Man City v Plymouth Argyle FA Cup tie worth up to £1m for Pilgrims – chairman Simon Hallett

Plymouth Argyle chairman Simon Hallett has revealed that the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Manchester City could be worth up to £1m to the Championship club.

After a shocking 1-0 victory over Premier League leaders Liverpool in the fourth round, Hallett described the win as one of the club’s best moments at Home Park. The Pilgrims’ reward for that stunning upset is a trip to the Etihad Stadium next month, where they’ll face Premier League champions Manchester City.

Although the exact financial figures are still being worked out, Hallett estimates that the match could bring in between £600,000 and £1m for Argyle. The club made around £700,000 from their previous trip to Anfield eight years ago, and with Etihad’s larger capacity of around 62,000, the revenue could surpass that.

Hallett did acknowledge, however, that while the money will be a welcome boost, it won’t have the same impact as it did years ago. Back then, that £700,000 accounted for about a third of their budget, but now, with a much larger financial base, it represents a smaller proportion of their overall funding.

More Than Money: A Great Day Out for Argyle Fans

The real value of the tie, according to Hallett, will be the experience for the fans. Around 15,000 Plymouth supporters are expected to make the trip to Manchester, ensuring a memorable day out regardless of the result.

However, this exciting fixture might mean Hallett has to postpone a long-awaited fishing trip to Argentina. The Plymouth-born chairman had already cancelled the trip once earlier this year due to the hiring of a new manager, and with the Man City draw falling in the middle of his holiday, he faces a difficult decision.

Argyle’s Global Reach and Growing Fanbase

While the financial windfall from the Man City tie will help, Hallett sees the cup run as a chance to raise Plymouth Argyle’s profile globally. The club has already gained attention from their upsets against Liverpool and Brentford, and they now have the opportunity to showcase their talent on an even bigger stage.

As Hallett noted, Argyle’s cup run is about more than just money; it’s about building the club’s global fanbase and ensuring that their giant-killing moments are remembered worldwide. Could Plymouth Argyle pull off another upset? The Etihad Stadium showdown is set to be a thrilling spectacle.