Wednesday, May 24, 2006

MEN: Rebels in a rush to snap up Rudd!

Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.usSource: Manchester Evening News

By Stuart Brennan

FC United have signed record-breaking goalscorer Stuart Rudd - and he comes with a glowing reference from Ian Rush!

The Rebels, gearing up for life in the North West Counties first division after gaining promotion at the first time of asking, have picked up Rudd, who hit 47 goals for Skelmersdale last season.

Rudd caught the eye of legendary Liverpool and Wales striker Rush when he was a trainee with his home-town club Wigan.

Rush told him: "You will never be a great goalscorer, but you will be a scorer of great goals."

FC manager Karl Marginson believes Rudd will give his side extra momentum as they look for a second successive promotion.

"We scored 111 goals last season and not one of our players got 20, which is a good thing in many ways," he said.

"But in the last five seasons Stuart has not scored less than 35. He scores different types of goals, like a poor man's Alan Shearer, because he is good in the air, leads the line well, and gets them from two yards and 35 yards."

United will be holding trials for their youth and reserve teams in south Manchester next month. Players who want to be considered should apply via the club's website at www.fc-utd.co.uk. The trials will take place on June 24 for (16 to 18-year-olds) and June 25 (19 to 23-year-olds).