The Dream

Ever since the formation of FC United of Manchester by disgruntled Manchester United fans back in 2005 it has had a burning desire to have a ground to call its own.

While Bury’s Gigg Lane has been home for the last five seasons and a happy one at that, FCUM as they are affectionately (and slightly tongue in cheek – say it fast) known, has looked long and hard for a home. That dream appeared to be very close to reality in the form of Ten Acres Lane, a proposed new ground and sports facility in Newton Heath, the original home of Manchester United.

In conjunction with Manchester City Council it appeared as though the facility would be built and FCUM would at last have a home of their own. However, in light of the spending cuts introduced by the current Government, the council have had to review the plans. Here’s their statement:

Manchester City Council has announced that the proposal to develop a football ground with community sports provision at Ten Acres Lane in partnership with FC United will be under review.

As a result of the challenging local government settlement, the Council has to ensure that any available resources are optimised and deliver the very best for Manchester. The Council has therefore had to revisit its spending plans and examine other opportunities for securing a football facility within the city.

This will come as a huge blow to the club, currently lying sixth in the Unibond Premier League after beginning life in the North West Counties Division 2, but the board remain optimistic regardless and committed to starting the 2012-13 season in their own ground. A statement reads:

We are sure that the news that Ten Acres Lane is no longer a viable option will come as a considerable shock to our supporters as it did to the Board when we learnt of this development in the last few days.

However supporters should also note that the statement provides us with a number of commitments on behalf of Manchester City Council. It is these and other assurances that the Board have been working hard to secure in the last few days. It is our belief that as a result of negotiations some of those commitments are stronger than were even in place for Ten Acres Lane.

The emotional attachment we all felt to Ten Acres should not be underestimated. The Council appreciate that their decision means that the terms of the Community Share Scheme will need to be amended and a revised offer document issued. The club will send a separate communication next week to those members who have applied for Community Shares. We are satisfied that the Council have given the appropriate financial guarantees to ensure that the terms of the revised scheme will be at least equivalent to if not superior to those in the previous offer on Ten Acres Lane and that the proposed new site has the potential to deliver everything and more.

We ask supporters to remain patient and resilient in the coming days and weeks. There will be those within and outside our ranks that will question the future of this project. We stress, the Board remain fully committed to delivering a new home for FC United for the start of the 2012-13 season and no amount of setbacks will distract us from that pursuit.

Remarkably upbeat, in fact, considering what’s happened. Why am I writing about this? Well, FC United is a club close to my heart in so much as I had at least a small part to play in its founding and though I have not followed them in person since the end of that first remarkable, promotion-winning season, I have always wished them well and continue to do so.

The possibility of Ten Acres Lane becoming a reality excited me and I would and will go to the first match they play in their home, ticket availability allowing. I won’t take a ticket from a more loyal supporter.

So yes, it’s a blow to the club and the fans but I hope they remain as positive as they appear to be doing going forward and pursue any avenue open to achieving their ultimate goal. I urge supporters of every other club, League and non-League to do the same, because whether you agree with the reasons behind the existence of FCUM or not, what they have achieved in a relatively short period of time is nothing short of phenomenal and should be applauded.