20 Nov 2009Manchester move confirmed for National Football Museum

Football Technology and Stadia | Other Football News

The National Football Museum's controversial move from Preston to Manchester is set to go ahead.

Despite recent protests from Preston North End supporters and councillors in the Lancashire city, trustees of the attraction voted in favour of the relocation on Wednesday (November 18th).

Museum chairman Paul Dermody said that a secondary site will remain in Preston, with Manchester's Urbis exhibition centre housing the main collection.

Councillor Ken Hudson, leader of Preston City Council, told the BBC that he was "absolutely devastated" by the decision.

The local authority has been campaigning for several months to keep the attraction at Deepdale, one of the world's oldest professional football grounds.

Opened in 2001, the museum features exhibits such as the 1966 FIFA World Cup final match ball, Diego Maradona's shirt from the 'hand of God' game in 1986 and the oldest FA Cup trophy.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Urbis is now expected to close for 18 months next year and reopen as the new site of the museum in summer 2011.

Written by Tom Jenkins

© Copyright