic after his side booked their place in the fourth round with a 2-1 victory over AFC Fylde.
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Wilder, mindful of the mental and physical effects that back-to-back games against Manchester City and Liverpool had on his Premier League side, made 11 change for the visit of the National League side but avoided a repeat of last season, when they limped out of the competition after losing to non-league Barnet.

Only four Premier League clubs made less than five changes over third-round weekend, while the all-Championship tie between Charlton and West Brom saw 20 changes made.

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"It's certainly lost a touch in the build-up to it," Wilder said.

Chris Wilder wants to bring in new players during the January transfer window: Simon Bellis/SportimageChris Wilder wants to bring in new players during the January transfer window: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Chris Wilder wants to bring in new players during the January transfer window: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

"You never used to see any changes in the third round. But the introduction, rise and growth of the Premier League means that's by far the biggest competition in this country.

"I hope people understand why we made 11 changes."

Only 11,133 fans were at Bramall Lane to watch the game, with United closing the Kop stand to reflect demand for the game.

The 19,089 drop in attendance from their last home league game, the Boxing Day clash against Watford that attracted 30,222 fans, was the biggest in the top two divisions.

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“There is never going to be the same flow as at first-team level,” Wilder added.

"But it was all about attitude and I thought the attitude of the players was great.

“They smelt an upset towards the end but we saw it through.”

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