Marine FC is set for a huge cash injection after qualifying for the third round of the FA Cup where they will face Tottenham Hotspur.
The Crosby-based club has described a “much-needed boost” in revenue after a financially challenging year for sport due to the coronavirus pandemic.
After playing seven games already in the FA Cup, the Mariners have so far recieved close to £100,000 from broadcast fees and prize money. A “truly historic” 120th minute win against Havant & Waterlooville on Sunday means they will now host current Premier League leaders Tottenham at Rossett Park in January, a David and Goliath tie that is likely to be televised.
The significant boost in funds will provide the club with opportunities for much-needed ground and clubhouse renovation.
A spokesperson for Marine FC told JMU Journalism: “We are not too far short of six figures in terms of revenue generated from prize money and brodcast fees so far. Should we receive further broadcast fees if the game against Tottenham is televised, then we’d be looking at around £130,000 to £150,000 all told.
“The prize money and TV revenue will compensate for the fact that our clubrooms and bars have been shut for the majority of 2020. We hope that when league football resumes, our cup success can inspire our league campaign, with promotion at the end of the season our aim.”
Marine are ninth in the Northern Premier League Division One with football at that level currently suspended due to teams not being able to travel in and out of the various lockdown tiers put in place by the government.
This has put Marine’s FA Cup run into even sharper focus as a financial lifeline, not just for this season, but for several to come.
The club spokesperson said: “Given the increasing financial disparity between the top end of the game and the National League system the FA Cup is increasingly important to non-league clubs in the early stages of the season, as a chance to earn prize money through the qualifying rounds.
“Of course, there is always the outside chance, hope, dream if you will, that all non-league clubs share of a run such as we’ve had this season.
“Further TV coverage and ensured media attention would provide even more of a financial boost for Marine, in addition to putting both the club and the town of Crosby firmly on the map!”
Nina Killen, who serves as a councillor for the Ravenmeols ward in Sefton, praised her local team for their success. Having met her husband in Marine’s clubhouse, the team has a particularly special place in her heart.
Watch our interview with Nina Killen below>>>
This will be only the second time in Marine’s 126-year history that they have made it to the third round of the FA Cup, with the last being almost 30 years ago.
The next phase of games will be played from January 9 onwards and will see the likes of Jose Mourinho’s, Harry Kane and Gareth Bale travel to Crosby for the fixture.
You can watch highlights from Marine’s second round win over Havant and Waterlooville below>>>
FA Cup third round draw:
Huddersfield Town v Plymouth Argyle
Southampton v Shrewsbury Town
Chorley v Derby County
Marine v Tottenham Hotspur
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Crystal Palace
Stockport County v West Ham United
Oldham Athletic v Bournemouth
Manchester United v Watford
Stevenage v Swansea
Everton v Rotherham
Nottingham Forest v Cardiff
Arsenal v Newcastle
Barnsley v Tranmere Rovers
Bristol Rovers v Sheffield United
Canvey Island/Boreham Wood v Millwall
Blackburn Rovers v Doncaster
Stoke City v Leicester
Wycombe v Preston
Crawley v Leeds
Burnley v MK Dons
Bristol City v Portsmouth
QPR v Fulham
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Brentford v Middlesbrough
Manchester City v Birmingham
Luton v Reading
Chelsea v Morecambe
Exeter v Sheffield Wednesday
Norwich v Coventry
Blackpool v West Brom
Newport County v Brighton
Cheltenham v Mansfield