Fulham manager Martin Jol labelled the FA Cup the "best competition in the world" after watching his side dispatch of Charlton on Saturday.
Clint Dempsey's hat-trick helped a strong-looking Cottagers side avoid a potential third-round upset against the npower League One leaders. The United States international's efforts were complemented by a late Damien Duff goal as Fulham secured a 4-0 victory and safe passage to the fourth round, much to the delight of Jol.
"I wasn't here for the last four or five years but I still think the FA Cup is the best competition in the world," the former Tottenham manager said. "I told the players that and maybe they think differently, but I don't think so."
He added: "For a club like Fulham, maybe you can discuss about (the importance of) the Carling Cup but the FA Cup for me is not sacred, but it is one of the best competitions.
"The only thing that is amazing is I looked at Birmingham v Wolves, for example, and I said to Ray Lewington 'I thought it would be a sellout?' Even when I played it was a sellout and it was the same when I was at Spurs. 20,000 is okay and I hope and that appreciation for the FA Cup will remain the same."
While disappointed by the scoreline, counterpart Chris Powell was pleased by Charlton's level of performance at Craven Cottage.
"I think what today shows you is that you have to be clinical when you get the chances," Powell said. "That is the difference.
"A couple of the goals came through deflections and perhaps a penalty that shouldn't have been.
"I feel 4-0 was quite harsh on us today because we did have moments of quality and chances.
"I thought David Stockdale made three or four very good saves from Bradley Wright-Phillips, one from Yann Kermogant and one from Danny Green. They are the moments when you play a team from the higher levels you need to take."
Source: PA
