AFC Wimbledon and FC United of Manchester – the club formed by fans after the unpopular takeover of Manchester United by Malcolm Glazer – will compete for the Supporters Direct Trust Cup at The Fans’ Stadium – Kingsmeadow, on Sat 23rd July, kick-off 3pm.
The Supporters Direct Trust Cup has been competed for previously by AFC Wimbledon, League One side Brentford and Enfield Town – all clubs that are owned or operated by their supporters.
Kris Stewart, Chief Executive of AFC Wimbledon, welcomed the fixture, saying, “Since the formation of FC United, this was one fixture that everyone at Wimbledon wanted. The anticipation amongst our fans has been palpable. We have nothing but respect and admiration for what FC United are doing, and this fixture will be a celebration of fan ownership, as well as being a keenly contested fixture. It’s been quite some time since we beat a team from the red side of Manchester.”
Official spokesman for FC United of Manchester, Jules Spencer, commented, “This is a landmark occasion for everyone involved and the birth of a new club and we are grateful to all involved for their efforts to make this happen. For years as fans, we have had to suffer ridiculous kick off times, overpriced tickets and saturated TV coverage which is all contributing towards forcing people out of the game whose loyalty has never been in question. This match will show people yet again that there is an alternative and I’m looking forward to a game that kicks off at 3pm on a Saturday! This fixture will hopefully be the start of a long and successful partnership between the two clubs.”
Supporters Direct Chief Executive Phil French, said, “I am sure many people will be looking forward to this highly significant game which is another piece of football history in the making. Since 2002, AFC Wimbledon have stood as an example of what fans can do collectively, and I am sure FC United of Manchester can learn a huge amount from
their continuing success. They are part of an ever-growing group of clubs that are democratic, not-for-profit and community focused and we are hugely optimistic that an increasing number of clubs will adopt this model of ownership in the future.”
Other events are being planned for the day, and fans are advised to get there early to take advantage of what will be an exciting fixture.
The gate money from the match will also be shared between both clubs.
Tickets are already selling fast for the fixture, with large numbers of fans expected to travel down from Manchester. With Wimbledon averaging crowds of over 3,000, it is advised that people buy tickets in advance.
A ticket hotline, available on weekdays only between 10.00 am and 8.00 pm has been set up. Please call on 020 8546 9582.
Further information about the fixture and the events on the day will be released in the run up to the match.