Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna believes that the 'heritage' of the FA Cup should be protected after it was announced that replays would be scrapped from the first-round proper from next season.

The plans, which were confirmed in a statement made by the FA last Friday, revealed that an agreement had been reached with the Premier League to 'strengthen the Emirates FA Cup format with new and exclusive calendar windows'.

Although it reduces fixture congestion for top clubs, particularly those involved in the expanded European competitions, lower-ranked sides will miss out on vital revenue gained by replays.

Key figures within the EFL and non-league believe that, while the Premier League is promosing an 'additional £33 million for grassroots football on top of the £100 million it currently gives to good causes each season', it won't make up for what the clubs lose due to these new alterations.

McKenna is aware that some clubs will feel incredibly frustrated as a result, having been involved in the early stages of the competition earlier in his career.

“I understand the disappointment from the smaller clubs down the football pyramid, who can benefit a lot from the FA Cup replays," he said.

“I’ve been involved in those, even in my time as a coach at Loughborough at the very early rounds of the FA Cup.

“I understand the disappointment from those clubs. It’s a fantastic competition.

“Of course, there’s an argument at the higher end of the pyramid around fixture congestion, but I think the FA Cup is a fantastic tournament, and in all aspects possible, it’s important to try and protect that heritage.”