MEN: FC United drive on

Source: M.E.N. (no online content)

FC United’s new sponsor for this season is the Williams Group car dealership.

They take over from the Bhopal Medical Appeal but, in keeping with the club’s constitution, their logo won’t feature on the players’ shirts.

FC United general manager Andy Walsh said: “We are looking forward to our partnership with Williams, helping both of us to provide the north-west community with quality and excitement over the coming 12 months.

“This is a prestigious deal reflecting the fact that our fans, our team, and our inclusive goals, of community involvement, supporter control, and a winning team, are gaining the respect of the business and wider community.”

Williams marketing director Nick Cook said: “We believe that the relationship we build with FC United can benefit both parties and look forward to working with them.”

The Reds have a score to settle tomorrow when they aim to continue their 100 per cent start to the season against Flixton in the North-West Counties Division One. Flixton took four points off United last season, also gaining promotion. Kick-off at Gigg Lane is 7.45pm.

MEN: Rebels leave rivals gasping

Source: M.E.N.

FC UNITED continued their stunning start to the season with a 7-0 win over Atherton LR.

The rebel Reds have won five on the bounce, scoring 21 goals to leave them on top of the NW Counties Division One.

Striker Stuart Rudd bagged a hat-trick in the Reds’ fifth straight victory in front of a crowd of 1,325 at Chorley with Rob Nugent, Simon Carden, Josh Howard and Alex Mortimer also scoring.

Manager Karl Marginson said: “I am pleased for Rudd because he’s been a bit unlucky of late.”

United bank super seven

Source: The Non-League Paper (no online content)

FC United off to flying start

Source: thisislancashire.co.uk

By Bury Times Sports Reporter

MANAGER Karl Marginson is refusing to get carried away after FC United's dream start to the new season.

The North West Counties Division One newcomers have enjoyed a 100 per cent start - firing 14 goals in their four victories and conceding only once.

The Gigg Lane outfit have already established a five-point lead at the top of the table, and visit mid-table Atherton LR at Chorley's Victoria Park on Saturday. But Marginson is adamant the Reds have not achieved anything yet.
continued...

"It just about taking each game as it comes," said the Reds boss, whose side entertain rivals l From Back Page Flixton at Gigg Lane the following Wednesday. "All the players are levelled headed lads - they showed that last season - but it's my job just to keep an eye on any complacency which may creep in.

"Apart from conceding a goal against Glossop, I couldn't have wished for a better start.

"I knew the players were capable of it. We set our standards against Halifax in pre-season and it's just about keeping those standards up now."

Glossop North End were the latest side to be engulfed by the red wave on Monday night, as United struck four times in 18 second-half minutes at Hyde United's Ewen Fields ground, though Glossop at least had the solace of being the first team to score against the table-toppers.

But it was the breakaway club's display against title contenders Nantwich Town two days' earlier which pleased Marginson most, with Rory Patterson and Simon Carden on target in a 2-0 win.

He added: "Nantwich won the FA Vase last season and that just shows what a strong side they are. It was a great result."

MEN: FC United go marching on

Source: M.E.N.

FC UNITED marched five points clear at the top of the North West Counties League first division last night with four goals in the space of 18 second-half minutes finally putting paid to a spirited Glossop in front of a crowd of 1,219 at Hyde United’s Ewen Fields ground.

FC United’s goals came from Rory Patterson, Stuart Rudd (2) and Simon Carden.

Ashton Joins FC United Revolution

Source: Sport Network

By Mark Heys - August 21 2006

Sam Ashton's cameo appearance in the Bolton first team last season turned a few heads so it came as no surprise to see the teenager making headlines once more at non-league FC United.

The 19-year old goalkeeper will go down in Wanderers history for playing out of position as an outfield player during last January's FA Cup win over Premiership new boys Watford.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce decided to bring Ashton off the bench for the final few moments of the win at Vicarage Road in a game which proved to be his one and only appearance at senior level for his hometown club and boyhood idols.

Nowadays Ashton is playing his part in helping the Manchester United fans club FC United maintain their unbeaten start to the new North West Counties league season and so far he has featured in the wins over St Helens Town, Nelson and Nantwich.

This all came about after the local lad was told that his days at the Reebok Stadium where numbered and trials with Cambridge United and Radcliffe Borough came to nothing.

The Wanderers connection with one of football's newest and most talked about clubs doesn't end there as former Bolton youth players Jamie Pheonix and Steven Spencer also ply their trade with the Gigg Lane based outfit.

MEN: Rebel duo fly the flag

Source: M.E.N.

FC UNITED’S deadly duo Rory Patterson and Simon Carden struck to sink FA Vase holders Nantwich in front of a 2,736 Gigg Lane crowd and send Karl Marginson’s men to the top of the North West Counties League.

First-half goals from the Rebel Reds’ two most prolific marksmen enabled newly-promoted United to pass their first big test of the season and leapfrog early leaders Trafford, who came from behind to win 3-1 at Oldham Town in the FA Cup extra preliminary-round.

United, who have yet to concede a goal, will be looking to maintain their winning start when they travel to face Glossop North End at Hyde United’s Ewen Fields ground tonight (7.45pm).

We Bottled It!

Source: Burnley Express
BLUES assistant boss Gary Bradshaw can't accept Wednesday's performance at FC United.
The Blues crashed to a 6-0 defeat, in what was their first away game of the new season.
And Bradshaw pointed the finger squarely at the players, admitting a large portion of them bottled it.
He blasted: "It was a big disappointment.
"The way the lads stepped up to the plate on Saturday (against Newcastle) was commendable.
"But on Wednesday, they didn't, and a big percentage of the team bottled it.
"That tag doesn't apply to everyone, but a lot of them did and a lot of them let the side down.
"The first 15 minutes we gave a really good account of ourselves, and we put them on the back foot.
"But once the first goal goes in that was it, they didn't want to know."
He added: "I think we were more disappointed with the performance than anything else.
"If you turn up and get beat, but give it your all, you don't mind so much because there was nothing more you could have done.
"You hold your hands up and accept it, but Wednesday night we can't accept.
"You can't completely fold just 15 minutes into a game, if you do that all season you're only going one way.
"And we will be looking for a response this weekend for the lads to stand up and be counted.
"From now on, we will see which players are up to the task, and which aren't.
"We hope it doesn't dent our confidence, but we want them to get back to what they were doing on Saturday.
"That is the most galling thing, they did so well on Saturday and they really showed Newcastle what they were made of."
That midweek performance came after the Blues gave an excellent account of themselves in the goalless draw with Newcastle Town on Saturday.
And Bradshaw wants a repeat of that when Nelson travel to face Northern Counties East Premier Division side Liversedge in the FA Cup tomorrow (kick-off 3 p.m.).
He said: "It will take the pressure of the league off, but there shouldn't really be any pressure at this stage.
"We obviously want to progress in the competition, not only for confidence but for the prize money.
"But it is a chance for players to stake a claim for a shirt, and step up to the plate.
"From what I have seen of Liversedge they are a strong side, and from an equivalent level of football to us. It will be a hard game, but every game will be at this level of football."
Nelson follow that with a home game against neighbours Colne on Wednesday (kick-off 7-45 p.m.).

MEN: Rebels in big test

Source: M.E.N. (no online content)

FC UNITED face what promises to be their first searching examination of the new season tomorrow when they square up to FA Vase holders Nantwich at Gigg Lane.

The newly-promoted Rebel Reds have made an immediate impact in the NW Counties League first division with Wednesday’s 6-0 rout of Nelson taking them into second place behind Trafford.

But Karl Marginson’s men, who have yet to concede a goal, aren’t likely to find life quite so easy against a Nantwich side tipped to challenge them for the title.

And player manager Steve Davis says: “We’ve been looking forward to this game ever since the fixtures came out.”

MEN: Points of view

Source: M.E.N. (no online content)

IN response to Unemployed Coalminer of Hale (Postbag, August 15), I can understand the frustration of other supporters in relation to the coverage afforded by the M.E.N. to FC United of Manchester – but the club has received this because of its unique formation by die-hard supporters prepared to drop 10 divisions and leave behind top-flight football on a point of principle. They made the club the second best supported non-league club in its first season. FC United has provided what many believe is reminiscent of the match experience as Old Trafford used to be.
Scott Taylor, Manchester

MANY discerning football fans are sick and tired of being ripped off by extortionate ticket prices, ever-changing football kits and having no input into their club. FC United’s average home attendances support their column centimetres. Even some football league clubs struggle to match FC United for pulling power: Macclesfield Town averaged 2,275 and ground sharers Bury only 2,594.
Mike, FC United season ticket holder

MEN: Rampaging Rebels are a six-hit

Source: M.E.N. (no online content)

Red-hot FC United hit Nelson for six at a soggy Gigg Lane last night to establish themselves as the early pacesetters in the North West Counties League first division.

The Rebel Reds never looked back after being gifted a 10th-minute lead when Alex Mortimer’s corner glanced in off the head of a visiting defender.

It was plain sailing for Karl Marginson’s men after that, with star striker Rory Patterson helping himself to a hat-trick scoring once in the first-half and twice after the interval before Stuart Rudd and Steve Smith completed a 6-0 demolition job.

The rout made for great entertainment for a crowd of 2,129 and means FC United have taken maximum points from their opening two games.

MEN: Rebels are on a revenge mission

Source: M.E.N. (no online content)

NON-LEAGUE SOCCER TONY GLENNON
FC UNITED will be out for revenge when they make their long-awaited home debut in the North West Counties League first division tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

Visitors Nelson were one of only four teams to beat the Rebel Reds at Gigg Lane last season as the pair scorched to promotion.

United completed a league double over the Lancastrians, but Nelson responded by knocking Karl Marginson’s men out of the Division Two Trophy in front of their own fans.

Both sides made positive starts to the new season at the weekend, United winning 2-0 at St Helens while Nelson held fancied Newcastle Town to a goalless draw.

Meanwhile, a defensive mix-up cost Altrincham a precious Conference National point as they fell to an 81st minute goal at Stafford Rangers last night.

The Robins were within sight of a deserved draw when Val Owen and ‘keeper Stuart Coburn got in a tangle, leaving Stafford dangerman Guy Madjo with the easy task of rolling the ball into an empty net.

It was tough on Alty, who’d been the more fluent, although Rangers had posed the greater threat throughout, with Madjo a constant menace to Graham Heathcote’s men.

There was disappointment, too, for Northwich, who crashed 2-0 to Sammy McIlroy’s Morecambe at the Victoria Stadium.

One-time Manchester United starlet Michael Twiss proved to be Vics’ two-goal destroyer, striking first in the 29th minute before finally killing off Steve Burr’s side with his second moments before the final whistle.

Stalybridge opened their victory account in Conference North with makeshift striker Mark Hume’s second goal in two games – an 82nd minute effort from Scott Maxfield’s corner –proving enough to sink Lancaster at Giant Axe.

The win leaves Bridge tucked in behind the early leaders with four points from their two starts.

Leigh RMI remain pointless after crashing 3-1 to visiting Farsley Celtic.

A little more balance please on your FC United coverage

Source: M.E.N. (no online content)

ONCE again the M.E.N. has seen fit to give more coverage to one non-league football club than all the other non-league clubs in the region. That club is FC United of Manchester, a club in the North West Counties League Division One, the fifth tier of the non-league pyramid – effectively Division Nine in the national league structure.

Traditionally the M.E.N. aligns the volume of coverage it gives with a club’s league status, yet on August 11, about 41 column centimetres were devoted to FC United, yet Altrincham, Northwich, Droylsden, Stalybridge, Hyde and Leigh – all teams playing in higher leagues shared 26 colum centimetres between them.

FC also received more coverage than Stockport, Oldham, Bury and Macclesfield, who all play in the Football League.

No doubt the M.E.N. will claim that the FC story is of interest to more people on the basis of their having borrowed Manchester United’s history to form their club, but this is a kick in the teeth to the fans who have supported the other clubs I have mentioned for many years, many of whom who buy the paper for news of their club only to find nightly bulletins from FC instead, including transfer news and pre-season game coverage that other clubs do not receive.

These are clubs which have fought and struggled to maintain their level, if not their very survival, not just cruised through an amateur league with a semi-professional team.

Until FC United have earned their place in the football pyramid I’d like to suggest the newspaper gives them the same level of coverage given to other NWCL teams – merely their match scores on the results page.

Unemployed coalminer, Hale

In an ideal world

Source: Sunday Times


In an ideal world FC United battle through to the FA Cup third round and defeat Manchester United in a tie moved to the City of Manchester stadium to accomodate the bumper crowd.



toasts comment: eh??

Daily Express: Sam’s Corrie cash on United rebels

Source: Daily Express - no online content

WEATHERFIELD may be in the shadow of Old Trafford, but Malcolm Glazer cannot expect a donation from the latest resident of Coronation Street to come in to help keep the bankers from the door.

Adam Baldwin has got a slice of his grandfather’s inheritance after all, apparently – I’m not usually a soap fan but it was on before the Liverpool game on Wednesday – but actor Sam Robertson’s allegiance lies with the breakaway set of supporters who opposed the American’s takeover.

Earlier this week Robertson made his debut for FC United, setting up the first goal in a 2-1 win at Abbey Hey in the North West Counties Division One match.

Meanwhile, fans hoping to see another Giggs make his debut for “United” – Manchester United star Ryan’s younger brother Rhodri – were disappointed as the man once imprisoned for his part in a nightclub brawl was being “rested” for the next game tomorrow.

MEN: One step at a time for the Rebels

Source: M.E.N. - no online content


FC United have a long road to travel
-----------------------------------
Lyons prepared to play waiting game

TONY GLENNON

FC UNITED are ready to resume the challenge of bridging the yawning gap which still separates them from the North West’s “elite” semi-professional clubs despite their debutseason promotion success in the Moore and Co Construction Solicitors League.

The Rebels tomorrow make their bow in division one with a trip to St Helens Town, secure in the knowledge they boast a fan-base which is the envy of all the region’s other leading nonleague outfits.

But, though United’s huge following makes them currently the second-best supported non-league team in the country, so lowly is their status in the semi-pro pyramid that it will be another four years at least before they might be ready to rub shoulders with the likes of Altrincham in the Nationwide Conference’s national division – the last stop before the Coca-Cola League.

For them to achieve that within that time frame, United will have to maintain their present rate of progress and secure promotion not only this season but for the next three to come – a daunting prospect even for a club of their size and potential.

But player/coach Darren Lyons insists that’s a marathon they plan to complete by adopting the approach of an endurance athlete and concentrating, not on longterm objectives, but simply on the next step.

Speaking as manager Karl Marginson was away sunning himself on a Spanish beach, Lyons said: “Of course, we’d love to be in the Conference or the League, but, hopefully, that will come in time.

“And, in any case, I don’t think it would be right for us to jump leagues, especially given the financial benefits we’re bringing to the clubs we meet along the way in terms of their attendances when they play us.

“At the same time, we know it’s good for us that we focus on walking before we can run, taking each step as it comes. It might take us a few years to get to where we want to be – but I’m sure we’ll enjoy the journey.”

While there’s talk that as many as six clubs could be promoted from the Solicitors League to the UniBond at the end of this season as a result of ongoing restructuring at the foot of the pyramid, FC United are, says Lyons, working on the premise that just the champions will go up.

Nevertheless, optimism’s running high in the Rebels’ camp, despite there being little margin for error.

Lyons added: assistant manager “Karl, Phil Power and I know exactly what to expect of this division and we’re all aiming for the same thing – to go up at the first attempt.

“We’ve strengthened last season’s division two championship-winning squad in the areas where we felt it needed to be and, although losing Steve Torpey to Halifax was a blow, we now have competition for places in every position.

“We also now have some terrific prospects coming through the club’s new reserve and youth set-ups and, if we can build on the form we’ve shown in our recent friendly wins over Halifax and Leigh RMI, we’d like to think we’ll take some stopping.”

MEN: Streetwise Sam makes his mark

Source: M.E.N.

Coronation Street actor Sam Robertson starred in FC United’s 2-1 win over Abbey Hey at Bower Fold last night. The Rebel Reds put out a second string 11, but still proved too strong for their fellow North West Counties Division One side.

Robertson, aka Adam Baldwin, played some neat passes and was involved in FC’s opening goal. Tricky winger Warren Collier finished a neat move with a great chip on 20 minutes. The little number seven impressed throughout but it was experienced forward Leon Mike who won the game for the Rebels with a tremendous swerver from 25 yards on the hour.

Josh Cathcart grabbed a late consolation for Abbey Hey.

FC fan Brady's a real brick

Source: M.E.N.

THE first book on FC United is now on sale, written - fittingly - by a brickie from Beswick!

Lifelong Manchester United fan Robert Brady, who served on the steering committee which brought the club into existence last summer, has come up with "An Undividable Glow" (£8.78).

The book is as manic as it is Manc, a hilarious and achingly sad trip through a remarkable 12 months in the history of Manchester United and its lively offspring FC United.
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Brady has a cult following from his column in the United We Stand fanzine, and his style is not so much a stream of consciousness as a raging torrent of it, as the impenetrable title of the book hints.

"As a city, Manchester believes it is frightened of nothing. This book is one individual's story of how a part of Red Manchester defied defeat," says the blurb on the back.

Laced with a love of Manchester, Mancunians, family, friends and fellow Reds, Brady has come up with a book which is a rough-edged, funny and a poignant slice of what makes Manchester great, and what makes it grate. It should become a Mancunian classic. Should, but probably won't.

To find out more go to www.fcunitedbook.co.uk, and you can buy the book at www.fc-utd.co.uk or from Brady himself, standing outside Gigg Lane before home games.

Mixing with the stars

Source: Guardian Unlimited

Never mind Rooney and Ronaldo: the summer has been just as busy over at FC United, writes Tony Howard

Wednesday August 9, 2006
Guardian Unlimited

While Old Trafford was the centre of national attention over Wayne Rooney's World Cup fitness, his subsequent clash with Cristiano Ronaldo and the future of Ruud van Nistelrooy, it was also a busy close-season at the other United.

In between celebrating their first birthday, FC United of Manchester spent the summer winning their first-ever cup, enlisting a winger called R Giggs and injecting a bit a of showbiz thanks to the inclusion of a Coronation Street star.

FC fans turning up to watch their club's pre-season games were left baffled by a couple of familiar figures; indeed, many were left rubbing their eyes and mistakenly believing that a Manchester United legend had made an improbable switch to Gigg Lane.

At first glance Rhodri Giggs is the spitting image of his brother Ryan, although he plays on the right rather than left and lacks the yard of pace that his older sibling is blessed with. He does, however, look equally smart in a red shirt, he runs in the same arm-pumping style - and takes corners in a similar vein by hitting the first defender with alarming regularity. That aside, Giggs has fitted into the camp well.

As has Sam Robertson, better known as Adam Baldwin in Corrie. The boy with the strange barnet impressed FC United's coaching team during a charity game in May, after which the manager Karl Marginson said: "Mike Baldwin's lad looked good; we'd like to get him involved."

As a result, locals walking their dogs on the field behind the south Manchester high school where FC train can enjoy the surreal sight of Adam Baldwin being put through his paces twice a week by a delivery driver from Ancoats. At least it's taken his mind off the wrangling about his Dad's will. Robertson/Baldwin has gone on to make fleeting appearances throughout the summer with the new FC United reserve team.

Fans hope that the new faces - including the striker Stuart Rudd, who has plundered over 30 goals at other clubs in each of the last five seasons - will soften the blow of losing the talismanic Steve Torpey, who was poached by Halifax Town after an amazing individual performance in FC's impressive 4-2 friendly victory at the Shay.

Torps' place in United legend is assured, however, as it was he who banged in FC's first-ever goal at Flixton a year ago. And he certainly went out with a flourish in his final appearance against Halifax. During FC's inception they were warned by those behind AFC Wimbledon not to get too attached to players as they come and go at this level. How right they were.

United had hosted AFC Wimbledon at Gigg Lane, beating them to claim the Supporters Direct Cup, again thanks to a Torpey special. As a result FC have a nice cup to go in the cabinet alongside the North West Counties Division Two trophy they won in their inaugural season. There was also a game against the landlords Bury at Gigg Lane, where the Reds outnumbered the home supporters by two to one. Bury won at a canter, but the moral victory was with the far more vociferous lodgers.

A week before the league season began FC returned to the scene of the club's first-ever game, and were impressive 4-0 winners against Leigh RMI, who sit three divisions higher in the football pyramid. It was in stark contrast to the 0-0 draw there in July 2005, and offered a marker of how far the club has come since that famous day.

Now fans will hope that, with a couple of new signings and a lad called Giggs running down the wing, they can win their second successive title. And with the mouthwatering prospect of an FA Vase run to look forward to, it's sure to be another eventful season in FC United's short history.

FC United open their North West Counties League Division Two campaign with a visit to St Helens Town on Saturday August 12, kick-off 3pm.

MEN: Rampant rebels look in the mood

Source: M.E.N.

RAMPANT FC United scarcely missed newly-departed star striker Steve Torpey as they romped to a rousing 4-0 friendly win at Leigh RMI.

Torpey's exit for Conference full-timers Halifax may have put a dampener on manager Karl Marginson's pre-season preparations, but the Rebels proved they can still pack a punch without him by cruising to an emphatic victory over a team who play three divisions above them in Nationwide North.

Rory Patterson opened the scoring when his shot crept under the body of keeper James Salisbury, who had a nightmare afternoon on his return to Leigh from Wigan Athletic.
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Andy Roscoe then turned the ball into his own net to give FC United a 2-0 lead before Patterson added his second and the visitors' third goal after ex-RMI defender Liam Coyne had sent him racing clear of the home defence.

The Railwaymen's substitute goalie, James Mann, was beaten by another own-goal late on, this time a James Glendenning header.

FC United of Manchester - One Year On and Thriving

Source: squarefootball.net

FC United of Manchester have celebrated their first birthday. The anti-Glazer breakaway club played their first fixture on 16th July 2005 and since then the new club has been a roaring success. This year they are in a higher division and enter their first national cup competition.

It’s a common enough reaction among football fans to threaten to tear up the season ticket and stop going to games, so when FC United was mooted there were many who thought the move would never happen. The club has not only survived but thrived and hopes are high for another promotion.

This is still North-West Counties Division One football we’re talking about but when FC lifted the 2ND Division title last term they pulled in a massive 6,023 fans for the match against Great Harwood. There’s every reason to think that the club can average 4,000 for home games this campaign.

This is new territory because unlike AFC Wimbledon, the Old Trafford club still exists in the same stadium with minimal changes in personnel. What has been surprising is the reserve of goodwill FC have been able to draw on from those who continue to follow Manchester United. In very rough terms, Man United fans break down into five categories after the Glazer upheaval;

The Loyalists

A large group who view any attempt to break with the parent club and cut ties to Old Trafford with huge suspicion. To this section, the FC United revolution is at best wrong-headed and at worst traitorous. Will not be attending games at Gigg Lane under any circumstances.

The Indifferent

Manchester United are a huge club and it’s fair to say that many of the supporters don’t relate to non-league soccer in any way. For much of this group, FC United have no impact- many don’t even know where they play or how they are progressing. Others in this camp know of FC ‘s efforts and bear them no ill will; they just don’t see what the fuss is about.

The Straddlers

It was uncertain what relationship the revolutionaries would have with any Old Trafford regulars. In fact, a surprising number have chosen to give support to both clubs. One factor in this is the unusual pleasure of being able to watch a side at 3.00 on any given Saturday. Manchester United fans have suffered more than most from modern match scheduling. These fans represent a certain feeling against the Premiership in general, although not enough to make them want to abandon old allegiances.

The Disillusioned

Not just fed up with Manchester United but like many fans at other clubs, driven away by the excesses of the Premiership of which the Glazer takeover was one example. Still consider themselves Man U fans, although increasing numbers may not be able to afford to see games at Old Trafford. FC United offers a chance to keep the faith but at the same time connect with a more down to earth game.

The Revolutionaries

Hard core anti-Glazer fans who believe that the Glazer regime is wholly bad for the club and that still attending Old Trafford only digs the club into a bigger hole. Not prepared to go to Old Trafford under the present regime and broadly sick of many aspects of the modern game. A minority among Man U fans but their efforts have impressed many who still attend Old Trafford.

If FC keep winning they will draw more interest and might even create a 6th category of fan- the person who supports the new club and holds no allegiance, current or former, to Old Trafford. The club’s new youth set up will contribute to this goal.

By keeping the rhetoric anti-Glazer rather than anti- Man U, FC United have the potential to draw support from all but the first of the above groups and as their success grows the impact on the second group will greatly increase.

In this regard a match on 23rd September at Brodsworth Miners Welfare is crucial. This is the new club’s debut in the FA Vase and a chance to enter a national competition- one that was won last season by Nantwich Town, a team from the same division as FC will play in this year. Winning the Vase might be a long shot but a decent Cup run could raise the profile, alongside what is certain to be another push for promotion.

For the moment FC United can try to attract most Manchester United fans without those supporters felling a conflict of interest. Only if the breakaway club soars up the Pyramid structure can that happen. At the moment they can call on a core support and wider community that can make FC United the envy of every other non-league team. Year two should be another exciting prospect.

MEN: United for the children

Source: M.E.N.

YOUNGSTERS in care in Greater Manchester will be offered a season of free football thanks to FC United.

The rebel Manchester United club have agreed a deal with residential care provider northerncare to provide all children in their homes the chance to watch them play.

The youngsters will get free entry to Gigg Lane, in Bury, for every FC United home game.

The agreement will also see the youngsters involved in football tournaments, work experience and competitions.

A spokesman for northerncare said: "We are proud to be taking part in this pioneering project alongside FC United.

"It is a true representation of the principles by which the company runs, supporting young people in order to further their lives.

"We believe that all young people should be encouraged to participate in their communities and this is something we are aiming to achieve with the help of our partners."

A spokesman for FC United said: "This unique initiative demonstrates our commitment to making football accessible to all, and is an addition to our partnerships with local schools and junior football clubs."

Last chance to impress

Source: thisislancashire.co.uk

By David Magilton

LEIGH RMI will trial half a dozen players vying for just one remaining squad place when they wind up their pre-season friendlies, hoping for a timely cash boost from a bumper crowd against FC United.

Manager Andy Nelson says that with the exception of just one place, he has finalised his squad of 17 players and that will be offered to one of the trialists after tomorrow's encounter (ko 2pm), which has been arranged as part of the deal that took young centre-half Liam Coyne to the newly-promoted North West Counties First Division outfit.

The Railwaymen drew their mid-week friendly 2-2 at Rossendale United, but tomorrow's encounter will see Nelson start with what he believes is his strongest line-up, before he introduces the trialists.
continued...

RMI visit Skelmersdale on Tuesday but that will be with a reserve team.

Nelson said: "Saturday's game will be the last for our first team as with such a small squad I can't gamble with the players' fitness so close to the start of the season.

"FC United should provide us with a decent test and I am starting with my strongest line-up because I want to know just how good we are. It is our last chance."

RMI, who won a reprieve after being relegated form Conference North last season, open their new campaign with a trip to Vauxhall Motors next Saturday.

Leigh RMI v FC United

Leigh RMI vs. FC United of Manchester preview

Source: sportnetwork.net

By Matt Lawton - August 3 2006

One year on from history being made at Hilton Park, FC United of Manchester are welcomed back to Hilton Park this weekend when they face RMI at 2pm on Saturday afternoon.

Just over a year ago, American businessman Malcolm Glazer completed his controversial takeover of Manchester United, saddling the club with a whopping £400m debt and sparking huge protests from several thousand United supporters who were against their club being turned in to a one-man (or one family) piggybank, with no consideration being shown to the ordinary supporter, the average Red in the street.

The result was the formation of Football Club United of Manchester, an alternative to "Big United" set up by the supporters who just couldn't bear to be a part of Mr. Glazer's loan repayment. The fleding protest club soon established a groundshare agreement with League Two side Bury and successfully applying for a place in the second division of the North West Counties football league. July 2005 saw them take to the field for the very first time, and it was to Hilton Park that they headed for a game against RMI.

Nobody was quite sure just how many visiting supporters would turn out, but a massive bandwagon of support saw more than 2,000 United fans make their way to Hilton Park, providing RMI with by far and away their biggest crowd of the season, with even the huge game against Northwich on the final day of the season failing to trouble the attendance records.

One year on and United have already won their first trophy with a comfortable league victory that sees them ready to take on the first division of the North West Counties League this season, including two of RMI's local rivals in the shape of Atherton Collieries and Atherton Laburnum Rovers.

RMI have had a terrific pre-season so far, remaining unbeaten after four previous outings with draws at Clitheroe and Rossendale, along with an away victory at St. Helens and a terrific 2-0 home win over Conference National side Altrincham.

United on the other hand have had a rather mixed bag of results so far, losing at Radcliffe Borough, Sheffield and Altrincham, although they gave a good account of themselves in a 2-0 defeat to Bury, whilst they claimed a big scalp on Tuesday evening with a 4-2 victory away at Conference National side Halifax Town.

With FC providing the penultimate opposition of RMI's pre-season before the league programme begins next weekend away at Vauxhall Motors, Leigh boss Andy Nelson is set to put out his strongest possible side as they prepare for the Conference North season, and Saturday's game is sure to be an exciting, not to be mention nostalgic, encounter for the Hilton Park crowd.

Admission costs £8 for adults and £4 for concessions, with a 2pm kick off at Hilton Park.

TOWN IN STRIKER SWOOP

Source: Halifax Courier

HALIFAX Town have swooped to sign FC United of Manchester striker Steve Torpey.

The 24-year-old caught Town boss Chris Wilder's eye with a superb performance in Tuesday evening's friendly at the Shay which included a stunning 30 yard strike.

And Wilder has moved swiftly to snap up the player, who was expected to complete his move to Halifax today.

A former England schoolboy international, Torpey was at Liverpool's Academy for three years but eventually moved on to current Division One outfit Port Vale, where he made one league appearance.

In 2002, he moved into non-league football when he signed for Merseyside outfit Prescot Cables, and he returned to Cables after a spell with Town's Conference rivals Altrincham.

He joined FC United shortly after their formation last summer and made an immediate impact, scoring in the pre-season win at Flixton and going on to bag 17 goals in 32 appearances as the team romped to the North West Counties League Division Two title last season.

MEN: Rebels on the goal rampage

Source: M.E.N.

FC UNITED produced their most impressive pre-season performance so far in romping to a 4-2 victory over Nationwide Conference big guns Halifax at the Shay.

The Rebels never looked back after going three-up inside 20 minutes through Rob Nugent, Steve Torpey and Will Ahern.

Halifax pulled one back when Dave Chadwick deflected a shot past keeper Barrie George, but a Rory Patterson penalty sealed victory for FC.

Town suffer as United show mettle

Source: Halifax Courier

Halifax Town 2
FC United of Manchester 4

SO pre-season friendlies are all just gentle, meaningless kickarounds?

Not so, as anyone at the Shay last night will testify.

OK, it is difficult to argue with the meaningless bit, with Town boss Chris Wilder fielding an almost wholly experimental side stocked with trialists, a fact that goes a long way to explaining that bizarre scoreline.

But the gentle kickaround theory went out of the window as at least half a dozen tackles flew in that made the home faithful wince, the majority coming from the visitors in a highly competitive clash which while hardly a thriller, provided a decent slice of entertainment for those who braved the suddenly autumnal weather.

And Wilder was not complaining, saying he was pleased that his players underwent a full physical workout with the proper stuff just over a week away.

Yet despite that, the half time scoreline which showed a 4-1 deficit against a side which will this season be playing four levels below the Shaymen in the non-league pyramid had many fans shaking their heads.

But it needs to be put into context, because firstly, FC United are no ordinary club.

Backed by what is by semi-pro standards huge support, they can attract players who are a class above the level they are currently positioned, and many of those who turned out last night were of Conference standard or very close to it.

And secondly, Town's starting XI was unrecognisable to the one which suffered that play off heartbreak at Leicester, with many having barely been introduced before they took the field.

Even so, the ease with which the visitors tore through the home ranks sent ripples of alarm through the home support.

With barely 10 minutes on the clock, centre half Robert Nugent beat keeper Craig Mawson to a Josh Howard free kick and nodded the ball home, and on 17 minutes, FC United doubled the lead with the strike of the night.

Young Steve Torpey, not to be confused with the Scunthorpe striker of the same name, produced a dazzling 30 yard swerver which flew past Mawson and set the tone for a sparkling display by a lad surely soon to be snapped up by a league side

Two minutes later, it was three, as William Ahern slotted home as the Halifax rearguard stood and admired, and an evening of embarrassment beckoned.

Halifax trialist Neil Prince's cross was deflected into his own net by defender David Chadwick to reduce the arrears, but just before the break, visiting striker Stuart Rudd was put clear and when Mawson brought him down , Rory Paterson cockily flicked home the spot kick.

It all made for an uncomfortable half time for Town, but the introduction of a quartet of regular first teamers for the second half stemmed the flow.

And when Danny Forrest sprinted onto the field to the biggest cheer of the night from the home end, he rewarded them within 10 seconds by volleying spectacularly home.

Town poured forward in the closing stages as the visitors began to tire.

And with a bit of luck they could have levelled as they squandered a string of late chances. However, they had left themselves too much to do and FC United closed out the final few minutes to earn themselves what is probably one of their most memorable triumphs in their short history.

So not a night that will be cherished in the memories of many Town fans, but at least there was that delightful Forrest strike to savour, and as Wilder rightly pointed out afterwards, the difference when the regulars came on after the break showed the quality of Town's first choice line up.

And the last word goes to the FC United fans, who numbered at least 500 and kept up a commendable vocal backing.

They also produced the chant of the night, pointing to the unfinished section of the Shay as they sang in unison "Are you Wembley in disguise?"