First published by The Salford Advertiser.
BY TONY HOWARD
1st RYAN Giggs and his brother Rhodri can both lay claim to be star United discoveries.
But while Ryan made his name with Manchester United, Rhodri is training with FC United of Manchester – the club formed by Reds’ fans after the Glazer takeover at Old Trafford.
Rhodri, 29, originally from Swinton, impressed the club when he played against them with a celebrity team in a charity fund-raiser for injured rugby player Chris McGuirk.
Hampered
Rhodri was rated as a young player and had trials at several clubs, but his career was hampered by off-the-field incidents.
He has continued to play at a semi-professional level and FC United assistant manager Phil Power said he had a real chance of making the first team – and could play in front of up to 6,000 fans at Bury’s Gigg Lane in the North West Counties’ first division.
Power said: “I’ve known Rhodri for a few years and our keeper Phil Melville also knows him, so when we saw him in the charity game, we asked him to come training. He looked good in the game and still has the touch he had when he was younger, so if selected, he will offer a few new options for us next season.
“He’s played for Mossley last season, so he’s in good shape and fitness will not be a problem.”
Rhodri could be given a chance to shine when FC United play their first pre-season friendly away at Radcliffe Borough on Saturday, July 15.
Meanwhile, the club is also hoping to woo another new star after a famous face impressed when playing against them in the same charity game.
Sam Robertson, who plays Mike Baldwin’s son Adam in Coronation Street, scored with an exquisite lob and has also been asked to attend FC United’s next training session.
The celebrity side, which included fellow Corrie stars Andy Whyment (Kirk) and Alan Halsall (Tyrone) and ex-England footballer Peter Reid, was soundly beaten by FC United, but Sam – known to have played at a good standard in his native Scotland – showed some nifty touches.
Power said: “We liked the look of Sam during the charity game and thought it would be worth asking him to come training and see how he does.
“He couldn’t come last week, but we hope he’ll get down this week – and if he does well, we can take it from there.”
Posts
