Ian Holloway has revealed his admiration for the FA Cup as Millwall prepare to host League One Bradford City on Saturday.

There have long been concerns that The Cup is no longer the priority it once was, particularly among Premier League teams who focus on their league positioning and the potential income a strong season can generate.

Holloway has experienced the Premier League with both Blackpool and Crystal Palace but while he recognises The Cup can be an inconvenience at that level he is adamant it remains “a wonderful competition”.

“When I was up in the Premier League it was a nightmare,” he said.

“Because you want to try and stay in the Premier League and it really does get in the way.

“But in the Championship it’s a fantastic tournament, isn’t it?

“Absolutely fantastic tournament where anybody used to be able to beat anybody, and that was the whole thing. I remember Ronnie Radford’s (equalising) goal against Newcastle, for Hereford (who won 2-1, in 1972).

“It’s a wonderful competition, always has been, always will be. With the Champions League, it’s maybe not got the pull it used to have but hopefully people will realise that it is a wonderful competition and it’s down to the Premier League boys paying it due respect and playing their strongest teams, really.”

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