Romance of the Cup still alive as Fergie, Wenger, Bruce, Eriksson and Ramos hit back at Kitson claims

On the eve of the third round, Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson, Steve Bruce and Sven Goran Eriksson hit back at Reading striker Dave Kitson who claimed he did not give 'two sh***' about the 135-year-old competition.

Wigan boss Bruce, who has three winners' medals from his years at Manchester United, believes Kitson would change his mind if he ever made it to a prestigious Wembley showpiece.

Scroll down for more

"I can honestly say the FA Cup made my career," said Bruce. "I know what it meant to me and it's pretty sad that people look at it differently now.

"But if somebody like Dave Kitson was fortunate enough to play in a final he would understand that it does mean something.

"When you reach the stage when you put on your slippers, you will look back and FA Cup memories make your career what it is.

"If you are lucky enough to win it, then that is up there as the finest achievement and greatest occasion of your career. The final and the build-up with the world watching is all wonderful.

"Not that long ago, it was probably more important than winning the League."

The FA Cup's reputation has been bruised by clubs, like Reading, who field weakened teams in order to keep players fresh for the battle to avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

The Big Four — Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea — have monopolised the Cup for the last 12 years and some of the other Premier League clubs have given up trying.

United boss Ferguson has rested players from the competition in the past but insists he never lost respect for a trophy won a record 11 times by the club from Old Trafford.

"We've got the best FA Cup record in the country, so it means a lot to us," said Ferguson.

"We've had some fantastic experiences in it, even when we've ended up losing finals.

"What's your priority? Is it Premier League, Champions League or the FA Cup? On this occasion it's the FA Cup, and the priority is to get the result we need. Staying in the FA Cup is a big thing."

Arsenal boss Wenger echoed the sentiments of his rival, saying: "I don't like it when people disrespect the FA Cup. Personally, I love the competition."

Former England manager Eriksson is preparing for his first taste of the Cup as Manchester City travel to West Ham and he vowed to play his strongest team.

"This is a very important competition to us and we want to win it," said the Swede.

"It is beautiful and it would be very nice to sit in on the bench at Wembley in your suit with a rose in the lapel.

"Everyone in Italy, Sweden and Portugal are jealous of the FA Cup because it is the biggest club cup competition in the world and it has lost none of its magic."

Tottenham's new Spanish boss Juande Ramos, preparing to face Reading again after last week's 6-4 league win, is clearly aware of Spurs' FA Cup tradition.

"It's a beautiful and important competition," he said.

"It's a title which is very prestigious and also it gives you a ticket to European competitions."

But he refused to believe that Kitson and his team-mates will not be trying to win at White Hart Lane today.

He said: "Reading will try to win the game, same as us.

"I think they're looking to make us feel complacent. I think that is a case of a wolf in sheep's clothing. We know we can't make a mistake. If we do we are out of the Cup."