THE magic of the FA Cup was back last weekend and the third round brought more giant killing exploits.

I saw probably the biggest on the day, when Conference side Telford United knocked out first Division Crewe Alexandra, 73 places higher on the League standings.

But nowadays are the results watered down by some clubs and not considered as important as they once were?

During recent seasons, priorities of some of the Premiership clubs have changed. Keeping their club in the top flight is the single most important event.

They seem to look on these prestigious cup games as something of a hindrance, which detracts from other important competitions.

But is it a cop out? If an upset arrives, then the excuses are already in place. The squad rotation system has been used. Defeat will mean being able to concentrate on avoiding relegation; hitting those top four Champions League places; getting into the play off positions etc.

Many of the luminaries in the game now consider the European Champions League has outstripped every other domestic competition.

Whether it's changed for the professional footballer, though, is another thing altogether. Have they been brainwashed into agreeing with such opinions?

The prospect of playing in the FA Cup Final at Wembley in front of 100,000 spectators was something every starry eyed teenager dreamed about a few decades ago.

When I was a kid playing in the fields in baggy trousers, most nights of the week, I had similar dreams. In fact I had two. Playing for England in a full international and in the FA Cup Final, both at Wembley.

The first came true. England v Czechoslovakia European Qualifying game 1974 which England won 3-0, Colin Bell scoring twice.

Sadly, though, I missed out on the second dream, my hopes being dashed on two occasions at the semi-final stage of the competition.

Burnley v Newcastle 1974 played at Hillsborough, where Malcolm McDonald was the party pooper scoring both goals to deny us the chance of lining up against Liverpool in the final.

The other semi-final defeat was with Everton at Maine Road, against our fiercest rivals Liverpool.

So the team which takes possession of the magnificent trophy at the Millenium Stadium will have had to face some hairy moments, score some brilliant goals and enjoyed a slice of luck along the way.

After seeing the job done in a tricky tie at Mansfield, Burnley can look forward to an all First Division clash against Gillingham in the fourth Round to keep alive the hopes of all the Clarets fans that maybe, just maybe, this is the year!