Penrith boss slams FA over cup final date
Last updated 13:33, Wednesday, 16 April 2008
PENRITH TOWN boss Dave Heslop has launched a scathing attack on county FA chiefs ahead of tonight's Cumberland Cup Final against Carlisle United (Brunton Park, 7.30pm).
Heslop blasted the Cumberland FA's decision to arrange the showpiece game at just seven days’ notice, accused them of putting his side's promotion bid at risk and admitted he is considering “whether we should really be involved in this competition”.
He told News & Star Sport: “It has taken a bit of the gloss off it for me. It's a distraction now and it shouldn't be. It should be a reward for the players, staff and club officials.
“My own view, not the club's, is 'should we really be involved in this competition?'. “I don't know why the game had to be arranged so quickly at such short notice. Traditionally it has always been played at the end of the season.
“It has been herded in for someone else's convenience and I know for a fact some players now won't be available for next Tuesday's rearranged game against North Shields.”
Penrith were scheduled to play away at North Shields last night in a game which could have seen them win promotion to Arngrove Northern One.
Heslop added: “It has been hastily arranged and there has been no thought as to our position.
“We'll need to look closely at the players fitness and it may now be the case that some are rested. We've worked too hard all season to risk our promotion chances now.”
Carlisle have named a host of senior professionals in their squad including captain Paul Thirlwell, Paul Arnison, Zigor Aranalde and Kevin Gall.
Danny Carlton, Luke Joyce and Chris Howarth should also be involved along with youngsters Stephen Hindmarch, Connor Tinnion, Tom Aldred, Matt Duffy, Jonny Blake and Andy Cook.
Thirlwell, recently back from an ankle injury, is set to play the full 90 minutes as he prepares to return to United's League One promotion push.
“It will be the strongest team we have put out in the competition this year,” said Carlisle coach Eric Kinder. “We will approach it right and see where it takes us.”
David Lynn (knee), Paul Pattinson (ankle), Matty Lea (knee) and Joe Blaylock (ankle) are all doubts for Penrith.
The Cumberland FA were unavailable for comment.
