THERE is a common misconception that when a manager changes the personnel of his team for a cup game they are not taking the competition seriously.

Let me tell you that there is not a manager out there who enjoys losing any form of game. I can’t stand losing pre-season friendlies, in fact, I can’t even stand losing in training.

So no matter what team I select against Grays Athletic tonight in the Velocity Trophy I won’t ever be able to accept losing as OK.

One of the hardest parts of management is managing the players who haven’t played at the weekend.

There are cliches about it being a squad game but this isn’t Football Manager. These are real people with real lives and other priorities. Players’ commitment to the cause is really tested when they aren’t being picked because in their mind they question whether the sacrifice of playing at this level is worthwhile.

In my mind, the players on the bench are the most important ones. It’s crucial you don’t lose them and you have to understand things from their point of view.

You see a lot of changes in cup games because you have to give these guys an opportunity to remind you what they can do. If you don’t then why have them there at all?

A cup run can turn a mediocre season into a successful one or a successful season into an unbelievable one.

The FA Cup is approaching the business end with three of our sides still involved. Concord and East Thurrock must be delighted at home draws against lower opposition but neither manager will be naive enough to think anything in this competition is guaranteed. There is the prospect of drawing Dagenham & Redbridge or Leyton Orient in the next round.

Also, good luck to Billericay in their replay with Thamesmead. At home in front of a big crowd, and with 11 men, you would expect them to progress. We played Thamesmead last season and they will physically be a match for anyone and their manager has been there and done it. It should be a cracking game.