Football: Pulis calls for one-off semi-final
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Your support makes all the difference.THE GILLINGHAM manager, Tony Pulis, has called for the Nationwide League play-off system to be revamped as he prepares for his side's Second Division semi-final first leg at Preston North End tomorrow.
Pulis believes a one-off semi-final at a neutral ground - similar to the FA Cup - would be more suitable to managers, players and supporters at the end of a gruelling season.
"I'd prefer to have one game at Villa Park, for example. A neutral ground and a big crowd would be far better in my opinion," Pulis said. "Both clubs could have 20,000 fans there and we could finish it all on the day. It would be a great occasion.
"You only have to look at the other semi to see it would make sense. Wigan play Manchester City on Saturday and there will be a crowd of 7,000. They should have played that game as a one-off at Old Trafford."
After finishing third in the Second Division, Joe Royle, the Manchester City manager, is confident his side can overcome Wigan. "This club's magnificent supporters have stayed with us in vast numbers and deserve their reward," he said.
"We've had 46 cup finals in the League and we have three more to play. We know Wigan will be very tough but my players are ready for it. There's no fitter team in the division."
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