PHIL Parkinson has expressed his sympathy for the fans who could not get their hands on Chelsea tickets.

The City boss felt they could have sold 20,000 – more than three times the allocation the visitors have been given.

The club have been criticised after some queued for tickets but finished empty-handed. But Parkinson thought they had done all they could to distribute them as fairly as possible.

Parkinson said: "I'm frustrated for the supporters who've missed out. But unfortunately we've got such a big core of support and only got the 6,000.

"Julian (Rhodes), Mark (Lawn) and James (Mason) have tried to be very fair with the fans. They want to do the right things because they understand the relationship between the supporters and the football club.

"I don't know the details of what did or didn't happen. But I know that when I'm in their company, they are all talking about how they can help.

"It's always difficult to keep everybody happy in these situations. James Mason and the office staff have been working so hard since before the Millwall game.

"They've been in early hours and leaving late. We haven't got a massive staff at the ground, and they've been stretched to the absolute limit, but the work they've put in has been excellent.

"They are all frustrated there has been a level of disgruntlement but hopefully we can get Chelsea back for a replay and all those who've missed out can see that game. That will be an extra incentive for the lads."

Parkinson will demand that his team provide "value for money" for the travelling army who will fill the away end at Stamford Bridge.

He said: "To sell 6,000 tickets so quickly was brilliant. It shows the connection between the city and the club is a big one.

"We want to give the ones who have got tickets value for money. The support has been incredible since I've been at the club and we know they will get right behind us throughout the game."