Burton: "Pirelli Stadium is First Choice"

Yes, Please !
By Chris O'Brien
December 7 2005

Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough has again confirmed his club's preferred choice of where they want their third round F.A Cup tie to be played. The Brewers will not take the 'cash-in' option and instead will look to host Manchester United at their impressive Pirelli Stadium

Burton Albion have again underlined their intentions to play the third round F.A Cup tie against Manchester United at their Pirelli Stadium.

The Brewers secured the visit of Sir Alex Ferguson's side following Tuesday's second round replay win over Burscough. The Conference side are now eagerly anticipating January's game and manager Nigel Clough feels that hosting the game at their new 6,000-capacity stadium is the best option for the club.

"We are hoping to play it here," Clough said. "We will look at all the options in the next day or two. We will speak to the Football Association and the police and they will have a big influence on the decision.

"We have a very good relationship with the local police and we will do what is best for everyone."

Rumours are suggesting that the club have looked at the possibility of switching the tie to Old Trafford or Derby County's Pride Park; which is only a matter of miles away from their current stadium. Concerns have been raised from United fans about he pitch quality of the Pirelli Stadium which could be a real leveller for the tie, and surely the magic of the competition demands that this tie takes place in Burton.

The opening of Burton's new ground was marked by a friendly against a United 'XI' earlier in the season. Sir Alex Ferguson took a team made up of reserve and youth team players to the Midlands, and the hosts rose to the occasion with a 2-1 victory.