Burton consider moving home for United's visit

Gordon Tynan
Thursday 08 December 2005 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Discussions over where to stage Burton Albion's FA Cup tie with Manchester United will begin today. A thrilling 4-1 victory over the UniBond Premier Division outfit Burscough earned Conference side Burton the right to meet Sir Alex Ferugson's side at home in the third round.

Barely had celebrations died down at the Brewers' 6,000-capacity Pirelli Stadium than thoughts turned to whether the tie ought to be moved to neighbouring Derby County's Pride Park Stadium, which can hold 34,000, although the Rams themselves have been drawn at home to Burnley.

Albion have confirmed that discussions with Staffordshire Police and safety advisors will open with the Burton chairman Ben Robinson promising to make supporters' considerations paramount.

"There's no one bigger than Manchester United in terms of exposure but we'll be playing here at the Pirelli Stadium unless the police and the safety committee advise otherwise," said Robinson. "However, we want to make sure the Burton supporters who come to see us week in and week out get to see their team on what will be the greatest day in the club's history.

"The tie cannot be switched to another ground simply for commercial reasons. There has to be a safety issue involved and if that were to be the advice we get then the likelihood is we would try to secure another local venue - possibly Pride Park.

"It was only last month Sir Alex Ferguson brought a side down here for a friendly game to mark the official opening of the stadium. We won 2-1, but that was simply an occasion.

"This time around I'm expecting Manchester United to bring a strong team because the FA Cup is a serious proposition and we want to try to beat them and go through to the next round ourselves."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in