Palace riches present big decisions for the Silkmen’s hierarchy
FA Cup 3rd round considerations
There is something magical about underdogs Macclesfield FC going on a David-like run to enter battle against Goliath in Crystal Palace in the third round of the FA Cup.
125 places separate Palace, currently fourth in the Premier League, to the Silkmen occupying 13th position in the National League North. And there’s the small matter of the Eagles also being the current FA Cup holders - as if the challenge facing Macc wasn’t already big enough!
But what a fabulous opportunity for the club, the players and supporters to put their best foot forward in front of a packed house and worldwide TV audience with the game being screened live on the BBC, TNT Sports and Discovery+.
In case you missed it, the biggest game in the reformed Silkmen’s history will kick-off at 12.15 on 10 January.
Will the price be right over ticketing?
The euphoria of Sunday’s extra-time victory over Slough and the magnitude of the achievement is yet to fully sink in. But it must, and quickly, for Macclesfield’s board of directors who have some big decisions to make which could influence the club’s short-term future, on and off the pitch.
Do they want to take Macclesfield FC to the next level, or not?
By far the most important judgement is over ticket prices, with clarification anticipated early next week. At present, the club is waiting for its proposed prices to be confirmed by the FA and Crystal Palace before it can commence the selling process.
And herein lies the quandary. How to maximise revenues in what is effectively a one-off opportunity to ‘cash in’ whilst retaining the unequivocal backing of loyal supporters, in addition to potentially attracting new fans to become consistent visitors to the Moss Rose.
Even if the Silkmen’s players perform heroically and somehow earn a draw, the outcome of the tie will be decided on the day due to the scrapping of FA Cup replays.
In the FA Cup there are no second chances. Even the most optimistic fan must acknowledge that the day when Macclesfield contest another high-profile FA Cup third round tie may never come again, or at least not for many years.
Lessons to be learned from Tamworth
In January this year, National League club Tamworth (who eliminated Macc in the fourth qualifying round) went on to land a dream FA Cup third round draw at home to Tottenham.
But the general goodwill towards ‘The Lambs’ subsided when they decided to charge £42 for an adult ticket and £25 for under 10’s which drew widespread criticism, both locally and nationwide.
Clubs lower down the football pyramid must do what they can to survive and make the most of high-profile cup games. However, there has to be a balance between generating vital funds to sustain the football club and destroying hard-earned goodwill by taking the p**s out of fans.
I’m not sure Tamworth got it ‘right’ and the Silkmen will clearly have deliberated long and hard when setting ticket prices for Palace.
Given the magnitude of the game, It seems likely that Macclesfield fans will have to pay much more than the £18 (adult standing) and £19 (adult seating) prices for standard league fixtures.
But how much more, and what is fair and reasonable? For me, anything under £35 (for an adult ticket) would represent fair value. I appreciate though that everyone’s perception of value is different and is an emotive subject, particularly at this time of year.
The club also has a call to make on some supporters disingenuously purchasing U18 tickets (£9 for a league game) for half the price of an adult ticket when they are in fact over 18. With the Leasing.com stadium expected to be a 5,300 capacity sell out for Palace, it’s easy to do the maths on where vital revenues could be lost should this flaunting be allowed to continue.
The only thing we do know is that season ticket holders and half-season ticket holders will be given first opportunity to purchase tickets, with those supporters who went to Slough also likely to be prioritised ahead of the tickets being made available on general sale.
Either way, the club can’t please everyone and will hope that most fans are understanding of the wider context.
Other logistical decisions
The club’s brilliant staff will literally be working round the clock between now and 10 January to ensure the ‘big day’ runs as smoothly as possible. This includes having discussions with the Safety Advisory Group, Cheshire East Council and the Police to ensure appropriate protocols are in place.
Due consideration will need to be given to parking as a chunk of the main car park will be required by television trucks bringing production crews for the live broadcast.
They’ll have to agree how much of the Leasing.comstadium’s 5,300 capacity will be allocated to Crystal Palace supporters, which must contain a mixture of standing and seated tickets. The obvious bet is for Palace supporters to be allocated the entirety of the Silkmen Terrace which is more difficult to segregate.
Furthermore, the club will also have to employ additional matchday stewards and bar / catering staff to accommodate the increased attendance, which includes fulfilling the huge demand from corporate sponsors who wish to take advantage of the flash new executive lounge located in Bar 27.
These are great quandaries to have, but when you start to think about it the logistical considerations are huge compared to a typical matchday.
How much is our FA Cup run worth?
Some have speculated that the club has generated in the region of £175,000-£200,000 from our FA Cup run so far – not too shabby! The visit of the FA Cup holders, combined with the game being selected for live television, could generate another £250,000 as a ball park estimate, or possibly even more, especially when we win ;-).
It’s worth pointing out though that the Silkmen would probably have generated £500,000+ had we been drawn away to play Palace at their Selhurst Park ground. It remains to be seen how much this has influenced the ticket prices given we are playing Palace at home.
How will the FA Cup funds be utilised?
There’s no doubt that the money generated from this fantastic FA Cup run will support the club’s strategy to return to a more ‘financially sustainable model’ as part of the revamped board of directors’ previously communicated strategy.
The lavish spending of before, which spearheaded Robbie Savage’s promotion-winning squad last season simply wasn’t sustainable. Nor too was the relationship between Rob Smethurst and Savage, which is believed to be damaged beyond repair following the events of this summer.
Although to his credit, Smethurst maintained his professionalism and dignity when speaking warmly of Savage’s significant contributions in the BBC’s recent airing of the ‘Managing Macclesfield’ documentary. Who knows what really goes on behind the scenes.
Don’t expect all of the FA Cup funds to be utilised on bringing in new players this season, although reaching the National League North play-offs remains the target for manager John Rooney.
That doesn’t mean that positive plans won’t be accelerated behind the scenes. A remodelling and overhaul of the club’s recruitment department is thought to be high on the priority list. As is the retention of the team’s leading players for next season, one of which is believed to be in talks over a new contract extension according to Silkmen News insiders.
Cup fever is gripping Macclesfield
Win, lose or draw, the Palace FA Cup draw is simply a brilliant occasion and opportunity for the whole town to come together. Hotels and other hospitality venues will be packed to the rafters before and after the game, with town centre shops also boosted by additional footfall.
Some venues, such as Cinemac, are considering showcasing the game on the big screen for fans to watch who aren’t lucky enough to get a ticket.
It’s going to be an emotional, exhilarating and memorable day for this wonderful club and fans. Even with Christmas drawing ever closer I can’t wait for it, and I’m sure neither can you. UTS!