South Essex clubs are resigned to losing out on FA Cup cash when the Football Association's council meets tomorrow.

Football's rulers are to discus slashing £2million from the prize funds available to clubs competing in the qualifying and first and second rounds proper.

If the plan is approved league clubs such as Southend United and Ryman teams like Canvey Island, Billericay Town, Grays Athletic and Thurrock will get slimmer rewards for any success.

"Clearly any reduction in prize money would not be good for the lower divisions bearing in mind the reductions in club incomes from the Football League and TV over the last two years," said Southend deputy chairman Geoffrey King.

"With salary capping in position the clubs will need every single bit of income they can generate."

"I think the plan will probably go ahead because the FA's own finances are not in the best of health."

Club chiefs from Canvey and Billericay are also bracing themselves for a smaller cash pot when the competition starts again in August.

The Gulls have benefitted financially from successful FA Cup runs in the past few years.

They were beaten in the first round proper by Brighton in 1995/96, bowed out in the second round proper to the Shrimpers in 2000/01 and succumbed to Burnley in the third round proper the following season after a televised win over Northampton helped them raise £250,000.

Published Friday, June 20, 2003

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