Ground name to be chosen by fans

In a display of unique supporter democracy, FC United fans will soon vote on a name for their new ground currently being built in Moston, north Manchester.

Supporters of the club were encouraged to put forward names for the new community facility and then a short list was whittled down following a special members’ meeting.

The shortlisted names are based on the geography of the area, including Lightbowne Road and Broadhurst Park, but fans also chose to remember Ronald Johnson, the army veteran who’s family donated the land to the people of Moston.

The original list contained over 100 names, including many links to Red legends of the past including Matt Busby and his young team who perished at Munich.

The 3,000-plus co-owners of the club will now vote for the final name on an AV basis, and the winning title will adorn the ground from its opening next season.

Club and company secretary Lindsey Howard said: "This was a lively and involved debate about something extremely important not just to our football club and our partners Moston Juniors, but also to the people in the surrounding community who will use the facilities.

"The sheer number of names originally put forward shows how engaged our membership is in democratically shaping the direction of the club they own.

"This was an enjoyable, yet symbolic, display of fan-engagement and typifies the approach of our supporter-owned club and its commitment to making a positive impact to its local communities."

The shortlisted names are:

Broadhurst
Broadhurst Park
FCUM Hall
Lightbowne Road
Ronald Johnson Ground
The Boardwalk
United of Manchester Stadium

Details of how members will vote on the final name will be announced shortly.