English Cups

The League (carling) Cup is often thought of as a "mickey mouse cup" as least by the big clubs fans, smaller clubs see it as the're main chance for siverware (m'boro for example).

the FA Cup is certanly #2 after the title, but it really depends on the year, if a couple of lower league teams make it to the Qs or the semis, there's alot more talk about it...ah, the "romantic" cup

 

It depends totally on who you ask.

A generation ago, the league cup was seen as an important cup, nothing stellar, but important none the less.
Remember, and this is key, there were a lot less European games in those days.In todays football, with success in Europe being so richly rewarded, it's seen as more of an unnecessary risk for the main players on the top teams - this is typified by Wenger in his unrelenting turn out of reserves each and every game, mixed with an odd first team player here and there if they progress.
Chelsea, to our credit, have usually fielded very strong teams.
As for a direct comparison to the title it's last on the list of things to win.

Not that many years ago, the FA Cup ranked second only to the title in the teams eyes.
Sadly, it's only the old school fans that see it that way today.
A teams entire season could be looked back on with real meaning if they won the FA Cup - regardless of where the finished in the league (barring relegation of course)
Today, all teams would gladly sacrifice an FA Cup win for a champions league finishing position in the league, given the huge rewards of the competition, financially speaking.

I started following football in the 70's and am very much of the old school.
I would trade a European Cup win for the FA Cup any day - even though i fully realise that the glamour of the competition has taken such a back seat to the champs league that it isn't even in the car!

But thats just me.
I know i'm not alone though.