Exeter boss unhappy at FA Cup changes

Exeter scored three times after the 85th-minute to beat non-league Barnet 5-3 in the FA Cup first round last month

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell says he is saddened by changes introduced to the FA Cup this season.

The Grecians face Caldwell's former club Chesterfield in the second round on Saturday with the lure of a possibly lucrative tie against a Premier League side if they progress.

However, this season is the first without replays - something Caldwell believes has damaged the competition.

"I think it's a competition that's been devalued a little bit in recent years because of Champions League and football looking at it as a lesser competition," he told BBC Radio Devon.

"Taking the replays out, I think, is a huge mistake and a massive blow for lower league clubs.

"But it's still a really special competition that I take very seriously, and hopefully we get a run where we can face some of the bigger clubs, Premier League clubs, whether that's at St James Park or away, that would be a really special occasion."

Exeter's existence as a football club is in part due to a third round replay.

The Grecians had debts of around £5m in 2005 after financial issues but were paired with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The then non-league side drew 0-0 before losing a televised replay at a packed St James Park and the revenues from the fixtures went a long way to paying off their debts.

In 2016, City drew 2-2 with Liverpool in the third round before going to Anfield for a replay, again securing sizable gate receipts and television money.

"You've seen over the years the drawn games that give that lucrative tie away from home," added Caldwell.

"It actually saved some football clubs in terms of the financing it provides, so I don't agree with it.

"I think there could have been space made elsewhere, I don't agree with Premier League clubs playing all over the world and creating more money for the clubs that have the most money.

"I still believe in England they have a brilliant football pyramid that should be protected and looked after and this is one of those decisions that hasn't done that."