Yeading face Newcastle in FA Cup
Good for Yeading - if I was their Finance Director (or do I mean Honorary Treasurer) I would be rubbing my hands with unmitigated glee.
But I am not sure that I would call it the Tie of the Round, as the BBC are. They're opting to play it at Yeading. Get real - they ought to go to St James's Park.
Meanwhile, in news from the other St James's Park - Exeter's Finance Director is already cracking open the champagne at the thought of an away fixture at 65,000 capacity Old Trafford, and the chance to play against the FA Cup Holders, the world's most famous football team, with their star names, even in Reserves.
I love the romance of the Third Round. As a one-time and residual Altrincham fan I need no lessons on what it means to meet a big team in that round. I do remember a draw with Tottenham, a victory over Birmingham City. I remember how Cup Fever gripped Altrincham.
But it isn't just the bean-counter in me that realises that for small clubs, especially, the non-League clubs, a Third Round match at Old Trafford, and the opportunity for one or two players to showcase themselves and be sold on is a lifeline and a godsend.
Christmas came early for the Grecians today as we got our dream tie away at Manchester Unitedscreams their website
Exeter City's debts expected to be wiped out by FA Cup trip to Old Traffordshouts the Express and Echo - vital to a club with a Corporate Voluntary Agreement, which I assume is a form of Voluntary Liquidation.
Of course, I am United through-and-through, but would I begrudge Exeter the replay...?
Of course, in 1984, when United were Cupholders, they suffered an embarrassing loss to Bournemouth in the Third Round. United very rarely get minnows in the Third Round.
Exeter are not expecting OT to be filled to capacity. I imagine Fergie will field a team made up mainly of fledgelings - including world Cup Winner Kleberson, 50-times England capped Phil Neville etc etc.
So it may be an opportunity to get an elusive ticket for Old Trafford.
I'm just saying, y'know...
Of course, if I attend, that would practically guarantee an Exeter victory. I'm Jonah, you see...
