Manchester Premier Cup

FC United have been drawn at home to Flixton in the next round of the Manchester Premier Cup.

The game will be played on Wednesday 9th January 2007, kick off 7:45pm at Radcliffe Borough’s Inn2gether Stadium, Stainton Park, Pilkington Road, Radcliffe, Manchester, M26 3PE.

The game will be pay on the gate. Admission prices are as follows:

£6 Adults
£2 Under 18s
£2 Over 60s & Unwaged

Why Radcliffe:

As previously stated when we moved the other Wednesday night cup matches the decision to switch the match to a smaller venue has not been taken lightly. The board and management of FC United have made the decision based on the likely costs incurred for such a fixture, against the likely revenue from gate receipts on the night. The costs of hiring as large a stadium as Gigg Lane could not be justified as to do so might run the serious risk of the club actually making a loss on the game.

As many supporters are aware, the gate revenue for cup matches is split evenly between the competing clubs. What some may not be aware of is that, in addition, we cannot claim the ground hire fee as part of matchday expenses.

It is with this in mind that the decision was taken to move the game to a smaller venue. Other venues throughout the Greater Manchester area have again been considered, and Radcliffe is still considered to be the best option available.

The reduction in gate prices demonstrates the club’s committment to provide affordable football and we are grateful to Flixton for agreeing to the reduced entry price.

The board and management are committed to ensuring that FC United operates within our financial means and hopes that this pragmatic decision will not unduly inconvenience supporters. Please note that FC United have a contract to rent Gigg Lane for all home league matches, and therefore this is not an action that we anticipate taking for any Northern Premier League games for the forthcoming season.