Town boosted by United visit

Town boosted by United visit

By Staff Copy

DESPITE losing 3-0 to FC United of Manchester, Bridlington Town had a day to remember as a crowd of over 1,000 was recorded at Queensgate.

The revenue that went Town’s way will help keep them going for some time, while the town as a whole benefited from the hundred of fans that travelled across the Pennines, with many vowing to comeback for another stay.

And while the football club’s coffers were boosted, many businesses in the town will have noticed a big difference in what is usually a quite time of year.

Many hotels and guest houses were booked up with fans making the most of the game on the east Coast making it a weekend break, while shops, restaurants and many others will also have had a peak in trade.

Bridlington Town chairman Peter Smurthwaite said: “I trust many local hotels, boarding houses, restaurants, cafes, shops and taxis benefited from the visiting fans over the weekend which shows the value of this football club to the town.

“It would be nice if some of these businesses could help the football club with much needed sponsorship to raise their own profile, especially with highlights from the game also being shown on the UniBond League TV channel, which can still be accessed on www.unibondleague.com this week.”

The chairman was also pleased with how the club coped with such a spectator boom, with the gate up around 600% on usual weeks. “I would like to thank my committee and staff who did a marvellous job to make sure the day was a success, I also thank our own fans, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Insp Steve Jackson at Bridlington Police and the Free Press for their help and support.

“Any businesses that may be interested in sponsoring a game, taking an advertising board, an advert in the match day programme or on the club website, can contact myself, the Free Press or the club website www.bridtownafc.co.uk for further information.”

Here are just some of the views the Free Press received from visiting fans, with many leaving comments on our website – http://www.bridlingtonfreepress.co.uk/

“Thanks to everyone at Bridlington for their hospitality. Also a big thanks to the Beaconsfield Arms who made us very welcome.”

“A great weekend all round. Many thanks to Lyndsey, Simon and the staff at the Beaconsfield Arms, Patsy, Adie and staff at Ye Old Star Inn, Sue and the Staff at The Expanse and to all at Bridlington Town FC for their tremendous efforts.”

“Thanks Bridlington. We had a superb weekend both before the match at the Greyhound pub, during the match and after match party at Ye Olde Star Inn. Also big thanks to Trevor and Christine at the Ivanhoe Guest House who were friendly and welcoming hosts. We even had breakfast with the Brid Town manager and some of the players. We hope to be back and wish you all the best for the rest of the season. Anyone fancy a weekend way then Brid is the place to go.”

“We had a fabulous time this weekend. Comfortable stay at Radcliffe House. Good atmosphere at the game and in the social before, and yes the staff worked very hard. Cheap beer in the Old Town before the FC party.

Even managed a walk round the lighthouse at Flamborough to blow away the cobwebs. We shall definitely return.”

Last Updated: 06 November 2007 2:11 PM