Stafford Rangers' cash bonanza as FA Cup clash to be shown on live TV

FA Cup heroes Stafford Rangers are in line for a potential £130,000 boost to their coffers after their first round tie was selected for live TV coverage.

Rangers’ home clash with Grimsby Town in the first round proper will be shown live on TNT Sport and HBO Max, on Sunday November 8, with a noon kick-off at Marston Road.

It is one of 16 games selected for television and provides the club with a massive financial boost.

They will receive a £50,000 broadcast fee. And if they beat League Two strugglers Grimsby, they will be guaranteed at least another £47,750. The losers in the first round proper will receive £15,800.

However, that figure will be further boosted by around £30,000 in gates receipts with around 3,000 fans expected to pack Marston Road for the game. Food and bar sales plus merchandise at the ground will further boost club coffers.

And it is understood the club are hoping to potentially expand the capacity even further to take advantage of their stunning FA Cup run.

Graham Deakin’s men reached the first round for the first time in 20 years with a thumping 5-0 replay victory over National League Gateshead on Tuesday.

Deakin said after the game: “It just gives you a hunger now to go and win the next one as well.

“I am very proud. Very proud of that group of players and proud of the football club for what they’ve done.

“I felt a little bit disappointed that we never got it over the line last Saturday. That fuelled me and fuelled the lads to go and put it right. They delivered an unbelievable performance.”