Sunday 15 January 2017 12:09, UK
It was a gesture that brought a tear to the eye of Morecambe manager Jim Bentley, but now he has arranged a way to pay the fans back for their tremendous generosity.
The Morecambe fans clubbed together last week after their manager was fined £1,000 by the FA for being sent to the stands during the game against Cheltenham on December 17.
The club are facing significant financial trouble resulting in staff members not being paid.
But now Bentley, with the help of EFL sponsors Sky Bet has found a way to pay supporters back for their gesture, which he admits “blew him away”.
All fans, home and away, will be entitled to a free pie and a pint at the game at home to Cambridge United on Saturday February 11, courtesy of Bentley and Sky Bet.
Bentley said: "When the fans stepped in and paid my fine last week, I was absolutely blown away as you could probably tell from the video.
"I wanted to give something back to show the fans how much they mean to me and thanks to Sky Bet, the EFL sponsor, I’m able to make that happen.
"At the next home game, all of the fans will be able to have a pie and a pint on us.
"I’d like to say a massive thanks again to the fans, the supporters club and to Sky Bet for their amazing support. It really is appreciated."
Check out Jim Bentley's video message to the Morecambe fans!
