Play off semi-final date will be Tuesday 7th May

It has been agreed that FC United will not request a move of the play off semi final to the Bank Holiday Monday. As both clubs have to agree for the game to be moved, we therefore expect the game to take place at the league allocated time and date of 7:45pm, Tuesday 7 May 2013.

In addition, we have just been informed that due to a change of circumstance at Gigg Lane, if we qualify for a home tie in either the semi-final or final of the play-offs then the match can now take place at our ’normal’ home ground, which is Gigg Lane, Bury. Of course, to qualify for a home semi-final game next Tuesday, we need to finish in third place in the league, so it’s vital that we have a good turnout at our final home game of the season this coming Saturday to cheer us on to victory so we can cement that third place!

The decision not to move the game to the Bank Holiday Monday was not taken lightly and internal discussions have been taking place for a while. The decision was finalised during the FC United General Meeting on Sunday and was announced to members there immediately.

Although this is the opposite of moving a game, this agreement not to ask for a move was based on the criteria outlined in the Board minutes, item 12.3, February 2013:

1. Is there sufficient notice to allow supporters to make alternative arrangements?

- No date has been finalised, so the notice is unchanged, but the outside option of a move means potentially the date would not be known until after the last league game on Saturday 4 May 2013, which is very short notice. By making an early decision, it allows more certainty and benefits supporters by giving more time to make arrangements. It also allows extra time if there is a need to sell tickets.

2. Is the move for television or another policy matter?

- Not relevant.

3. Does it benefit the team?

- Yes, the players will benefit from maximum rest, which is vitally important to semi-professional players at the end of a long season.

What all of this means of course is that if we beat Frickley at Gigg Lane on Saturday 4 May, then we will return to Gigg on Tuesday 7 May at 7.45pm for a play-off semi-final against either AFC Fylde or Witton Albion. What more incentive do you need to get to that football ground this coming Saturday?