WANDERERS were left cursing their luck as football bosses revealed a £30 million prize fund to save the FA Cup a year too late for Blues.

Soho Square chiefs have announced that for the first time since the competition started in 1872 prize money will be paid out after every round.

But the decision has come too late for Wanderers who would have netted £725,000 from their run to the semi-finals last year.

Blues boss Lawrie Sanchez said: "It's typical. The FA start dishing out prize money the year after we get to the semi-finals. It's just our bloomin' luck. The money they are giving out would have almost doubled what we earned from the competition last year."

The FA introduced the prize fund at the weekend in a bid to breathe new life into a competition many feel has lost its appeal.

For the first time ever each club that wins a tie at every stage of the competition will receive a set prize. The pay out starts at £20,000 for the winners of the first round proper and rises in each round to a £2 million jackpot for the eventual winners.

It also offers rich pickings to Bucks' army of Ryman League clubs who will set out on the FA Cup trail this year.

Clubs who win in the first qualifying round will bank £7,500 and stand to net £45,000 before the competition starts proper on November 17 if they win through the other three qualifying rounds.

Chesham United secretary Jim Chambers said: "It has made everyone's eyes light up. The sort of money that can be made could make a huge difference to us."

United enter the competition in the second qualifying round on September 29 at home to either East Thurrock, Sawbridgeworth, Milton Keynes City or Edgware Town with £7,500 on offer to the winners.

Chambers said: "That's the equivalent of three home games with bar takings taken into account for us and if we could get beyond that and start getting among the £20,000 prize money that would make a real difference."

FA Chief Adam Crozier said: "This is a unique way of ensuring the FA Cup is used to redistribute money. It means the entire game gets a chance to share in the revenue generated. The FA is committed to investing and helping all levels of football and to ensure the long-term health of the FA Cup."