FC United of Manchester general manager Andy Walsh says they are in confident mood as they prepare to face Barrow in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.

Walsh is optimistic the club can beat the current FA Trophy holders at Gigg Lane to reach the FA Cup proper for the first time in their five-year history.

He told BBC Radio Manchester: "It's a home draw at Gigg Lane so we're hopeful really, it's a good and exciting draw.

"Barrow should bring a few down as well so it should be a good atmosphere."

FC United have played at Bury's Gigg Lane since their foundation as a breakaway club in 2005, following Manchester United fans' disillusionment with the Premier League giants.

The Evo-Stik Premier Division club have applied to Manchester City Council for planning permission and it will be considered in November.

Fans and businesses are able to buy shares ranging from £200 to £20,000 as they attempt to build a new 5,000-capacity stadium near Newton Heath.

Walsh added: "I think we're at a stage now where we need to move on with our new ground before we can press on as a club to be perfectly frank.

"A lot of money has dropped out of non-league in the last 12 months there's not as much money around or people investing.

"For us as a club we're still getting good crowds but we're not able to pay big money because we're paying out a lot of money for renting out Gigg Lane [from Bury]."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version