F.C. United of Manchester is a semi-professional football club based in Boston, Manchester, founded in 2005 by Manchester United supporters opposed to American businessman Malcolm Glazer’s takeover of the Old Trafford Club.
After sharing multiple stadia across Greater Manchester between 2005 and 2015, F.C. United opened their own ground, Broadhurst Park in May 2015.
During construction of the new stadium a combination of an analogue CCTV system was installed and supported by onsite manned security 24/7. A review of security and associated costs was undertaken by the club, who contacted security service provider Bluegrain Ltd to assist.
Dahua’s IP smart camera
Bluegrain Ltd worked closely with COP Security to review the site and all available options. Bluegrain Ltd proposed replacing the analogue system and install a selection from Dahua’s IP smart camera range. The high-resolution images & network capability meant no further manned guarding was required.
As the existing system was installed and run using coaxial cable COP recommended using the IP over coax converters, this would allow Bluegrain Ltd to utilise the smart features that only the Dahua IP range can offer.
Mark Daly, Technical Director at Bluegrain Ltd said “One of the biggest challenges we faced was the legacy system being wired using coaxial cable, with some of the longest runs reaching up to 500 metres. The IP over coax converters were a perfect solution for us and allow us to utilise the extra features of the IP kit. With the cameras built in smart features we can create zones designed to detect intruders at any time of day. Tie that in with the CMS software, and we can offer round the clock protection.”
"With the cameras built in smart features we can create zones designed to detect intruders at any time of day" |
Perimeter alert
One of the largest problems F.C. United face is vandalism when the stadium is closed. The new install allows Bluegrain to monitor the site around the clock using the remote client management software (CMS) and setup perimeter alerts. Once an object enters into a pre-set area Bluegrain’s control centre is notified and can view real time live images, from this they can then determine if security is required to attend the scene.
Lee Gardiner, Sales Executive at COP Security said “Bluegrain approached us to assist in the upgrade of an existing installation. After hearing the club’s specific requirements, we quickly realised the system needed to be IP, even after hearing coax cable was already in place. The flexibility of the Dahua range means we were able to provide a solution.”
Damien Chadwick, CEO of F.C. United is delighted with the results of the upgrade “The upgrade has been great for the club! Not only have we improved our overall security package, but because we don’t need on site security 24/7 we will save a great deal in the future.”
