Do the Dwight thing

Man Utd hero backs bid to save FA Cup replays as lifeline for small clubs

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG and LIZZY BUCHAN

DWIGHT Yorke is cheering on the Mirror's campaign for the return of FA Cup replays, saying they are vital for small clubs' finances.

The Manchester United legend played in one of the most famous replays, when an amazing Ryan Giggs goal in extra time of a semi-final defeated Arsenal 2-1 on the way to lifting the 1999 treble.

Yorke, 52, spoke after we unveiled a bid to save replays, which also boost local communities.

The former striker said: "The lesser clubs deserve a replay. It is for the common good of the game.

"The big clubs can give more of the gate receipts in FA Cup games. But the lower leagues need the finances of a cup run to survive." Yorke believes replays were axed by the FA because of the strain on Premier League stars.

But he said ending a great tradition of the oldest football competition is not the answer.