Carabao Cup Round Two: Grimsby Town to Host Manchester United

Grimsby Town chief executive Polly Bancroft was at home with her son when the Carabao Cup second-round draw paired her current club with her former team, Manchester United.

After serving as United’s head of women’s football, Bancroft knows the global appeal of the Old Trafford outfit can disrupt any schedule. When the ties were drawn on August 13, the League Two side’s website crashed under demand from fans eager for tickets to the first meeting between the clubs since 1948.

“My phone went crazy. It really was a pinch-me moment,” she said, recalling how Grimsby had to temporarily suspend online sales to regroup.

A Personal and Professional Homecoming

Bancroft spent two and a half years at United, where she helped the women’s team secure two FA Cup finals, a third-place WSL finish and a spot in the Champions League. She arrived when the women’s side was four years old and grew it alongside the 144-year-old men’s team, overcoming the challenges of building a new programme within a storied club.

Since moving to Grimsby, she has applied those lessons to fully integrate the women’s team—now competing in the East Midlands Women’s Regional Football League—into the club’s wider operations. Players now have names on their shirts, travel to away games on club transport, and make joint appearances with the men’s first team.

Driving Diversity at the Top

When approached by Grimsby in early 2024, Bancroft saw the opportunity to report directly to the owners and manage the head coach—responsibilities she did not hold at United. She follows a small but growing number of women leading professional football clubs, including Port Vale’s Carol Shanahan and West Ham’s Karren Brady.

“More needs to be done to improve diversity, not only in gender but across all areas of inclusion,” she said. “I hope my role can inspire others and show there are multiple career paths into men’s football.”

Matchday Atmosphere

Blundell Park’s 9,000 capacity could have sold out three times over for the cup tie. While its facilities may feel modest compared to Old Trafford, Bancroft expects United’s players and staff to adapt.

“Our fans will make it as uncomfortable for them as possible, but professionals will find a way,” she said.

Grimsby Town’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United offers a unique homecoming for CEO Polly Bancroft, showcasing her commitment to growing women’s football and driving diversity in the game.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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