Last-gasp heroics earn huge cash windfall
Date published: 18 February 2013
MATT adore: giant striker Matt Smith with a giant version of the Chronicle’s 12-page special
LATICS cup hero Matt Smith is getting used to being BIG news.
The 6ft 6in striker — pictured with a giant print of the Chronicle’s Digital First 12-page special on the 2-2 fifth-round draw with Everton — was back in training this morning as he and his teammates attempted to come down to earth after Saturday night’s heroics.
Having netted the injury-time equaliser to spark wild scenes of celebration at Boundary Park, the Manchester University graduate was again national headline news, having previously scored to give Latics victory over Liverpool in round four.
The chance of a replay at Goodison Park was the stuff of dreams for Latics, sending a buzz round the town and bringing money rolling into the cash-strapped club.
Smith’s 95th-minute header was worth a six-figure sum to Latics — now the lowest ranked club left in the competition. Big paydays from two home ties against Premier League giants Liverpool and Everton have given the club breathing space.
Now the team is set to take a healthy away following to Merseyside next week — the tie is provisionally set for February 27, but could change if television wants to screen the replay live.
Latics will receive 42.5 per cent of what is likely to be a massive box-office take: Everton has averaged over 36,500 fans a game at home this season.
If Latics pull off another giant-killing victory they will play at home to Premier League club Wigan Athletic in the last eight in early March.
The Chronicle will be running special match-day coaches to Everton for the FA Cup fifth-round replay.
Book your seat with the Blue Army by calling the Chronicle ticket hotline on 0161-622 2130. Tickets are £10.
Confirmation of departure and return times will be made once the date and time of the match have been fixed.
The cup heroics of Latics could bring a cash bonus for local hospice Dr Kershaw’s.
We are extending our “Blue Day for Dr K” promotion until next week’s replay so local businesses and offices can have a “dress down” Blue Day and collect £1 from each participant for the Royton hospice.
Contact the Chronicle Picture Desk on 0161-622 2136 and we will come along to take pictures at your “Blue Day for Dr K”.
When you then bring your collected fund to the Chronicle office we will give you a copy of the Chronicle containing your photograph and a special Latics player poster for each participant.
Show your support for Latics and give Dr Kershaw’s a boost a the same time — everyone’s a winner!
TWELVE page match special in tonight’s print and eChron editions.
