Alternative venue required for FA Sunday Cup final

Liverpool FC have advised the FA that they are unable to host this season's FA Sunday Cup final, due to 'other fixture commitments'.

I'm not exactly sure what this is, as Liverpool are due to play Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday 30th April. The Sunday Cup final is schedule for the day after, so unless the TV powers that be have decided to move the game forward by 24 hours, I can't see what other commitments Liverpool have.

Liverpool are away at Fulham the following week, so why not move the Sunday Cup final to the 8th of May? It would be a shame if two Liverpool sides made it to the final only for it to be played elsewhere (unless the FA stage it at Goodison Park!).

The FA hope to announce the final venue after the semi final games have been played on 20th March.

There is no doubt, that over the last 12 years or so, the FA have managed to secure some very impressive grounds to stage the final of the Sunday Cup.

The last 8 finals have all been played at Anfield, which has been a great choice of venue for a number of reasons. I'm sure all of the finalists who played there were grateful for the opportunity to play at such a prestigious ground.

It must have also been a proud occasion for the Liverpool County FA, whose teams support the Sunday Cup like no other region does.

I think it's also been a great boost for the competition itself, to have its final staged at Anfield. It maybe coincidental, but the number of entries in the Sunday Cup have significantly increased during the years the final was played at Liverpool.

Villa Park hosted the 2001 and 2002 finals, whilst the 1999 and 2000 finals were at Nottingham Forrest. Hopefully the FA can secure another great venue for this season's final game.

There maybe those who would prefer the final to be played at a ground with a smaller capacity, as the Sunday Cup final attendance rarely exceeds more than a couple of thousand spectators but I believe the final should be played at one of the Premiership's flagship grounds. After all, the FA Trophy and FA Vase finals have been played at Wembley for years and the crowds they generate are nowhere near capacity, so why should the Sunday Cup be any different?