Detroit City FC is delighted to announce Manchester United legend Steve Coppell will join the commentating team for DCFC’s international friendly against FC United of Manchester on Saturday, May 28.
Coppell, who made 395 appearances for Manchester United from 1975 to 1983, will be in the broadcast booth for the match, which will be live streamed at detcityfc.com, and for soon to be announced events around the match. The match is in dedication of Detroit City’s new home ground at Keyworth Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m Eastern Standard Time and 8 p.m. British Summer Time.
“The links to Manchester United are an extremely important part of FC United’s history,” FC United of Manchester founder member Alison Watt said. “Our co-owners and fans love to see the involvement of former red heroes such as Steve Coppell. For those, like me, who saw Steve play there will be great memories of one of the best wingers ever, a player who graced the famous No.7 United shirt for many years until his playing career was sadly cut short by injury. It’s a measure of the man that Steve has already taken the time to come along to an FC United home game to find out for himself all about our fans-owned club and he’ll always be a welcome visitor. In case there’s any doubt, United fans have long forgiven ‘agent Steve’ his brief time as Manchester City’s manager.”
“Communities are fighting back and taking ownership and responsibility for their local teams,” Steve Coppell said. “Wimbledon led the way, but the flag bearer now is FC United of Manchester. Detroit City are now members of a very exclusive group. I am really looking forward to watching this game between two pioneer teams at Detroit’s new stadium, and I am sure the rest of football will be watching with interest.”
“The rehabilitation of historic Keyworth Stadium has been a major accomplishment for this community and club,” Detroit City FC co-owner Sean Mann said. “We want to share this story of positive grassroots change with as wide an audience as possible. Not only is Mr. Coppell a legendary player and manager in English soccer who will help raise the profile of this match, but he truly appreciates the importance of community and supporters to soccer. That appreciation binds these two clubs from both sides of the Atlantic.”
One of England’s most gifted midfielders during his time, Coppell spent eight seasons with Manchester United and recorded 70 goals.
Coppell also represented the England national team from 1977 until 1983. He featured in 42 international matches and played in the 1982 World Cup before retiring due to injury.
Following his extensive playing career, Coppell went on to manage several top-flight English clubs, including Crystal Palace and Reading FC. His managerial career spanned from 1984-2010. Most recently, he was Director of Football at Portsmouth FC.
FC United is a semi-professional club based in Manchester, England and is known internationally as one of Europe’s most celebrated supporter-owned clubs. On April 2, 2016, Coppell was announced as FC United of Manchester’s newest co-owner.
The upcoming friendly between Detroit City FC and FC United of Manchester represents a historic meeting of two community-based, grassroots clubs, and the dedication match for the rehabilitated Keyworth Stadium. Detroit City FC spearheaded the largest community investment campaign in Michigan history with nearly $750,000 pledged by 527 investors to save the 80-year-old stadium.
Tickets for DCFC vs. FC United of Manchester are still available online. Purchase yours now for $20 here.
