Jol insists FA Cup has not lost its magic

After seeing his Fulham side send their third round tie with Blackpool to a replay, the Dutchman underlined the importance of the "unbelievable" cup competition

Fulham manager Martin Jol has spoken of his love for the FA Cup following his side's 1-1 third round draw with Blackpool.

The Cottagers fell behind to Ludovic Sylvestre’s opener but secured a replay thanks to Giorgos Karagounis' stunning late strike on Saturday afternoon.

And the Dutchman, who reached the semi-final of the FA Cup as a player with West Brom, insisted a disappointing turnout on Saturday did not detract from the "magic" of the competition.

	MAGIC OF THE CUP?
80/1	Fulham are 80/1 to win the FA Cup with bet365

"We had fourteen, fifteen thousand here today and that is good, but I would like to have sell outs all the time because that is what I tell people abroad: in the early stages [of the cup] we have sell-outs," Jol told The Telegraph.

"It was such a good competition and an unbelievable cup to win. I love the FA Cup. When I played in England they were always special games.

"For a lot of teams, it’s a reason to put the sparkle back into the season and do something nice.

"It’s special. There is a tradition here about it. I know some people think it has lost some of its magic but it hasn’t for me."