Worcester City owner Simon Lancaster discusses the excitement and financial importance of the FA Cup, the club’s progress in recent years and why finding a permanent home remains vital to its long-term future.
The FA Cup remains one of the most important competitions for non-league football clubs, providing supporters with the excitement of a historic competition while offering clubs a potentially significant financial boost.
Speaking ahead of Worcester City’s FA Cup replay, club owner Simon Lancaster reflected on the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser in the previous game, while acknowledging that an additional fixture can provide valuable extra income.
For Simon, however, the importance of the competition goes much deeper. Having grown up watching the FA Cup during the 1980s, he believes its history, famous giant-killings and potential for clubs from lower levels of the football pyramid to enjoy their moment on the national stage continue to give the competition a unique appeal.
Why the FA Cup Matters to Non-League Clubs
For clubs such as Worcester City, a successful FA Cup run can also make a considerable financial difference.
Simon explains that gate receipts and prize money from just one or two victories can be a “game changer” for clubs operating at this level. Increased exposure, including BBC coverage, can also generate excitement among supporters and contribute to stronger ticket sales.
Worcester City’s Progress and the Move to Sixways
The interview also looks at Worcester City’s journey since leaving St George’s Lane in 2013.
After playing home matches at several different grounds, Simon became involved when the club was facing serious financial difficulties. Since then, Worcester City have achieved back-to-back promotions, strengthened the people behind the club and secured new commercial and sponsorship agreements.
Sixways Stadium, home of Worcester Warriors, now provides Worcester City with what Simon describes as a strong medium-term home. The move also addresses some of the challenges created by the club’s progress through the leagues, including the need for improved facilities as Worcester City reached higher levels.
The Long-Term Goal Is a Permanent Home
Despite the benefits of playing at Sixways, Simon makes clear that Worcester City ultimately need a ground of their own.
Finding a permanent home remains important to the club’s long-term sustainability, and Simon confirms that the search is continuing. In the meantime, Sixways provides the club with a suitable base from which to continue its progress both on and off the pitch.
Full Interview Transcript
Interviewer: Again at Sixways Stadium, the home of Worcester Warriors. Now let’s speak to Simon Lancaster, the owner of Worcester City.
You’re one of those watching on YouTube. You can’t have enjoyed that equaliser, can you?
Simon: Yes and no. I think it’s good to get the replay, to be fair, financially. But no, we were hoping for the win and it was a bit galling when the late goal went in. But it was an entertaining game.
Interviewer: How important is the FA Cup to clubs like yourself?
Simon: It’s massive. I think the FA Cup carries such a historical romance, really.
I grew up in the 80s and the FA Cup was the big one to win then. It wasn’t about the Champions League and the Premier League. It was all about the FA Cup.
The upsets, the giant-killings – I think it carries so much romance. And with the first game on Saturday being covered by the BBC, I think that enhances that excitement, really.
So, we’re seeing a lot of excitement and getting some good ticket sales.
I think the FA Cup is so important for clubs at our level, for the fans to enjoy most importantly, but also financially. They’re a real lifeline because, with the gate receipts and the prize money, you don’t even have to go through to the proper rounds.
Just one or two wins and it’s a real game changer for the club. It can make a big difference to you.
Interviewer: Worcester City have been quite nomadic since leaving St George’s Lane in 2013. You’ve had home games at Kidderminster, at Bromsgrove and at the Worcestershire FA. You’re here at Sixways, the home of Worcester Warriors. Are you here to stay?
Simon: We’re here for the medium term, yeah.
I got involved after we’d been without a ground for a good few years. The club was about to go bust. We’re trying to turn it around and get some good people involved.
We’ve had some success on the pitch with back-to-back promotions and we’ve got some good commercial deals in place with sponsors.
We were happy at Claines, but it had issues with the pitch and, obviously, with the levels we got promoted to, it needed a lot of ground upgrades.
So, this made really good medium-term sense. But for the long-term sustainability of the club, we do still need our own ground.
The hunt is on for that, but in the meantime, this is a great home.
Interviewer: Well, good luck tonight. The winners will be at home to Stratford Town in the second qualifying round. Kick-off here is at 7:45. Dan, thanks very much.
