Town travel to FC United on 24th July
As excitement builds towards what we hope will be the first uninterrupted campaign in three seasons, we are delighted to announce a landmark pre-season friendly on July 24 against FC United of Manchester for the Supporters Direct Trophy, otherwise known as the Brian Lomax Trophy.
We will be running a coach to the game at FCUM with details to follow. Entrance will be pay on the gate and prices are Adults £9, Concessions £5, U18’s £2, U5’s Free. Our hosts will be providing a widespread choice of food and beverages on the day.
Like us, FCUM are a fan-owned club and also play in Step 3, in their case the Northern Premier League. They famously set themselves up to protest against the take-over of Manchester United by the Glazer family. In 2019-20, they were lying in 2nd place and were play-off bound before the first pandemic-induced curtailment. In the ever so shortlived 20-21 season, they were 13th when that campaign was halted too.
The core of their squad has been retained and the club, with their fantastic support base, are now fully focussed on a promotion push in 21/22.
Looking forward to the game, Towners chairman Paul Reed commented: “I’m delighted that we have been able to organise another fixture with FCUM, this being our 20th year.”
“It’s great that we can mark the occasion with another incredible fan-owned club. The game at our own QE stadium two years ago was a brilliant night with good football coupled with fantastic camaraderie amongst supporters and I’m sure this fixture will equally as good.”
“Just as importantly is that chance to play for the Brian Lomax trophy. Brian was an incredible inspiration in the formation of our club and encouraged, guided and supported us and many other clubs through our early months and years. It’s a great honour to be able to play for a cup in his name.”
In welcoming Enfield Town FC, chair of the Board of FC United, Adrian Seddon, also expressed his enthusiasm towards this celebration of fan-owned football, saying: “After two Covid-hit seasons, our trip down to Enfield seems like a lifetime ago but our supporters won’t have forgotten the warm reception we received and we are delighted to finally get the opportunity to welcome them to Broadhurst Park.”
“It is particularly pleasing that this match – highlighting the 20th anniversary of Enfield, an inspiration for all of us who followed after they became the first fan-owned club in England – will be played for the Brian Lomax/Supporters Direct Trophy.
“After all football’s issues over the last couple of weeks we are very proud to be announcing what will be a real celebration of fan ownership and friendship with a club that blazed the trail for ourselves and others to follow.”