Welcome to 1909 Replayed

In order to ensure the Final’s Centenary does not go unmarked, the Independent Manchester United Supporters Trust and Bristol City Supporters Trust have joined forces to stage a re-enactment of the tie. The tie was played at Crystal Palace back in 1909 and the Trusts have hired the stadium at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (which now stands on the same site) from Greenwich Leisure Limited for the 24th of April 2009. A football match between two teams made up of members of both Trusts will take place. The teams will be wearing shirts of that era commissioned from The Old Fashioned Football Shirt Company, as we want to keep this as authentic as possible celebrating the history, bringing it to life, and just as importantly, having fun playing football!

There is a widespread view that, in recent years, the glamour of the Premiership and European competitions has somewhat overshadowed the FA Cup. It is hoped that this will be the first of what could become an annual supporters’ event which would help to reconnect supporters with the FA Cup and to truly value its rich history. Twenty FA Cup finals were played at the old Crystal Palace stadium, set within the Crystal Palace Park, between 1895 and 1914. We believe that our unique match will not only exemplify the romance of the FA Cup, but also encourage other supporters’ trusts and supporters clubs whose teams played in finals at the Palace, from 1910 to 1914, to follow our lead in order to make this an annual event.

"It is both heartening and reassuring to The FA to see that supporters still value the traditions of this wonderful competition. The FA is delighted to give our full support to the Bristol City Supporters Trust and the Manchester United Supporters Trust in their endeavours to mark so aptly the centennial anniversary of the clubs’ first ever FA Cup Final appearance."

Lord David Triesman
FA Chairman

Who knows how the 2009 version of events will play out. The 2009 teams will have a lot to live up to. However it’s sure to be an excellent event and a fitting tribute that is both mindful and appreciative of the history of both the clubs involved and the integrity of the FA Cup itself as it is a special competition to all football supporters.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are interested in attending on 24th April you MUST contact us via this website as due to constraints regarding numbers able to view this match we have to ensure that we have prior knowledge of the numbers likely to attend. We would hate you to be disappointed by being turned away on the day.
APPLICATIONS TO ATTEND THIS EVENT WILL CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY 24th APRIL.

To the Palace for the Cup!!!