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Packed co-owners' meeting considers progress on new ground

FC United Board member Kate Ramsey opened the co-owners’ meeting on Saturday 8 February 2014 at a packed Bury Social Club. The turnout was doubly impressive given that the Stafford home game had been postponed because of the weather.

Board member Adam Brown gave an update on the ground and said how fantastic it was that digging was taking place on site and things were visibly taking shape. It was brilliant to see, he said, and weather permitting we would remain on track. There was now a cabin on site to give out information to locals and members as the work progresses.

Adam updated the meeting on the build progress, reporting that we were on schedule although there were some issues with rain and drainage which were being addressed. Piling is completed and foundations work is underway.

He also gave an update on the costs of the project which currently stand at £5.72m. We have managed to reduce our borrowing requirements by raising more funds from grants, including the latest £300k from DCLG. Notwithstanding the latest funding successes, Adam stressed that it was still extremely important to keep raising funds in order to improve areas like the pitch drainage, car parking and stadium surfacing work.

The best and most immediate thing that members could do to help with the finances, Adam said, was to Take Out or Increase a Standing Order to the FC United Development Fund.

Kate then introduced a discussion about the process for the naming of the new ground. A list of potential names was circulated which had been suggested in advance of the meeting by members.

The meeting voted on the list of suggested names and agreed a shortlist of seven to be voted on by members using the AV voting system. Full details would be made available to members shortly.

Just before the meeting closed, members were asked to vote on whether the club should accept or decline an offer from the league to take up a fundraising opportunity from BetBright, with whom the league have just partnered. The meeting overwhelmingly voted to decline the offer.

At the end of the meeting members donated over £200 as they left the room. Many also completed standing order forms for the Development Fund.

The meeting closed at 12.55pm.



First Posted ~ 13:19 Sat 8 Feb 2014
News ID ~ 5346
Last Updated ~ 01:52 Tue 16 Feb 2021