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| Boss Karl Marginson had no interest in a camera in the dressing room |
THE request from BT Sport to position a camera in the FC United dressing room for tomorrow night's historic FA Cup tie was met with an emphatic no.
Instead the first competitive visit of a Football League side to their impressive newly built 5,000 capacity Broadhurst Park would have gone ahead on Saturday at the traditional time of 3pm.
After all, that's what the Vanarama National League North outfit are all about - engaging the local community, delivering enjoyable football at affordable prices and at sensible times.
Manager Karl Marginson has been at the helm since the days they began life in the North West Counties League Division 2 - down in football's 10th tier.
Following four promotions they are just two divisions away from the Football League, but their principles haven't altered one bit.
Our chat with Marginson, who has recently signed a new contract enabling him to continue the incredible journey, was interrupted by a knock on his office door.
He was told that BT Sport, who are televising the game live, have asked permission to capture the home dressing room scenes through a strategically placed camera.
"It's your shout."
Marginson was informed.
"No." was the instant reply.
"Tell them if they want I'll do magic tricks instead!"
Marginson's side who last season finally lifted themselves out of the Northern Premier League after falling at the play-offs hurdle four seasons running, has already pulled a few rabbits out of the hat in the FA Cup knocking out Rochdale and holding Brighton to a draw in 2010.
But he and all those connected with the club who are averaging attendances of around 3,000 are uneasy over the switch to Monday night even though it means extra revenue - much needed because unlike near neighbours Salford City run by the Manchester United class of '92 there are no wealthy backers.
"We said no at first to moving from Saturday 3pm but the FA said they were the governing body and wanted us to play on Monday night for TV purposes. It's within the rules of the competition to be able to change dates. A refusal would have seen us kicked out of the FA Cup."
Marginson revealed.
"We voted a few years ago to go into the FA Cup so you have to finally accept the rules which come with it. But it doesn't stop you from protesting. It's a democracy."
But one fight they have won is to keep the most expensive tickets at the normal £9 Broadhurst Park entrance fee - but still below the FA's recommended £10 for games in the FA Cup first round.
Around 2,000 supporters will be watching from behind one of the goals on an impressive terrace painstakingly imported from Northwich Victoria.
The rest of the facilities including a massive function room complete with a well stocked bar has already entertained the mighty Benfica who agreed to officially open the ground in May.
Marginson admits that not everything went to plan.
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| The club had wanted to keep the game on the Saturday, but the rulebook forced it to Monday |
He recalled: "Benfica had sent over 10 different menus. The pasta, fish and meats were to be cooked and delivered to the table within 15 minutes of the final whistle. But all our fans had got there first and were eating their food!
"There's pints going down as they scoffed into this wonderful spread. When I arrived and looked over I could see their director general, who was different class, tucking into a meat pie someone had given him - it was a good meat pie though, only the best.
"They just accepted what had happened and didn't moan."
Marginson admits that many people didn't expect FC United to still be in existence.
"Lots of people believed that at first."he added. We met Alan Gowling (former Manchester United player) on a few occasions and he said we wouldn't last until the first Christmas.
"I've been down to a couple of ex Manchester United players associations but the response now is one of respect. It has changed from the early days when we were tagged the rebels. I suppose at the time people didn't like change."
He has been watching the TV documentary surrounding the class of 92's bold ambitions for Salford City, now just one tier below FC United.
"There's room for both of us all day long. No one can be bitter about it. You've got a group of lads there who have got a connection with Salford."Marginson said.
"But for me it's not about Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs etc it's about for instance the guy on the turnstile there whose life has been turned around by Salford City. He was in a bad way but has recovered - that's the power of football.
"Forget your money and all that sort of football - if you can help people to better themselves and give them the opportunity, great. I've seen that happen here and it's wonderful.
"Our ambition is to effect as many people as we can and make sure supporters are heard. Years ago I would have said it was about getting into the Football League. I think there's more to football than that."
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