Not treating fans like ‘cattle’ is the key to building a bright future, according to FC United who are set to move into a 5000-seater stadium next season.
Since the birth of the ‘fans club’ United have became a major name in the non-league and with the supporter’s backing this is only set to continue.
Around 200 volunteers help the club on match days and the club say it is this backbone that has been pivotal in the rise from the North West Counties Football League Division Two since forming in 2005.
FC United Press and Communications Officer, Andy Walker, told MM: “We’re showing supporters should be involved in every aspect and we trust them and want to get them involved.
“The club treats them with respect, we don’t charge silly money and have brought in the most we ever have had this season.
“If we treat them like cattle and call them when in dire straits then we won’t get that.
He also feels not having their own ground in recent times has not helped but believes United now has the platform to take the club to the next level.
He said: “That hasn’t helped, one of the key things is having an identity and a home.
“As a group we are united and it has been brilliant to have Gigg Lane but it is a hindrance and we have had a couple of play-off matches where we have not managed to play at home.
“Our plans have been bubbling away for a while and we can now focus on success.”
Curzon Ashton boss John Flanagan has also backed the Manchester club to keep moving forward.
He said: “They’ve somehow managed to maintain a good foundation and put shovels into the ground.
“It’s a fantastic achievement and if they can sort out their overheads they can reach the height of the conference.”
Image courtesy of Yellow Book, with thanks
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