Stourbridge FC in FA Cup legacy pledge

Stourbridge FC bosses today vowed to build a legacy for the future from their money-spinning FA Cup run after their fairytale came to an end with a 3-0 defeat in the second round.

The club said the £100,000 windfall from TV rights and gate receipts will be "used wisely", with possible plans for new youth training facilities and new terracing.

The Glassboys hopes of reaching the third round and a possible clash with a Premier League side were dashed when they were beaten 3-0 by Stevenage on Saturday.

It was the first time they had reached this stage in their 135-year history.

The Southern Premier League part-timers admitted that their League One opponents were too strong in the end but insisted they can continue with their heads held high.

Chairman Ian Pilkington said: "We are very proud of what we have achieved and we have left a great legacy for the future.

"We want to build on this now – we've attracted a lot of new fans and we want them to stay with us. The money can be used to improve the ground as we hopefully head up the leagues."

The cash could be spent on installing barriers in the Shed End to increase the capacity, and permanent terraces in the ground.

The first round replay victory over Plymouth Argyle was broadcast across the globe on ESPN, which brought in £17,500, and Mr Pilkington said the publicity for the club has been "invaluable". Saturday's match was a near sell-out with the 3,067 attendance the club's biggest for 40 years.

Two stands at the cricket pitch side of the ground were today being dismantled – but the stand behind the goal at the Church End could stay until the end of the season.