RAMSBOTTOM UNITED FC have pledged free admission for their big derby game against Salford if 1000 supporters turn out for the home match on Easter Saturday.
Having sealed promotion to the Evostik league just last season, the club has made huge waves on and off the pitch, currently languishing second in the table and running away at the top of the attendances league.
“We've surprised everyone with the way we've adapted to the much higher standard of football in this league,” said club spokesman Tony Cunningham, “but it's not as much of a surprise as teams are getting when our travelling support is outnumbering the home fans all over the North of England!
“We came up with the Rammy1000 idea to try and help make people aware of the fantastic things that are going on down at the Riverside Stadium. With two young managers and a great squad of players we're seeing some of the best football on display anywhere, and we really want the town of Rammy to get behind these lads as we head towards the play-offs for a potential second promotion in as many seasons.
“If Rammy are to achieve what that lads have shown that they're capable of, then we need as many people as possible cheering them on, and what better way than to let everyone in for free!”
The idea of throwing open the turnstiles came as a shock to chairman Harry Williams, but he eventually admitted that the idea has merit, and is worth giving a try.
“Our attendances are top of the league, both home and away,” said Williams, “and I think it'd be lovely to reward our fans with something that's really worth having. They follow the team all over the place, and if we can get more people down to watch Rammy then it can only be good for the players, and for the club.”
But in order to make the event a success the club is expecting supporters to do their bit helping to promote the ‘rammy1000' event.
“We need everyone to tell all their family, friends and colleagues about the game on Easter Saturday and the website rammy1000.net. We need that 1000 fans through the turnstiles, and we need it to be the biggest thing that has ever happened at the club,” said Supporters Club Spokesman Rob Moss.
“We're distributing 5000 flyers, 300 posters and have all manner of promotional events going on, but most of all the need the support of the people of Ramsbottom and its surroundings. We know that the town is really behind the team, and we ask that each and every person with even a remote interest in football come down to the match on the 30th; help us show everyone that Rammy is a club that really means business!
“We'd also like to extend a welcome to fans of other clubs who don't have a game on Easter Saturday, such as Bury, and to our friends up the valley in Rawtenstall and Haslingden. They've been used to some quality football through the years at Rossendale United, and we'd be delighted to welcome them to Rammy matches.”
The fixture on Easter Saturday (30th March) is against Farsley, kick-off 3pm. If the attendance tops 1000 then the local derby against Salford City on Tuesday 9th at 7:45pm will be free admission for everyone.
Please can you advise supporters to arrive as early as possible, to ease congestion outside the ground.
The club will also be holding a collection of old and unwanted football shirts at the game, for the Evostik league's main charity ‘Kitaid'. Fans are urged to bring along old shirts (even Bacup ones) which will be sent to people in Africa.
