90min

Marine FC offer chance to become manager for a game in FA Cup raffle prize

By Ali Rampling

Marine are offering their managerial position up for a game as a raffle prize
Marine are offering their managerial position up for a game as a raffle prize / Jan Kruger/Getty Images
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Football Manager's addictively fun, isn't it? In a news story that could only belong in 2020, FA Cup giant killers Marine FC are offering fans the chance to bring their Football Manager fantasies to life and take charge of a game for a day - as a one-of-a-kind raffle prize.

The eighth-tier side were handed a dream FA Cup draw when they drew Jose Mourinho's Tottenham at home in the third round of the competition.

However, the game - scheduled for Sunday 10 January - will now be played behind closed doors after the Merseyside region was moved into tier three, resulting in a dramatic loss of income, estimated at over £100k, for Marine.

In order to replace the funds they would have earned via their romantic cup tie, Marine are offering fans the chances to purchase virtual match tickets for the Spurs fixture, which includes entry to a pretty special raffle.

Prizes include becoming a weekend stay in Liverpool, Marine season tickets, a signed shirt and the chance to actually become Marine manager for a friendly game.

I think we can all agree what the best prize is.

"Yesterday we received the devastating news that the Merseyside region would be placed into Tier 3," a Marine club statement reads. "This has now forced our once in a lifetime FA Cup game at The Marine Travel Arena v Spurs to be played behind closed doors.

"Our loyal fans have not been able to attend our Emirates FA Cup ties against Chester FC, Colchester Utd, Havant & Waterlooville and now Spurs with all games played with no fans.

"It means too, the loss of attending what is without doubt the most magical FA Cup tie ever with the likes of Harry Kane and Jose Mourinho visiting Marine. It also means we have now lost c. £100k in potential revenue which is a disastrous blow for our football club. This has been compounded by a sponsor pulling out of a £20k advertising package for the game.

"The Marine barometer will try and fill our 3,185 capacity stadium, the Marine Travel Arena. A club like Marine lives for this type of FA Cup run that can make or break the club’s future.

Mourinho will be taking on Marine, but will you be channeling your inner Mourinho as Marine boss?
Mourinho will be taking on Marine, but will you be channeling your inner Mourinho as Marine boss? / Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

"With this support, our magical FA Cup run will hopefully allow us to secure our future for years to come. We can’t express our gratitude enough for the support we have received so far from across the footballing spectrum."

Virtual match tickets (and the chance to kickstart your career as the next Mourinho) can be purchased here.