Twenty-one years ago, Exeter were facing a similar plight, having been taken over by their fans with millions of pounds of debt and a club in what is now the National League.
Back in January 2005, they got a 0-0 draw at Manchester United – Ronaldo, Rooney, Scholes et al – were forced to trek to Exeter for a replay that they won 2-0.
The gate receipts from Old Trafford, coupled with television money from the replay and a sold-out St James Park, helped put a massive dent in the club’s debts of almost £5m and set them on the way to becoming the League One side they are today.
There will be no replay this time around, but the impact January’s game at the Etihad Stadium could make is likely to be similar to that in 2005.
“It’s quite amazing how it’s worked out, to be honest. They say these things go in cycles and perhaps this is a 21-year cycle,” said Harrison.
“We’ve done some quick workings out, and of course we don’t know what the gate price will be yet, we have no idea what the attendance will be and we don’t know if it’s on TV as well.
“But I’d assume something maybe around £250,000 upwards, but that’s a very early guess I think.
“It’s very important. We won on Saturday and when you take the second-round prize money and the third-round losing money into account, which is what we could guarantee, that was worth about £100,000 to us.
“So on top of that, this is really going to give us a boost getting through this season and planning for next season.”
