Brian Kidd says Man City will not be underestimating the FA Cup as they bid to end their long wait for silverware.
City assistant boss wants success after long wait for silverware
Manchester City assistant boss Brian Kidd says the big spenders will not be underestimating the FA Cup as they bid to end their long wait for silverware.
Money-rich City clash with Notts County in their fourth-round replay at Eastlands on Sunday.
While some top-flight clubs fail to field a full strength side in the competition, Kidd insists City will be taking the tournament seriously as they seek to win their first trophy since the League Cup in 1976.
He said: "The importance of this tournament cannot be underestimated.
"Once you win a trophy it is intoxicating. It is a great feeling.
Time length
"The length of time is there as well. You can't get away from the fact it has been so many years since we won a trophy.
"But it is like getting an injection. You want more of it."
But Kidd admits the world's oldest knockout competition 'has been diluted a little bit' with the demands of the modern game, including some Premier League clubs prioritising top-flight survival.
This weekend also sees fourth-round replays - including City's clash - among fifth-round ties.
To combat the perceived decline, there have been suggestions to scrap replays and introduce seedings into the competition, potentially for the 2012/13 season onwards.
A bit
When asked if the FA Cup could recapture former glories, Kidd said: "If I am honest, it has a bit to do.
"Football has changed dramatically. Clubs who are not fortunate enough to have strength in depth want to stop in the league because of what goes with it.
"The FA Cup has been diluted a little bit."
He added: "It is up to the powers that be to see if they can do something.
"The FA Cup was a fantastic occasion. People say you are old fashioned and times have changed but it was a memorable day.
"Every supporter in the land watched the FA Cup final. It wasn't just if your team was there. You had the brass band, the singing, the white suits. It was fantastic. I suppose the modern ones don't want that now do they?"
