The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON
First Round Proper Replay
Monday 20 November 2006
Winning clubs will receive £16,000



Rochdale are spending a large chunk of their TV windfall by providing free coach travel to their First Round replay at Hartlepool - just another example of the benefits of The FA Cup.

The League Two club are using some of the £75,000 they receive from The FA for appearing live on TV to ensure the club are well supported at Victoria Park.

Club chairman Chris Dunphy said: "We believe that our supporters have been forced to dig deep into their pockets in recent weeks having played four consecutive home games, so to help ease the financial burden we've decided to lay on coaches to the FA Cup replay completely free of charge.

"In doing this we hope fans will make the journey to the North-East to support the team and give us the best possible opportunity to progress to the Second Round.

"The financial rewards from a good Cup run can be immense and the Board of Directors are aware that a large away following making plenty of noise does increase the chances of victory."

The financial rewards at stake in The FA Cup are vital to clubs all over the country. A good Cup run can ensure a non-League team stays afloat for another season, while TV appearance money might help a lower League club buy a new player. Or, as Rochdale's generous offer shows, The FA Cup can also benefit the fans.

The match, a 7.45pm kick-off, will be screened live on Sky Sports.

All clubs involved in live TV matches in the First Round will each receive £75,000 from The FA's Broadcast Fund with the winners scooping a further £16,000 from the Prize Fund.