Dan Clough blog: Wembley semi-final makes no sense (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Dan Clough blog: Wembley semi-final makes no sense

11:33am Tuesday 12th March 2013 in Football By Dan Clough, Reporter

I AM not the first to complain about this and I certainly won’t be the last, but why the heck are the FA Cup semi-finals played at Wembley?

I understand that the FA is trying to make up the cost of building the stadium by playing more games there, but for football fans it really does kill it.

If, and it is a big if, Rovers beat Millwall tomorrow night and do make it through, then Rovers fans will join our Lancashire neighbours from Wigan on a long trip down the M6 for a game against each other.

Now where is the logic in that?

It will be Christ knows how much for a ticket as well, so you’re looking at a good £100 at least for the day out, and that’s without having a few pints or staying the night.

And that is if you’re on your own. I do feel for those with kids who would have to fork out for them as well.

Also, if we were to lose on Wednesday, how can it be fair for Wigan fans to travel 205 miles whereas their opposition would only be going 16 miles?

It is supposed to be a neutral venue, but for a London team, playing at Wembley against a side from Lancashire cannot feel neutral.

On top of this, there is a big decision to make for those cash-strapped supporters who can’t manage to go to every away game.

Should Rovers get to the semi-final, do you go regardless and enjoy the day, or do you skip it in the hope they win and you can afford to go the final?

Not many people can afford two Wembley trips inside two months, so do you risk being too skint to go to the final?

The last time Rovers got to the FA Cup semi-final it was at Old Trafford. A perfectly good venue for the occasion.

Perfectly sized and perfectly neutral. Plus not too far to travel for Rovers fans.

Having the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley is taking some of the magic away from the famous trophy and the thrill of cup final day itself.

Then again, if I can afford it and do go down on the day, I will undoubtedly enjoy myself. Go figure.

Meanwhile, it was good to see Dunny back in a Rovers shirt on Sunday.

He came on and did pretty well in a game in which we were struggling to get a foothold.

He may be getting on a bit, but he is one of the only ones there who fully understands Rovers, being a local lad.

It would be nice to see him come back into the squad and feature more often, even if only fleetingly from the bench.

Let’s just hope he can steer clear of injuries in the final few weeks of the season.