Manchester approve plans for FC United stadium

 Source: localgov.co.uk

 James Evison

 Manchester city council have approved plans to build a new stadium for FC United of Manchester - the controversial club created in the wake of Manchester United's takeover by the US-based Glazer family.

The non-league club, formed in 2005, have drawn up plans for a 3.5 million-pound, 5000-capacity stadium at the Ten Acre Lane sports centre in the city.

The club's business plan was approved by the council - who own the site - earlier this week, and will now go out for consultation with the local community.

General manager of the club, Andy Walsh, told the Press Association: 'The significance of this location is historical while it also showcases a new model of facility development, based on football supporter ownership and community involvement.'

FC United currently play home games at Bury's Gigg Lane ground. If the stadium is constructed, it could see action by as early as the start of the 2012-12 football season.