History beckons at the Willows

Source: Salford Advertiser

IT may be more famous for rugby league, but The Willows is expecting a huge crowd when it hosts the historic football match between Salford City and FC United.

FC United, who average over 2,500 fans per match, will visit the Salford Reds’ stadium on Tuesday, September 26 for the North West Counties Football League division one game after a deal was struck between Salford City Football Club and Reds’ owner John Wilkinson.

FCUM had hoped to be based at The Willows when the club was formed last year in the wake of Malcolm Glazer’s take over at Manchester United but a deal with Mr Wilkinson could not be struck.
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He was, however, happy to help City, who will enjoy a big cash boost, as they were unable to stage the game at their Moor Lane ground due to the limited capacity. Mr Wilkinson said: "Salford City contacted me and I am happy to host the game as it will help raise their profile and having this fixture in Salford would be a massive boost for the area and the football club.

"Unfortunately there will substantial amounts of cash involved to cover our costs but I am looking forward to the game being here and hopefully there will be a big crowd.

"FC United approached me some time ago about the possibility of playing their home games at the Willows.

"I thought we had enough going on there without a football team playing on the pitch every other week too.

"As well as the Reds we use the pitch for development purposes which involves the local community. School kids play on it as well as all our junior teams and I have to be sure the pitch and stadium can stand up to it. Although the extra revenue would have been nice I have to make a decision based on what is best for Salford City Reds. It’s nothing personal against FC United at all."

Salford City player and former Manchester United star Ben Thornley said: "It’ll be great to have the game at the Willows, both for the club and the players.

"There’ll be a big crowd which will create a good atmosphere for us and hopefully it’ll bring in a few extra quid for the club as well which we need at this level."