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Moonwalking megastar Michael Jackson could earn debt-ridden Exeter City £40,000 - plus a generous chunk of cash for two nominated children's charities.
Grecians joint-chairman John Russell is now "100 per cent convinced" the reclusive pop phenomenon will put in an appearance at St James's Park on June 14.
It is hoped a full house of 10,000 fans will flock to the stadium, generating an estimated £80,000 in ticket sales.
And even after covering policing and stewarding costs and making a sizeable donation to charities Children With Aids and Support for Africa, Grecians officials are anticipating a substantial five-figure profit from the event.
"We would hope to be able to pay the wages for June out of the proceeds," said joint vice-chairman Mike Lewis.
"We don't really know how much revenue it will raise because it all depends on the balance of ticket sales.
"There are a lot of football clubs in trouble and Exeter City is no exception - this club is heavilty in debt and we are trying to nibble away on that.
"But a lot of football clubs have got no options, nowhere to go and no routes to take.
"At least what we're doing is to create our own avenues, create our own income to get out of the financial dilemma we are in.
"I think we've had a great start and we hope it carries on."
A final surplus of £40,000 would effectively recover a third of the cash originally promised next season by collapsed broadcaster ITV Digital.
Jackson's three-hour visit will also be seized upon as a chance to persuade up to 60 local and national companies to lend their support to the Grecians.
The event has already aroused the interest of a host of national newspapers and magazines.
And Russell was optimistic that such widespread media exposure would reap long-term commercial dividends for the club..
With already over 1000 tickets already sold, 10,000 tickets in total have now gone on sale.
Please note that tickets for 'An Audience With Michael Jackson' will actually be on sale today (Wednesday 29 May 2002) not as previously stated on Thursday.
The ticket office will be open from 10am to 7pm on Wednesday 28 May and will then revert back to the usual 10am to 4pm.
Ticket hotline: (01392) 254073.
The main number (01392 411243) will only be used for football and admin business, no ticket orders will be taken over this number.
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