One of the most exciting weekends on the football calendar is upon us and Shaun Reid, manager of last year’s FA Cup first round stars Warrington Town, has lifted the lid on how his club are reaping the rewards this term.
All eyes descended on the 2,500-capacity Cantilever Park, adjacent to the Manchester Ship Canal, on a Friday night 12 months ago where ‘The Wire’ entertained League Two Exeter City with the BBC cameras in attendance.
Victory that night secured by Craig Robinson – brother of MK Dons manager Karl – was estimated to have earned the Northern Premier League First Division North club £500,000.
Emirates FA Cup
First Round Proper
6-9 November 2015
Winning clubs will receive £18,000 from The FA prize fund
Though their league form suffered as a result of their Cup exploits last term, a major boost to resources and time to regroup has them currently buzzing around the summit this time around.
And former Rochdale midfielder Reid knows their FA Cup run is what helped move them to the next level.
“The Cup run secured the football club,” said the 50-year-old brother of former England midfielder Peter.
“It was difficult last season as we were among the favourites to get promotion, but because of the Cup and all the extra games we had it took its toll, we played about 70 games.
“It wasn’t easy for our players, because they work all day. We used to see them three times a week, twice at training and again for the match on a Saturday. By the end of the season we were playing four games in seven days.
“But now we are right up at the top of the league, we are financially secure for the next few years and the Cup became a great way to promote our football club.
Shaun Reid masterminded Warrington's FA Cup win over Exeter last season
“Some of our players were picked up by Conference North clubs, but that allowed us to rebuild our squad and bring in some better quality players. All but one came from the leagues above.
“The FA Cup is not just for the pros, it provides a lifeline for non-League clubs.
“We were getting crowds of 100, we’re now getting crowds closer to 300. Warrington used to just be a rugby league town, but now it’s a football town too.”
This weekend Salford City and Didcot Town are among those non-League clubs hoping to ‘do a Warrington’ when they take on Notts County and Exeter respectively.
And Reid has pearls of wisdom to share with his peers.
“My advice to Didcot, and others, is to believe in what you can do,” he added.
“Once the game kicks off it’s just 11 v 11 and goals change games. We got our goal at a good time and then hung on by the skin of our teeth.
“Looking back now I can honestly say I knew we had a chance of winning.
“It’s nerve-wracking as a pro to go to a non-League ground because you have everything to lose. I know, I’ve done it.”
Live TV ties
Friday 6 November 2015
Salford City v Notts County (7.55pm) – Live on BBC
Sunday 8 November 2015
Didcot Town v Exeter City (12pm) – Live on BT Sport
Monday 9 November 2015
FC United Of Manchester v Chesterfield (7.45pm) – Live on BT Sport
The FA live broadcast fee is £67,500 per club.
