Doing it for the kids - FC United break new ground

Source: Supporters Direct, Issue 23, September 2006

In a groundbreaking agreement, FC United and northerncare have agreed to provide free tickets to Greater Manchester’s young people in care and their carers for all the club’s home fixtures this season.

northerncare is a major provider of residential care for young people, and its Managing Director,David Rae, is a fan of FC United. northerncare are particularly keen, not only to encourage young people to enjoy the big match atmosphere provided at FC United, but also to engage in other activities with the club for example participation in football tournaments,work experience and artistic competitions.

In a statement, Rae commented:“We believe that all young people should be encouraged to participate in their communities and we are endeavouring to facilitate this with all our partners.”

Already several local authorities have expressed enthusiasm over the scheme, which it is hoped will inspire other clubs and care providers to establish around the country.

FC United’s General Manager,Andy Walsh declared:“This unique initiative demonstrates our commitment to making football accessible to all, and is an addition to our existing partnerships with local schools and junior football clubs.”

FC United of Manchester 2-1 AFC Wimbledon

Source: Supporters Direct, Issue 23, September 2006

Supporters Direct Cup, 22nd July 2006

Matches played in late-July usually have "meaningless pre-season friendly" stamped all over them. Not this one.A year earlier AFC Wimbledon won the Supporters Direct Cup, beating FCUM 1-0 in a match that was extremely tight and competitive considering United had only recently been founded. Both sides came into the match off the back of good seasons. FCUM had been runaway winners of the North West Counties League Division Two and Wimbledon had been edged out of the Ryman League Premier Division playoffs by Fisher Athletic.This was an opportunity to see how both sides had progressed.

On the evidence of the first 45 minutes it was the Dons who had improved most.They withstood a lengthy series of early corners from United and then began to dominate the share of possession and chances. Dons midfielders Luke Garrard and Wes Daly orchestrated play, releasing the livewire front man Paul Barnes on several occasions. It was therefore no surprise that it was Barnes who opened the scoring on 14 minutes, smashing the ball into the United net after Steve Butler's header had rebounded off the bar.

Wimbledon continued to dominate the first half without converting any of their further chances.They then looked a different team in the second half and in many respects they were, having removed goalkeeper Little, captain Steve Butler and playmaker Luke Garrard at the break.

The Dons were duly punished by United who started the second half looking much stronger.They took advantage of the Wimbledon substitutions to bring themselves right back into the match. On 49 minutes a free-kick deep into the Wimbledon half was swung into the box and Brown out jumped everyone to power home a header.

The equaliser brought the FCUM fans to life and they began to give vociferous support to their team as red shirts poured forward looking for a winner.The step up in pace was marked and the tackles began to fly. In fact the match boiled over on 55 minutes when Wimbledon's Scott Curley and Simon Carden of United saw red for "afters" following a late tackle by the United player. Clearly Curly and Carden hadn't quite picked up on the spirit and good humour evident amongst the fans.

On 75 minutes United got their winner. It was the result of a wonderful through-ball, albeit one by Wimbledon new boy Steve Wales.The full back turned the ball back towards the Wimbledon goal and it was intercepted on the edge of the box by Steve Torpey.With only the keeper to beat, he hit a curling shot into the top right corner of the net to give Josh Lennie no chance. By now the United fans were really getting into their stride, turning Gigg Lane into a mini- Stretford End.

Belatedly the Dons roused themselves, finally realising that they were in danger of losing a grip on the Cup.They pressed forward for an equaliser, but while several close chances went begging something seemed to say it was not going to come. Inevitably the pace slowed in the final minutes, the hot weather and lack of match practice getting to players on both sides. In end the FCUM held out for a deserved victory and picked up their first, but maybe not only, piece of silverware of the season.

Fittingly the final highlight of the match had been provided by the fans, with FCUM leading a chant of “We Love You Wombles” and the Dons reciprocating with a chant of “United, United”. In many respects this summed up spirit of the Supporters Direct Cup; two clubs competing hard for a trophy, but doing so in an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect.

This was further underlined by Andy Walsh’s gracious victory speech, thanking the Dons fans and staff for making the long trip and for the assistance and encouragement they had shown at FCUM’s inception.

Following the match large numbers of United and Wimbledon fans retired to the Swan and Cemetery pub to reflect on the match and look forward to the coming season, with both sets of supporters having good reason to be optimistic about their prospects both on and off the pitch.

Teams:
FC Utd: Phil Melville, Matty Taylor,Alex Mortimer, Steven Spencer, Dave Brown, Robert Nugent, Josh Howard, Simon Carden (s/o 55), Stuart Rudd, Steve Torpey, Rory Patterson.
Subs: Liam Coyne, Rhodri Giggs, Dave Swarbrick, Joz Mitten

AFC Wimbledon: Andy Little, Steve Wales, Michael Haswell,Antony Howard, Steve Butler, Wayne Finnie,Wes Daly, Luke Garrard. Paul Barnes, Darren Grieves, Joe Paris
Subs: Scott Curley (s/o 55), Josh Lennie, Robert Ursell, Simon Sobihy, Stephen Goddard

Attendance: 2,136

Here's to future days

Edited from timeout.com/manchester/

Our dissent is not always explicitly political. When the US businessman Malcolm Glazer added Manchester United to his portfolio of sporting franchises, a group of disenchanted fans defiantly resolved to set up their own club. Variously described and derided as ‘brave rebels’, ‘irrelevant outsiders’ and ‘a right bunch of dicks’, the group stuck to their guns and formed FC United of Manchester. Their inspiration was AFC Wimbledon, set up when Wimbledon moved north and became the Milton Keynes Dons, but FC United nonetheless stands as living testament to that peculiarly Mancunian talent for gazing at the world in all its wonder, thinking for a minute, and then muttering: ‘Nah, that’s bollocks. This is how we’ll do it…’

FC United go for the record

Source: thisislancashire.co.uk

By Liam Chronnell

FC UNITED can equal the best-ever start to the North West Counties Division One season at home to mid-table Bacup Borough on Saturday.

A 12th consecutive league win for the runaway leaders would equal the previous best, set by Skelmersdale last season.

But manager Karl Marginson, whose side defeated Brodsworth Miners Welfare in the FA Vase at the weekend, is only interested in increasing the Gigg Lane club's five-point lead at the top of the table.
continued...

"It's just another game," said the United boss. "I'm not bothered about statistics and we will approach it in just the same way we would any other.

"The important thing is that we go out there and win. Our main priority is to get the ball down and play, and entertain our fans. Bacup will be a good side; they have only played six games this season, and have lost only once."

If the breakaway club can overcome Borough, they would have the chance to re-write the record books three days later when they take on high-flying Salford City in an eagerly-awaited derby clash.

The game has been moved to Salford City Reds rugby league ground, The Willows.

Marginson said: "There's a real buzz about the match and there should be a big crowd, but it's just another three points and we are not going to start getting carried away."

The Reds continued their 100 per cent start to the campaign after easing to a 3-1 victory at Brodsworth MW, and will now face Division Two side Padiham in the first round. Striker Stuart Rudd broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time with his 14th goal of the season and Josh Howard doubled the lead on 65 minutes.

Rory Patterson put the tie beyond doubt eight minutes later before Craig Longley hit a late consolation.

Marginson added: "It was nice to keep the run going and winning is a good habit to get into.."

Marginson is expected to make only one change to the side, with influential captain Dave Chadwick set to replace Liam Coyne at the heart of the defence after recovering from a knee injury.

Tickets for United's FA Vase first round tie at Padiham's Arbories Memorial Sports Ground on Saturday, October 7, will be on sale from the ticket office at Gigg Lane from 1pm before Saturday's game. Prices are £7 for adults and £2 for under-16s.

Barrett Strike Earns Big Tie For Storks

PADIHAM'S FA Carling Vase victory over Cheadle Town at the Arbories on Saturday has set up the tie nobody wanted to talk about before the weekend – a first round home tie against FC United of Manchester, and the goliath following that comes with the current leaders of the North West Counties First Division.

The October 7th fixture is a huge reward for the Storks, but one the home side had to battle hard to achieve, as the visitors pushed Padiham right to the final whistle.
Padiham had the better of the first half and created chances on a regular basis during the opening 45 minutes.

On seven minutes, a well-worked throw-in routine found Ross Barnham, who in turn found new signing Paul Barrett, who shot just wide of the target.

Three minutes later Barrett went close again when Paul Fildes played his strike partner in, and Barrett saw his effort scrambled away at the foot of the post.
On 14 minutes, Martin Parkes looked destined to score when he raced onto a ball over the top, but after what looked like a nudge in the back, he just couldn't quite guide his header past Cheadle keeper Peter Mellor.

On 23 minutes, Fildes had a shot cleared off the Cheadle line, but then in the visitors' next attack, Adam Steart flashed a long-range shot just inches the wrong side of Padiham's upright.

Barrett played a one-two with Fildes on 28 minutes, and Cheadle had a let off when Fildes screwed his shot over the crossbar.

Ten minutes from the interval, Cheadle created their best opening when Arron Riley beat the Storks' off-side trap, but fired wide when through on goal.

Padiham had a scare early in the second half when a mistake by Barnham let in Riley, who this time hit the outside of the Storks post with a shot.

Padiham hit back when Ed O'Neill forced Mellor to tip a dipping shot over the visitors' crossbar, and then on the hour Padiham took the lead.

A ball over the top of the visitors' defence by Barnham released Barrett, who raced away to fire over the head of Mellor to make it 1-0.

Padiham could have increased their lead on 63 minutes when Fildes got free, but the Storks' leading goalscorer shot straight at Mellor
Padiham keeper Gavin King saved well from a Stewart free kick on 75 minutes, and throughout the remainder of the tie handled everything Cheadle could throw at him.
This was not a pretty cup tie to watc,h but the result meant everything to the Storks, who must now prepare for an all-ticket clash with FC United, who beat Brodsworth MWFC 3-1 away on Saturday.

Padiham return to North West Counties action this Saturday when they take on Ashton Athletic at the Arbories, kick-off 3 p.m.

Rebels dreaming of Wembley date

Source: M.E.N.

By Stuart Brennan

FC United triumph in FA Vase clash
---------------------------------
Padiham next up in bid for glory

FC UNITED hit Wembley trail at weekend with mission – to become first Manchester team play at the new stadium.

The Rebels eased through their first FA Vase match, winning 3-1 at Brodsworth Miners Welfare to make it to the first round proper of the nationwide competition.

And they are among the favourites to win the trophy, after a record-equalling start to the season of 12 straight wins in all competitions to sit on the top of the NW Counties League.

FC now face a trip to second division Padiham in the first round, and victory in that one would leave them five ties and a two-legged semi-final away from the final.

That final is scheduled to be at the new Wembley, if the legal dispute which is holding up completion of the construction can be overcome in time.

The Rebels’ boss Karl Marginson is refusing to get giddy about his team’s prospects, even though his team has already beaten Nantwich in the league. He says his thoughts are only on next Saturday’s home league fixture against Bacup, when a victory would see FC equal the record for the best start to a league season, set by Skelmersdale last season.

“We will just keep going as we have been going and see what comes of it,” said the manager after goals from top scorer Stuart Rudd, Josh Howard and Rory Patterson had seen off Northern Counties East premier side Brodsworth.

“I don’t know about being the first Manchester team to play at the new Wembley, but the thought of playing there is a big incentive to everyone who plays football.

“I am happy with my squad and in the next round we are playing Padiham, who we know all about. But this is cup football, and we will need a bit of luck.”

FA Vase rules are in FC’s favour as well, as players must have been registered at the time the previous round was played in order to be eligible.

That rules out the common league practice of clubs drafting in “ringers“ against FC. Last season it was rumoured that one midfielder had played against FC for FIVE different clubs, who took advantage of the league’s relaxed attitude to player registration.

Things began Marginson for and badly for his team when the coach driver was given an incorrect post code for his satellite navigation and ended up on a tour of the south Yorkshire countryside, followed by several carloads of bemused supporters.

“Brodsworth weren’t the best of teams, to be honest,” said Marginson. “But they worked hard for the first half-hour, and after that we virtually camped on their 18-yard line.”

Record crowd sees Brodsworth beaten

Source: sheffieldtoday.net

A record crowd at Brods-worth Welfare's ground of 1,251 saw visitors FC United of Manchester preserve their 100 per cent start with a 3-1 win.

The rout that many were expecting never materialised and although Stuart Rudd gave the visitors a 40th minute lead it was not until the final 20 minutes that Brodsworth's resistance was really broken and Manchester secured their place in the next round.

Josh Howard curled in a second on 70 minutes before Rory Patterson added a third seven minutes later. But battling Brodsworth deservedly scored a consolation effort when Craig Longley netted in the final minute.

Parkgate came from behind to win at 2-1 at North West Counties side Atherton Laburnum Rovers.

The hosts took a 32nd minute lead through Rick Arnold but Matt Outram levelled for Parkgate within two minutes and Caine Cheetham hit a 64th minute winner.

Two goals from Liam Cartledge gave Dinnington Town a 2-1 home win over Bacup Borough.
Cartledge opened the scoring with a 13th minute penalty and although the visitors levelled before the break, Cartledge grabbed his second 12 minutes from time to put Dinnington through.

Worsbrough Bridge won the derby beating Rossington Main 2-1 at Park Road.
Martin Scully's 25-yard drive gave Worsbrough an 11th minute advantage but Ryan Shelton's header on 19 minutes brought the teams back on level term.

Craig Wilkinson scored what proved to be the winner for Worsbrough three minutes before the break.

Maltby Main were well beaten 4-1 at Colne where the home side took a two-goal lead inside five minutes.

Russell Hobson reduced the deficit on 16 minutes with a header but Colne scored twice after the break to seal the tie.

Goals from Mark Ashton 2 and Mick Godber inside the last 15 minutes gave Retford United a 3-0 home win over Sandiacre Town, while South Normanton Athletic went through with a 2-0 home win over Gornal Athletic.

25 September 2006

Storks ignore FC carrot

Source: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

By Telegraph newsdesk

PADIHAM take on Cheadle knowing that a potentially lucrative tie against FC United could await them in the next round.

But Storks boss Steve Wilkes is telling his players to keep their mind on the job in hand.

He said: "We could never win the FA Cup but the Vase is a competition that we can win.
continued...

"And there's a big carrot in that we could play FC United in the next round, but we can't think about that.

"It won't be mentioned in the dressing room.

"We'll be fully focused on the job in hand." Padiham welcome back Matt Woods and Paul Barratt.

First and last hope for Rebels

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

By STUART BRENNAN

FC UNITED pass another historical milestone tomorrow when they enter the FA Vase for the first time – and if manager Karl Marginson has his way, it will be the last time as well!

The Rebels travel to Doncaster to face Brodsworth Miners Welfare in the second qualifying round, which means they are just nine matches from a final which is pencilled in for the new Wembley Stadium in May.

FC go into the game bolstered by a 100 per cent start to the league season, with 11 wins from 11, and knowing that one of their victims were the current holders of the Vase, Nantwich Town, who were beaten 2-0 at Gigg Lane last month.

But promotion to the Unibond League at the end of this season would mean FC are no longer eligible for the Vase.

“This could be our only shot at the trophy, if we can keep our league form going,” said Marginson.

To the next step

Source: Guardian Unlimited

After starting the season with 11 wins in a row, FC United will play the most prestigious match in their short history this weekend, writes Tony Howard

Friday September 22, 2006

Before Sir Alex Ferguson began to deliver a Premiership title to Old Trafford almost every year, Manchester United fans lived for cup competitions, and the memories of Gordon Hill, Stuart Pearson, Norman Whiteside and others will come thick and fast when FC United make their debut in the FA Vase on Saturday.

The club that was formed just over a year ago by Manchester United fans travel to Yorkshire to take on Brodsworth Miners Welfare, and will hope to continue the fantastic start to their second season. With FC not registered in time to take part in the Vase or the FA Cup last season, this is the most prestigious game in the club's short history.

But if FC are to progress, they will have to improve upon a poor cup record to date. Putting aside their victory over AFC Wimbledon to claim the friendly Supporters Direct Cup in the summer, United failed to progress beyond the second game of either of the North West Counties League competitions last season.

This time out, though, they go into the tie on the back of a stunning 11-game winning streak that has put them top of the Counties' top division. Any fears of a difficult second season following the North West division two title victory have been dispelled with aplomb, and FC's swashbuckling brand of attacking football has again been too hot to handle.

Many doubted whether the momentum could be continued, but FC fans have witnessed a start to the season that outstrips even Manchester United's famous 10-match winning streak at the beginning of the 1985-86 campaign. Ironically, there will be more footage available of FC United's fantastic run than exists of Ron Atkinson's side. A television disagreement meant none of those 10 games were televised, leading some to question whether the run actually happened, especially as United ended up finishing fourth.

No such problems exist for FC, however, as the technological age means every move is captured in some form or another. This week, for example, the internet has shown videos of United striker Rory Patterson scoring from the kick-off against Silsden in the 4-2 victory last Saturday. It was the best goal of the 43 scored so far (an average of nearly four a game) and the travelling hordes will be hoping their side add to that this weekend.

"The FA Vase is the one the fans have been talking about since the draw was made and the players are no different," says FC's manager Karl Marginson. "United fans like a good cup run and we've not produced so far, so we hope to put that right - starting with Saturday. We're obviously confident after the start we've made. It's been expected to be honest because we've got together a squad that is full of quality at this level.

"Many doubted we'd still be pulling the crowds in this season but the fans have been absolutely superb again and have kept turning up. We had over 3,000 again at the weekend and it gives the players a great lift."

After competing in the Vase this season, FC will be eligible for the FA Cup next year- and if they continue their early season form and win another title they will only be eight leagues below the Premiership. Either way, it may not be too long until another chapter of cup history is written in the red half of Manchester as they lock horns with a certain other United.

For further details visit the club's website: www.fc-utd.co.uk.

FA VASE AND NORTHERN COUNTIES EAST LEAGUE

Source: Edited from sheffieldtoday.net

...
Brodsworth Welfare have the glamour tie in the FA Vase second qualifying round with the visit of FC United of Manchester.

The club was formed by supporters disgruntled at the take-over by Malcolm Glazer at Old Trafford and have gone from strength to strength. They currently top the North West Counties Division One after winning all their opening 10 league games, whilst they continued their 100 percent start to the season in all competitions with a 4-2 win over Silsden.

Brodsworth had originally planned to stage the tie at Millmoor but instead will host the tie at their Woodlands home.
...

VUELTA AL FÚTBOL CON LOS NIÑOS

Source: AS.com

By: Miguel Queipo
Date: 21.09.2006

Una de las iniciativas más encomiables del FCUM es, sin duda, recuperar la sana tradición de que el fútbol sea de nuevo un acontecimiento familiar, y no sólo en un pub rodeado de pintas mirando hacia un plasma de 50 pulgadas, también en el estadio. Hace muchas temporadas, desde que alguien inventó las palabras marketing y merchandising, que el aficionado de a pie no cesa de repetir que el acudir a un estadio con niños se ha vuelto un imposible, sobre todo por los precios, días del club y similares. Pues bien, en la cooperativa futbolística ideada por los antiGlazer sucede, al menos de momento, todo lo contrario. Precios irrisorios para todos los públicos y auténticos ofertones para los chavales.

Como muestra, un botón. En el partido que el FCUM disputará esta tarde en Bury ante el Silsden, los menores de 18 años entrarán gratis al estadio. No sucede siempre, claro, pero sí es relativamente habitual. En esta ocasión, han aprovechado como excusa el inicio del curso escolar: un bonito premio el poder ir al fútbol con papá sin que éste tenga que dejarse media nómina en las taquillas. Además, el FCUnited quiere potenciar también la imagen de club familiar a través de la práctica deportiva. Esta temporada ha puesto en marcha sus equipos de veteranos y sus categorías inferiores. Muchos son padres e hijos, tíos y sobrinos, que acuden a hacer deporte con la camiseta de su club favorito. Algunos deberían reflexionar y olvidar a veces, como dice Marginson, la palabra cliente.

EL OTRO UNITED SIGUE IMPARABLE

Source: AS.com

By M. QUEIPO
Date: 16.09.2006

Ya es líder en la Novena División. Tiene peñas en diez países. En Francia y Holanda se televisan sus partidos. Una media de 3.500 aficionados siguen sus partidos como local. 127 marcas comerciales son ahora socios del nuevo Manchester

UN CLUB SINGULAR. El exitoso FC United of Manchester congrega a un numeroso público de todas las edades en sus partidos, pero todos tienen un denominador común: no soportan el fútbol mercantilizado que impera en el panorama actual.

El Football Club United of Manchester, también conocido como FCUnited o FCUM, continúa su progresión imparable. Este modesto club fue fundado en el verano de 2005 por seguidores del Manchester United que se opusieron a la adquisición de los Diablos Rojos por parte del multimillonario norteamericano Malcolm Glazer. Cada socio del FCUM recibe una y sólo una acción independientemente del dinero que invierta en esta nueva entidad. Y su proyecto, igual de reaccionario que romántico, es ante todo triunfal

Porque el club, que arrancó la temporada pasada en la North West Counties League Division 2 (la Segunda División de la Liga de los Condados del Noroeste, el equivalente a la Décima División inglesa), logró el ascenso tras una campaña espectacular: sólo concedió seis empates y tres derrotas (dos de ellas cuando ya era campeón matemático), firmando 107 goles a favor y concediendo sólo 36.

Esta temporada, las cosas siguen por el mismo camino. Nueve partidos, nueve victorias, treinta y seis goles a favor y sólo dos en contra. Líder imparable, con seis puntos de ventaja sobre el segundo, el Maine Road. Todo ello ha provocado que se esté desatando la FCUMmanía. Aunque en un principio se pretendía que el equipo fuera un referente de la zona de Manchester, ya existen peñas del club hasta en diez países que no pertenecen al Reino Unido: Polonia, Estados Unidos, Nueva Zelanda...

Televisivo.
Pero no es sólo eso. Una televisión de Manchester, Channel M, ofrecía un programa con toda la actualidad del club, aunque desde el pasado mes de agosto ya no tiene cabida en su rejilla. Pese a todo, televisiones de varios países, entre ellas de Francia y Holanda, ofrecen en su programación los encuentros del equipo, aunque normalmente es en diferido.

Todo ello está provocando que los patrocinadores se acerquen cada vez más al club. El FCUM ha logrado que hasta 127 marcas comerciales presten su apoyo incondicional al equipo. El club, recíprocamente, indica siempre en cada comunicado que sus aficionados y propietarios "tengan la bondad de adquirir sus compras en estos establecimientos".

Y no les va mal, desde luego. La temporada pasada, la media de espectadores que acudieron al estadio Gigg Lane de Bury, donde el FCUM disputa sus encuentros como local, rondaba los 3.500 espectadores. Poco a poco, y con la marcha del equipo, se llegó a alcanzar un pico de 6.023, justo el día en que se celebraba el ascenso, el 23 de abril. Y este año, suelen ser 4.000 aficionados los que no se pierden los partidos de un club que ha pasado de 281 socios a 612.

Patterson es su MVP
Rory Patterson, delantero de 22 años ex del Rochdale y al que se conoce como Mr. Mistery, fue nombrado por los simpatizantes del club MVP de la pasada campaña, en la que anotó 19 goles.

A cuatro del profesionalismo
El FCUM se encuentra a cuatro categorías de alcanzar la primera división profesional del fútbol inglés, la Nationwide Conference National Division.

Williams-BMW patrocina
Williams-BMW, concesionario automovilístico del Reino Unido con gran arraigo en Manchester, Bolton y Liverpool, es el patrocinador principal del FCUM.

Presidente sin privilegios
El accionista Tony Pritchard ejerce de presidente del FCUM tras ser elegido democráticamente, pero sólo a efectos legales y sin tener ningún privilegio especial respecto al resto de dueños.

Sin dinero para fichar
Cuando se fundó el club, dos futbolistas de Canadá y Nueva Zelanda se ofrecieron para jugar en él: no se cerraron sus fichajes porque no hubo dinero para los pasajes de avión.

Empleo por Internet
El FCUnited es un club tan especial que ofrece puestos de trabajo en el club a través de su sitio web oficial. Ayer solicitaban un taquillero a tiempo parcial.

"EL AFICIONADO AQUÍ NO ES UN CLIENTE, SINO UN HINCHA"

Source: AS.com

By: GUILLEM BALAGUÉ (BURY)
Date: 16/09/06

Tiene 34 años, es el entrenador del FCUM a tiempo parcial y una de las personas que más identificadas están con el proyecto del club.

Alternativa. "Nosotros le damos una oportunidad al joven del barrio que se pasa el día delante del ordenador" (FCUM)

Lo del FC United, ¿es pura utopía o una visión de algo que ya no existe?
Hemos sacado muchas cosas de un pasado que no fue glorioso, pero sí mejor para el aficionado. Pero con suerte podría ser también un camino hacia el futuro. Lo que pido a la gente es que se pase a vernos, esto es muy especial. En una categoría que suele tener una media de 50 espectadores por partido, nosotros contamos con 1.500 el pasado miércoles en un partido que se jugaba a la misma hora que el Manchester United-Celtic de Champions.

¿Qué les hace tan especiales?
El aficionado aquí no es un cliente, sino un hincha. En algunos partidos invitamos a los menores de 18 años porque queremos recuperar para el fútbol a la generación de niños que nos han dejado por lo caro que es. Los jugadores, al final de los partidos, comparten cervezas con los aficionados porque al fin y al cabo todo lo que hacen es jugar al fútbol y si se les puede pagar algo es gracias a ellos. Si vamos ascendiendo, las reuniones continuarán pero la cerveza se sustituirá por agua. Los hinchas se sientan al lado de amigos y eso es más importante de lo que parece: en Old Trafford cada partido estás al lado de una persona nueva con quien no te atreves a cantar. Y si te levantas a hacerlo, te piden que te sientes porque va contra las normas de seguridad.

Empezaron diez divisiones por debajo del Manchester United y les quedan cuatro años al menos para llegar a la Nationwide...
La base del club es lo suficientemente estable y fuerte como para convertirnos en un club profesional a largo plazo, pero no queremos correr antes de aprender a andar. Somos un club de la comunidad: nos reunimos con todos, les invitamos a venir, tenemos ya un equipo de reservas para que jueguen los chavales que le dan bien al balón... Solamente así se podrá crecer.

Usted sigue con su trabajo de distribuidor de frutas y verduras...
No estamos en esto por dinero, ni para proyectar nuestras carreras como nos acusó injustificadamente Alex Ferguson, quien dijo que igual ni éramos aficionados del Manchester. Lo llevo siendo desde 1976, cuando fui a Old Trafford por primera vez, aunque luego se hizo más complicado encontrar dinero para pagar las entradas. Aquí le damos una alternativa al aficionado al fútbol con el que ya no se cuenta en los grandes clubes y al joven de barrio que se pasa el día delante del ordenador o haciendo cosas peores.

Ten-man Silsden fall to big draw FC United

Source: thisisbradford.co.uk

By Daryl Ames

FC United 4 Silsden 2 Silsden returned from this encounter in front of the season's largest crowd with their heads held high despite a defeat by league leaders FC United.

FC had won their previous nine games, only conceding two goals. That the ten-man Silsden side scored twice says much for their fighting qualities. The young Cobbydalers were up for the challenge of playing in front of 3,381 fans at Bury on Saturday.

Silsden chairman Sean McNulty said: From start to finish, apart from the scoreline, it was a fantastic game. It was exhilarating for the lads to play in front of all those people.
continued...

Manager Paul Schofield added: "The lads rose to the occasion. They just got on with it. There was nothing between the two teams and FC United told us that themselves."

The defining moment of the match came in the 34th minute. Silsden had matched their illustrious opponents and were looking at ease before the vociferous FC choir.

Mark Bentham got caught in a one-on-one situation with the pacy Rory Patterson on the halfway line. Bentham was turned and Patterson bore down on the Silsden goal.

Keeper Martin Foulger raced from his line and challenged for the ball, Patterson went down and the ball fell to the league's leading scorer Stuart Rudd who shot wide of the empty net.

Initially the referee appeared to point for a goal kick but was attracted to the sideline by his assistant. Eventually a penalty was given. Worse was to follow, the referee brandished a red card to the Silsden keeper.

Later Foulger acknowledged: "It was a foul, and a penalty but I reached the ball a split second after Patterson. It was a genuine challenge.e"

The referee deemed otherwise. Silsden had to roll up their sleeves and Jamie Longley, their leading scorer took over between the sticks. Rudd hammered his spot kick straight and hard. Longley could only pick it out of the net.

Within minutes, Silsden were two down. Longley had already pushed a shot wide and Andy Holden had scrambled the ball clear from a goalmouth melee. With Longley in goal, Silsden had no outlet and when Carden dribbled through a static defence to shoot past Longley a rout looked on the cards.

With Longley in goal, Silsden were short of their main goal threat. Schofield might have shut up shop in the second half, but true to the club's tradition he decided to go for broke.

Centre back Shaun Airey donned the keeper's jersey and Longley went up front, Schofield gambling with three at the back. It certainly made for rich entertainment. Tim Hird was given a holding role in the middle of the park and he challenged and ran as though his life depended on it as FC exploited the gaps at the back.

Patterson was in his element running at a stretched defence but Nettleton was his match on several occasions. Rudd at the far post failed to reach Patterson's downward header.

At the other end, Longley latched onto a perceptive ball from Holden and cut in from the left, his shot struck Taylor's hand but no penalty was given. Finally Silsden got a break, Longley turned Chadwick and Simpson slotted the ball home.

Silsden's joy was short lived. From the restart, the ball was pushed forwards and Patterson shot audaciously into the roof of the net.

Sam Dowgill and Harry Thompson came on to add fresh legs as did all the substitutes for FC. Amongst them was Rhodri Giggs who immediately forced a save from Airey.

Airey was then injured diving at Rudd's feet and on came the Silsden physio, Michelle Brook. The FC congregation behind the goal sang "Sign her up" and gave her a great ovation. When the FC United physio came on moments later, he was ironically booed.

Throughout, the FC choir was in good voice directing some kind words at Fergie.

FC should have made it five but Mortimer hit the bar following Patterson's nutmeg.

Another Andy Holden free kick went narrowly wide before Longley was rewarded for his persistence. Cutting in from the left, he beat two men before deceiving Ashton at the near post.

Silsden have an FA VASE encounter this Saturday against Darlington RA.

FC UNITED: Ashton, Taylor, Mortimer, Spencer (Smith), Chadwick, Nugent, Howard (Giggs), Carden (Orr), Rudd, Ahern, Patterson.

SILSDEN: Foulger, Bentham, McNulty (Dowgill), Nettleton, Airey, Holden, Hird (Thompson), Hollindrake (Dibb), Longley, Simpson, Packer.

Goals: FC United - Rudd 37, Carden 41, Patterson 21, 63; Silsden - Simpson 63, Longley 90.

Back chat

Source: thisisbradford.co.uk

By Daryl Ames

The young lads from Silsden AFC had an experience to remember on Saturday when they played before a huge crowded of nearly 3,400 people.

However, manager Paul Scholfield's men were definitely up for the occasion.

FC United, formed by rebellious Manchester United fans last season, have been cruising in the North West Counties League this season.
continued...

And had it not been for losing goalkeeper Martin Foulger in 34th minute, the Cobbydalers could have went on the win it.

But because Silsden played so well against FC United, Schofield fears there will be a reprisal when they visit the Cobbydalers at Cougar Park in November.

Schofield said: "I'm looking forward to it. We surprised them a little bit on Saturday.

"That's the hardest game they've had so far this year. I expect a very tough game when they come to Cougar Park. They'll definitely be up for that one."

When FC United does come to town, Silsden will most certainly welcome their massive contingent of travelling fans.

Chairman Sean McNulty said the gate receipts from that fixture alone could keep the club running for two years.

"When they got promoted into the league at the end of last year, all the clubs said that's the best thing that ever happened'.

"That fixture will be an absolute lifeline for us."

He added that while FC United are a good side, they were not invincible.

Although Silsden lost goalkeeper Foulger to a red card, McNulty praised the team's fighting spirit.

"We battened down the hatches and got stuck into them."

The return leg On November 18 will be interesting, assuming the fixture is not a casualty of the FA Vase.

If both teams are still playing, it will have to be re-scheduled.

When it does come around though, it will definitely be an occasion not to be missed!

FC United hope for cup roll

Source: thisislancashire.co.uk

By Staff Reporter

AFTER sweeping all before them in the league, FC United will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on the national stage for the first time in the club's short history.

The North West Counties Division One runaway leaders take on Doncaster side Brodsworth MV in the FA Vase second qualifying round at Rotherham's Millmoor ground on Saturday.

The red machine top the table by six points and average a shade under four goals a game after winning their first 11 matches of the season.
continued...

And Karl Marginson is confident his team can continue their 100 per cent start against the mid-table North Counties East League Premier Division outfit.

Marginson has been doing his homework on the opposition who ply their trade at the same level of the non- league pyramid as FC United.

He said: "I've seen them play once against Trafford in the FA Cup. We know that, as we've come to expect with other teams, we'll have our fans there which they won't be used to and they'll have to raise their game. We'll have to match that, but we've got the players to do it.

"The FA Vase is the one the fans have been looking forward to since the draw was made and the players are no different," said the United boss.

"It gives the players a chance to show what they can do on a national stage and they'll be keen to impress. If we play as we can do then we can go far in the competition.

"We've been concentrating on the league and obviously, with a great run under our belt, we'll be confident, but we won't go there thinking we only need to turn up."

Despite topping the table with two victories at the beginning of the season, Brodsworth currently lie in 12th position having picked up one point out of the last 12.

By contrast, FC United go into the game on the crest of a wave with their victories including a 7-1 thumping of Abbey Hey two weeks ago.

Sam in a stew over Wanderers tattoo

Source: M.E.N.

By STUART BRENNAN

BOLTON nut Sam Ashton had his moment of FA Cup glory with Wanderers last season – and now he is rapidly becoming an FC United cult hero.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper hit the headlines last season when Bolton boss Sam Allardyce threw him on for the last few minutes of the Premiership side’s 3-0 FA Cup win at Watford . . . as an outfield player.

But the lifelong Bolton fan was released at the end of last season and is now aiming to revive his professional career at nonleague’s highest-profile club.

He has done himself plenty of favours so far, conceding just five goals in 11 league games after last night’s trip to Curzon Ashton.

Now Ashton is so intent on getting himself back in the pro game that he is considering having his Bolton tattoo removed – in case it offends the supporters of any prospective employers!

Ashton’s moment of fame will remain with him. During an injury crisis, Ashton was included in the Bolton squad for the cup tie at Vicarage Road as a defender after impressing at right-back and central defence for the club’s youth team.

Ashton replaced Mexico international Jared Borgetti, but he claims he did not ask to go on: “I didn’t mither anyone, but assistant manager Jimmy Phillips told me he would put me on for five minutes. It is a great day to remember, but hopefully I will have many more.”

The dream did not last and Ashton was released. He said: “I went to Rochdale and then Radcliffe Borough, who wanted me as second choice, but in July I was told FC United needed a keeper for the friendly against Bury and have been here ever since.”

It is a huge step down from the Premiership, but Ashton says FC’s style of play also attracted him.

But he added: “I still want to get my career back on track, and that might mean getting rid of the tattoo, because some teams’ fans might not like it.”

Rebels on fire

Source: M.E.N.

FC United’s tearaway start to the season continued unchecked as they racked up an 11th straight win against fellow promotion hopefuls Curzon last night.

But the result was in doubt until the final minute as fired-up Curzon pushed them all the way.

Curzon, buoyed by their FA Cup win over Billingham at the weekend, kept FC’s free-scoring strikeforce under wraps until the 38th minute, when Stuart Rudd freed himself from his marker and thumped a header against the underside of the bar. Midfielder Simon Carden was on hand to head the visitors into the lead.

FC looked to be cruising when Josh Howard’s cross was turned into his own net by Curzon centre half Andrew Watson after 52 minutes.

But Will Ahern’s dismissal for a dangerous late tackle on James Agoo gave Curzon fresh hope and with nine minutes left striker Michael Norton prodded in a goal to make it 1-2.

Rudd secured the points in the 89th minute, pouncing on a fluffed clearance by keeper Ashley Timms to guide the ball into the empty net from 35 yards out for his 13th goal of the season.

Colls unlock Squires Gate

Source: Edited from thisislancashire.co.uk

By Liam Chronnell

FC United continued their perfect start to the season with a 10th successive victory.

The breakaway club beat Silsden, who had goalkeeper Martin Foulger sent off, 4-2 in front of a crowd of 3,381 at Gigg Lane to stretch their lead at the top of the table to six points.

A Rory Patterson double and goals from Stuart Rudd, from the penalty spot, and Simon Carden mean United, who take on Curzon Ashton at the Tameside Stadium tonight, continue to sweep all before them.

Marginson salutes 10 out of 10 rebels

Source: M.E.N.

JUBILANT FC United manager Karl Marginson awarded his rebel Reds top marks after they made it 10 wins out of 10 in the North West Counties League first division with a 4-2 romp over Silsden in front of another bumper Gigg Lane crowd of 3,381.

Rory Patterson struck twice in quick succession early in the second-half to ensure FC United’s winning start stretched into double figures after he’d earlier earned the penalty from which Stuart Rudd fired them in front.

Simon Carden, back from a calf injury, was also on target.

Marginson said: “It was perhaps slightly disappointing for us to have conceded twice but how can you fault a team which has started the season with 10 successive wins? It’s a great achievement by anyone’s standards.”

The win keeps FC United six points clear of second-placed Maine Road who won 3-2 at Stone Dominoes.

The rebels have the chance to increase their lead when they take on fifth-placed neighbours Curzon Ashton at Tameside Stadium tonight (7.45pm).

FC United eye perfec t 10 start

Source: This is Lancashire

By Liam Chronnell

DIVISION one leaders FC United will hope to make it 10 victories out of 10 when they host Silsden on Saturday.

The rebel club continue to sweep all before them and top the table by six points going into this weekend's games.

Karl Marginson's side were only promoted this season, but they look certain to continue their rise up the non-league pyramid.
continued...

However, they will have to do it without goalkeeper Barrie George who has joined rivals Salford City after he became frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities following the arrival of former Bolton Wanderers trainee Sam Ashton.

Mark Prince is expected to make his first start of the season after coming off the substitutes' bench to score the game's only goal in Atherton Collieries' 1-0 victory against Stone Dominoes on Monday night.

But the Alder House club, who entertain Squires Gate, will be without goalkeeper Gavin Bates who has been ruled out with a groin injury.

Atherton LR, who drew 1-1 with Flixton on Wednesday night, travel to Bacup Borough.

In Division Two, Daisy Hill will hope to pick up their first win of the season at bottom club Holker Old Boys.

Hat-trick king Rudd leads the offensive

Source: M.E.N.

FC United's relentless assault on the North West Counties Division One title continued with this barnstorming victory.

Manager Karl Marginson rang the changes giving several regulars a well-earned rest, but it made no odds after the Rebels swept the visitors aside to win their ninth straight game.

A crowd of 1,566, depleted by a certain game being played at Old Trafford, created the best atmosphere of the season, and they were soon on their feet as FC's Josh Howard opened the scoring with a calm lob.

Almost immediately from the restart, Rob Nugent headed in from a corner. To their credit, the visitors went straight up the other end, and Mike Morse unlocked the FC defence with a clever finish - only the second goal conceded this season.

But it merely served to postpone the rout as striker Stuart Rudd banged in a superb hat-trick of astonishing variety - a low drive, a header and a scrambled tap-in.

He was taken off at half-time as a precaution along with skipper Dave Chadwick.

Soon after the neat work from subs Steve Spencer and Lee Ellis saw Howard slot in the sixth before .forcing Abbey Hey's Steve Worthington to put in his own net.

You can see more pictures from the game in our gallery.

A club for football’s future

Source: Daily Mail - Letters (no online content)


I’M SAD to read of Sir Alex Ferguson’s hostility towards FC United of Manchester fans, calling them disloyal (Mail). His claims are completely untrue. I’m now proud to call myself an FC fan. It’s not that I’m disloyal to MUFC — I supported them for 42 years, helping to fill Sir Alex’s fat pay packet, and deserve a little more respect.

I find FC United a breath of fresh air on the football scene. Such attempts to reclaim the people’s game and give back something to those who matter most — the fans — deserve support. It’s our club, our rules, and we as members have a real say in how the club is run.

Democracy has a place in football, as have the people who love it. For too long now this love has been exploited by people in shiny shoes and Armani suits who appear to love money more than football, publicity more than people. Such values are killing the people’s game.

I will continue to support in every way the club I love and the club that loves me — FC United of Manchester, a model for the future for our beloved game.

Keep an eye on them: we will see them progress, taking every fan with them. Let’s have principles before power, love before greed, democracy before dictatorship. The lad from Govan has lost his biggest match. You can’t buy respect — and you’ve lost mine, Sir Alex.

TERRY O’NEIL, Flint.

Karl calls for change

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

FC United boss Karl Marginson has promised to change his runaway team as they come up against Abbey Hey at Gigg Lane tonight (7.45pm).

The Rebels had a six-point lead at the top of the North West Counties League before last night’s fixtures, winning all eight games in a hectic schedule.

But two below-par performances have made Marginson believe a freshening of his team is in order.

“We will be trying to improve it, but I think some of them can have a rest as well,” said the boss. “I think all those games may have taken their toll.”

Smith settles it for FC United

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

FC UNITED continued their 100 per cent start to the season with a 1-0 win over Trafford, but it wasn't easy.

The Reds were pushed for the first time this term as the home side caused them problems with their slick passing at Moss Lane.

Steve Smith, making his first start of the season, scored a speculative effort with only seven minutes on the clock.

The 1,643 crown were expecting an avalanche of goals but dogged defending from Trafford, led by ex-FC centre half Billy McCartney, kept them at bay.

FC play Abbey Hey at Gigg lane on Wednesday.

You've gone too far this time Fergie

Source: Daily Star (no online content)

STAYING with fans for the moment, England supporters who followed their country to Macedonia this week were absolutely superb.

Three years ago, they weren’t even allowed to travel there after bust-ups whenTurkey visited Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

Banning orders have helped clean things up but so have FA sponsors Nationwide, who have made life so much easier for England fans abroad.

They set up a Nationwide Fans Embassy in Skopje which helped give advice to any supporter who needed it.

His bitter and amazing attack on breakaway Manchester United fans who opposed Malcolm Glazer’s Old Trafford takeover shows he has finally lost touch with reality.

And he has fallen into the trap of believing he is Manchester United, rather than the supporters themselves.

In his diary of United’s season, Ferguson labelled the thousands of rebels ‘self-publicists’ for forming FC United – the club set up by fans who opposed Glazer’s Old Trafford takeover.

Bunch Football supporters are the very heart of a club and if some of those become disillusioned, then that is their right. But they should not be turned on by a man they have held in such great esteem over the years.

FC United followers aren’t a bunch of rag-tag yobs who cause problems for the sake of it. They are disillusioned old school supporters. Many supported United long before Fergie quit Scotland for the riches of the promised land. They do not want to be owned by an American multi-millionaire who has no interest in the game and has managed to get them into possible bankruptcy levels of debt. And who can blame them? In his rant, Fergie complains that he was urged to quit by FC United fans in protest when the Glazers came on board. He defends himself by asking what would have happened to his coaching staff if he had quit.

What about the 25 staff who did lose their jobs through redundancy at the same time? United argued that would have happened anyway, but where is the sympathy for them? But just as important was the focal point – the Nationwide England flag, which fans were encouraged to sign to prove they wereThree Lions followers.

Nationwide did the same thing at Euro 2004 and at the last World Cup, even getting some players to sign it.

This flag will hopefully follow England all the way to Euro 2008.

In an age when sponsors are sometimes criticised for their domination of sports, and the demands on those taking part, Nationwide are proving they are a company who care about the important people – the supporters.

Role

Fergie foolishly then turns on supporters again for their role in saving United from Rupert Murdoch and BSkyB.

He said they had nothing to do with stopping the takeover and it was all down to the inquiry by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. Actually, at the time, the MMCadmittedtheUnited supporters had played a role in pointing out the pitfalls of BSkyB control.

But why does Fergie want to denigrate the fans in this way?

The one point he did have was that the vital moment in the commercialisation of the club camewhentheybecamea plc. It was then that United supporters should really have protested.

But even now, the fans do not deserve to be mocked by a man who they helped make a millionaire – and you can’t blame them if they do complain again now.

Nobody can now compete with Chelsea in the transfer market but after allowing fans to believe there was a large kitty available, United did little in the summer transfer window.

Chief executive David Gill, obviously with the backing of Fergie, claimed United would buy two world-class midfielders, probably before the World Cup started.

As it was, they paid far too much for Michael Carrick, who is not even a first-choice for England – hardly world-class – and could not get Owen Hargreaves in the end.

Debts There seems to be an underlying theme of costcutting at Old Trafford, no doubt because something has to be done to help service the interest repayments on the Glazers’ debts.

A total of 28 players havebeensold,releasedor loaned out this summer, while only Carrick and keeper Tomasz Kuszczak have arrived (and he is on loan).

Maybe the fans, who remain the lifeblood of the club – whether they follow FC United or not – have a point.

Hammers fans must look before they leap

Source: Daily Express (no online content)

Edited from longer article, the last three paragraphs below.

...

FC United, the team formed in opposition to the Glazer family takeover of Old Trafford are five points clear at the top of the North West Counties League. Crowds are above 4,000. They are hurtling towards the Football League.

The difference between them and the new breed of football speculators is that they have put a hell of a lot into the game. And they don’t want anything out.

West Ham fans should remember their example before they rush to hail Sunday’s extraordinary debuts as the shape of the future. They could, in fact, dismantle their fabulous past.

MEN: Karl won’t ring the changes again

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

KARL Marginson broke the golden rule of football management by changing a winning team in midweek.

His FC United side still clocked up a seventh straight win, but he is unlikely to tinker again, with fellow promotion hopefuls Trafford facing them in tomorrow’s North West Counties first division clash at Altrincham’s Moss Lane (3pm*).

Marginson brought right back Matty Taylor back into the team which beat Congleton 3-0 at Gigg Lane on Wednesday after the player had been on holiday.

*Kick-off at Moss Lane is 2pm.

MEN: Postbag 1

Source: M.E.N.

Hardest football decision that I have ever made

SIR Alex Ferguson, we are told, is wondering just how big United supporters we at FC United are or were?

I can only speak for myself, but I attended my first match in 1956, and last season would have been my 50th.

Walking away was the hardest football decision I have ever had to make, but, for me and many others, Glazer was not the only reason.

We did protest at the formation of the PLC, but were not listened to. As for Fergie’s comment that “the club took a decision and the fans should back it” – what nonsense.

Glazer imposed himself – and his debts – on to the club, which had no say in the matter.

Many fans have hated becoming a “global brand” and have been disheartened at the growth of corporate hospitality, Megastore bag-carrying day trippers, and the removal of the game of football from its traditional working-class roots. We have despaired at the outrageous prices which outlaw Manchester youth from regular attendance.

It’s not just United, of course. I know fans of City and other clubs who are equally disillusioned.

As for FC United fans promoting and projecting themselves – preposterous! Does he know that the steering group who set up the club worked for months unpaid to get things going? I have acted as a volunteer myself when I can, as have many others, all without thought of reward.

Perhaps the millionaires at Old Trafford need to have a reality check. Not everything in life can be bought with the mighty dollar.

When we sang “Not for sale”, we really meant it.

John Stenson, Ladybarn

MEN: Postbag 2

Source: M.E.N.

Not one of us

IF Sir Alex Ferguson ever decides to leave United, perhaps he, along with David Gill, should consider a transfer to politics. They have both acted like politicians.

When Fergie first came to United, one of the most noticeable positives was that he seemed to have time for what fans thought, unlike the “old guard”, who disregarded us.

He even attended supporters’ functions and told stories of his time as socialist shop steward. He was one of the us – or so we thought.

I have defended Fergie from fellow United fans over the last few years, when many thought he was past his best, but now feel very let down by his attack on both FC United fans and the fans who heroically fought off the Murdoch takeover.

I am no FC United fan, but sympathise with the principles of saying we are being taken for mugs and enough is enough.

We will always be grateful for the on-the-field success he brought United, but I feel, sadly, much of what he has achieved has been tarnished by his comments.

Would Sir Matt have criticised his own supporters for caring about who owns the club?

One of those mugs, Old Trafford

FC United 3 Congleton 0

Source: M.E.N.

FC United made it seven wins from seven to tighten their grip on the North West Counties League.

Goals from Rory Patterson, Stuart Rudd and new boy Jamie Phoenix showed that the Rebels are more interested in a second successive promotion than the self-promotion Sir Alex Ferguson accuses them of in a new book.

The supporters had a light-hearted answer to his jibes, singing "We're only here for the attention," and "Fergie shut yer mouth," while one fan unfurled a flag reading "Ta ra Fergie, enough betrayal."

FC took command in the seventh minute when Rory Patterson's scuffed shot deceived Congleton keeper Terry McCormick.

In front of the lowest home gate of the season, 2,051, Rudd headed in his eighth goal of the season, rising at the near post to tuck away Josh Howard's corner.

United should have had more but Patterson missed a penalty on 83 minutes, before squaring the ball for Phoenix to tap in his first FC goal.

Fergie rapped. Fans angry at FC United jibe

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



Yesterday’s M.E.N. Sport story, in which Sir Alex Ferguson fired a blast at the breakaway rebels of FC United, stirred up a hornets’ nest of opinion. Here is a taste of some of the reaction on our website

Good life for Rebels

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

STUART BRENNAN
FC UNITED’S management team is lost for words at the team’s start to the season – they cannot find anything to criticise!

The Rebels’ manager Karl Marginson has been at a loss as his side have racked up six straight wins at the top of the North West Counties League, ahead of tonight’s home game with Congleton (7.45pm)

Marginson said: “It has made team talks a bit tough, because we are struggling to pull them up on anything! We can’t even fine them for being five minutes late or anything, because everyone has been dead keen.”

The pressure for places is intense with a strong first-team squad and the reserves top of their division – and even the new youth team began its league season with a 4-0 win.

Right-back Matty Taylor returns from holiday to challenge for a place tonight, while defender Dave Brown has left to join rivals Salford.

FERGIE FIRES FC UNITED BLAST

Source: sportinglife.com

Same article used here: itv-football.co.uk, FOXSports.com, Team talk, Football365.com


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised the fans who formed breakaway club FC United.

FC came into existence in the summer of 2005 in protest at the Glazer family's purchase of the Old Trafford giants.

Since then they've attracted crowds of up to 6,000 and taken non-league football by storm.

But according to The Manchester Evening News, Fergie has labelled the founding fans self-publicists in a new book.

He said of the formation of the new club in `The Official Manchester United Diary of the Season': "I'm sorry about that. It is a bit sad that part, but I wonder just how big a United supporter they are.

"They seem to me to be promoting or projecting themselves a wee bit rather than saying `at the end of the day the club have made a decision, we'll stick by them.' It's more about them than us."

And he also appears to dismiss the notion of supporters having a say in the running of a football club.

An FC United spokesperson told the paper: "It's sad that Ferguson has chosen to make these comments because a war of words does no-one any good.

"When David Gill made similar comments it was easier to dismiss, but it hard to swallow when it comes from Sir Alex, who as a previous champion of supporters' rights should have a better understanding of the situation.

"The situation is that whether fans stopped going to Old Trafford on a point of principle or because they could no longer afford the prices, they did so with a heavy heart and remain Manchester United supporters. Those supporters deserve better than this."

FERGIE BLASTS GLAZER REBELS

Source: Daily Star (no online content)

by NEIL JOHNSTON
SIR ALEX FERGUSON has launched an amazing attack on breakaway Manchester United fans who opposed Malcolm Glazer’s Old Trafford takeover.

Ferguson has labelled the rebels ‘selfpublicists’ for forming FC United – the club set up by fans who opposed Glazer’s hostile Old Trafford takeover.

The United boss, who has previously stayed silent on the subject, also revealed he was bombarded with phone calls from anti-Glazer supporters urging him to quit at the height of last summer’s controversy.

Ferguson’s outburst has sparked a war of words with FC United last night branding the Scot’s comments ‘sad’.

In a new book, The Official Manchester United Diary of the Season, Ferguson said: “I wonder just how big a United supporter they are.

“They seem to me to be promoting or projecting themselves a wee bit rather than saying ‘at the end of the day the club have made a decision, we’ll stick by them’.”

Fergie said the prospect of leaving his backroom staff in the lurch was the main reason he did not quit.

But the United boss added: “They seemed to forget that I have brought at least, well, I’ve brought everybody here!

“Les Kershaw has been with me 18 years, Dave Bushell, Jim Ryan, Tony Whelan, Paul McGuinness, Mike Phelan, Brian McClair, they have been with me virtually

FERGUSON: Rap for fans from the beginning or at least over 10 or 12 years.

“I said ‘What happens to my staff if I go?’ I feel that I have a responsibility to them.”

Last night, a spokesman for North West Counties First Division leaders FC United hit back at Fergie.

He said: “It’s sad that Ferguson has chosen to make these comments because a war of words does no one any good.

“When David Gill made similar comments it was easier to dismiss.

“But it is hard to swallow when it comes from Sir Alex, who as a previous champion of supporters’ rights should have a better understanding of the situation.”

Meanwhile, Norway coach Aage Hareide has sparked a row by dropping United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the bench for tonight’s game against Moldova.

The striker scored twice in the 4-1 win over Hungary on Saturday but it has been claimed he has been left out to keep Ferguson happy after he expressed doubts about the player resuming his international career.

Hareide justified the move by the fact that Solskjaer, 33, was just back from a knee injury that kept him out for nearly two years. “He has to be used sensibly after his long injury,” said Hareide.

Ferguson was upset Solskjaer had even been named in the squad for the qualifiers.

FERGIE’S SWIPE AT THE ANTI-GLAZER LEAGUE

Source: Daily Mail (no online content)

By IAN LADYMAN

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has launched an attack on the Manchester United supporters who formed the breakaway club FC United in the wake of the Glazer takeover last year. United manager Ferguson accused the fans who turned their back on the club of self promotion and questioned their loyalty to the dynasty he has built during his 20 years at Old Trafford. In a new book chronicling the events of last season, Ferguson said: ‘It is a bit sad, but I wonder just how big United supporters they are. ‘They seem to me to be promoting or projecting themselves a wee bit rather than saying “At the end of the day the club have made a decision, we’ll stick by them”.’ FC United were formed just weeks after the Old Trafford club were bought by the Glazer family in the summer of 2005. Thousands now turn out to watch the non-League club play in the North West Counties Football League, rather than go to watch Premiership football at Old Trafford. An FC United spokesman said last night: ‘It’s sad that Ferguson, who was a previous champion of supporters’ rights, has chosen to make these comments. ‘The situation is that whether fans stopped going to Old Trafford on a point of principle or because they could no longer afford the prices, they did so with a heavy heart and remain Manchester United supporters. They deserve better than this.’ In the book, Ferguson also dismisses claims that fans prevented BSkyB from buying the club in the 1990s. ‘It was the Monopolies and Mergers Commission that stopped that,’ he adds. ‘They (the fans) carried on to the degree where they actually thought they should have a say in the running of the club.’ But a spokesman for the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association said: ‘The only people who have constantly given to United are the fans, and that gives them the right to have a say as to how the club is run.’ Meanwhile, United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who scored twice for Norway in their 4-1 win over Hungary on Saturday, will start tonight’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Moldova on the bench. It is understood that Ferguson and Norway coach Aage Hareide have an arrangement to limit injury-plagued Solskjaer’s international activity, but the decision has angered fans and the media in the player’s homeland.

Split decision irks Ferguson

Source: Times Online

Sir Alex Ferguson has questioned the motives of the rebellious supporters who formed the breakaway club, FC United of Manchester, after the Glazer family’s takeover at Old Trafford (James Ducker writes).

“It is a bit sad that part, but I wonder just how big a United supporter they are,” Ferguson said in The Official Manchester United Diary of the Season. “They seem to me to be promoting or projecting themselves a wee bit rather than saying, ‘The club have made a decision, we’ll stick by them.’ It’s more about them than us.”

The Manchester United manager also revealed that he had fielded calls at home from fans urging him to resign when the takeover was going through, but he said that he could never do that because of the responsibility he has to his staff.

Study writing on the wall

Stuart Brennan
Manchester Evening News
5 September 2006

FERGIE has a sign on the wall of his office in Carrington which reads “AhcumfiGovan,” a reminder, to himself as much as anyone, of his pride in his stark Glasgow roots.

Perhps these days he should put another sign alongside it reading “BurralivinWilmslow” because he appears to be in serious danger of losing sight of his background.

The comments he makes in a new book about the supporters who opposed the Glazer family takeover, and continue to do so, and those who formed FC United as a fresh new alternative to the greed merchants of the Premier League, are ill-conceived and shallow.

Fergie claims that United fans had nothing to do with the successful opposition to the BSkyB bid for the club in 1998, and that it was strictly a decision by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission which thwarted Rupert Murdoch.

Of course it was the MMC which made the decision, but they themselves afterwards flagged up the role played by United fans in their own decisionprogress.

He appears to dismiss the founders of FC United, who number in their thousands and include many who are still Old Trafford season ticket holders and other Manchester United regulars, as attention seekers.

I would suggest that if you are seeking attention, the worst place to do it is in the North West Counties division.

His apparent dismissal of the notion that supporters should have a say in the running of football clubs is also breathtaking in its aloofness. It is just a few years since Fergie wrote to Shareholders United, born out of the Murdoch fight and in the thick of the anti-Glazer campaign, urging supporters to get involved as it was for the good of the game.

Has that principle been lost in the mayhem of the Glazer deal, or is he simply too afraid to speak his mind for fear of offending the new owners?

Stuart Brennan won the national Football Writer of the Year Award from the Football Supporters Federation for his work covering fans' issues at United and FC United.

Fergie lays into FC United

Source: MEN
Stuart Brennan
5th September 2006


SIR Alex Ferguson is today at the centre of a storm after criticising Reds fans who formed rebel club FC United.

In a new book, the Old Trafford boss, already under fire from some supporters for the fact that United have been the Premiership's lowest spenders during the transfer window, has labelled the thousands of fans who broke away to form the Rebels in protest against last year's takeover by the American tycoon Malcolm Glazer as self-publicists.

And he also appears to dismiss the notion of supporters having a say in the running of a football club, as well as re-iterating his statement from last season that life at Old Trafford has improved under the new regime.

On the formation of FC United, Ferguson in `The Official Manchester United Diary of the Season,' said: "I'm sorry about that. It is a bit sad that part, but I wonder just how big a United supporter they are.



"They seem to me to be promoting or projecting themselves a wee bit rather than saying `at the end of the day the club have made a decision, we'll stick by them.' It's more about them than us."

An FC United spokesperson replied: "It's sad that Ferguson has chosen to make these comments because a war of words does no-one any good.

"When David Gill made similar comments it was easier to dismiss, but it hard to swallow when it comes from Sir Alex, who as a previous champion of supporters' rights should have a better understanding of the situation.



"The situation is that whether fans stopped going to Old Trafford on a point of principle or because they could no longer afford the prices, they did so with a heavy heart and remain Manchester United supporters. Those supporters deserve better than this."


Takeover

Sir Alex also reveals in the book, written by Tom Tyrrell, that anti-Glazer supporters had phoned him at home to urge him to resign when the takeover was going through.

Ferguson says that the prospect of leaving his staff in the lurch was the principal reason he did not quit, saying of the angry fans: "They seemed to forget that I have brought at least ... well, I've brought everybody here!

"The likes of Les Kershaw has been with me 18 years, Dave Bushell, Jim Ryan, Tony Whelan, Paul McGuinness, Mike Phelan, Brian McClair, they have been here with me virtually from the beginning, or at least over 10 or 12 years and I said `What happens to my staff if I go?' I feel that I have a responsibility to them.

"Need them to stay in a job, not me. So, therefore, there was a lot of hot air and a lot of unfair criticism because nobody actually knew the people.

"I can understand people thinking they have to protect the club, and I am fully aware of that, but all these protests should have been done when they went plc.

"That was the time to protest because thereafter Manchester United was never going to be the same."


Responsible

Many of the supporters at the core of the anti-Glazer struggle were those who had opposed the failed takeover by Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB in 1998.

Ferguson says that he was opposed to the Murdoch bid, but questions the fans' role in that successful fight, saying: "They (the fans) felt they were responsible for stopping the BSkyB deal, which is not true. Absolutely not.

"They may have made their voice heard but they were not responsible. It was the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC) that stopped that.

"They carried on to the degree where they actually thought they should have a say in the running of the football club."

But those involved in the anti-Sky campaign point out that the MMC themselves referred to the role supporters played, helping to persuade the commission that the deal would have been against the public interest.

And Mark Longden of the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association hit back at the manager, saying:

"Fergie is turning into the Marie Antoinette of Old Trafford, because the stuff he is coming out with is tantamount to saying `Let them eat cake.'

"Everyone associated with United has taken money out of the football club. The only people who have constantly given to it are the fans, and that gives them the right to have a say as to how the club is run."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co....fc_united.html

FC United aim for seventh win

Source: This is Lancashire
By Staff Sports Reporter

ATHERTON Collieries stand between FC United and seventh heaven.

Karl Marginson's side lead North West Counties Division One by three points after extending their 100 per cent record with a sixth win against Flixton in midweek.

Indeed, such is the Reds' dominance, Marginson is considering resting some of his players for the visit of Colls at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
continued...

"I keep telling the players what a strong squad we have, so it's about time I showed them some trust and put my faith in them," said the United manager. "But we're on a great little run and we want to keep that going."

But the visitors will not just be going to make up the numbers. The Alder House club are enjoying their best-ever start in division one, and Chris Perkins grabbed a last-minute winner against St Helens Town on Monday night to move Colls up to 10th.

Meanwhile, Atherton LR are back in FA Cup action when they take on Clitheroe in the preliminary round at Crilly Park.

In Division Two, second-from-bottom Daisy Hill are still searching for their first points of the season when they travel to Winsford.

History beckons at the Willows

Source: Salford Advertiser

IT may be more famous for rugby league, but The Willows is expecting a huge crowd when it hosts the historic football match between Salford City and FC United.

FC United, who average over 2,500 fans per match, will visit the Salford Reds’ stadium on Tuesday, September 26 for the North West Counties Football League division one game after a deal was struck between Salford City Football Club and Reds’ owner John Wilkinson.

FCUM had hoped to be based at The Willows when the club was formed last year in the wake of Malcolm Glazer’s take over at Manchester United but a deal with Mr Wilkinson could not be struck.
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He was, however, happy to help City, who will enjoy a big cash boost, as they were unable to stage the game at their Moor Lane ground due to the limited capacity. Mr Wilkinson said: "Salford City contacted me and I am happy to host the game as it will help raise their profile and having this fixture in Salford would be a massive boost for the area and the football club.

"Unfortunately there will substantial amounts of cash involved to cover our costs but I am looking forward to the game being here and hopefully there will be a big crowd.

"FC United approached me some time ago about the possibility of playing their home games at the Willows.

"I thought we had enough going on there without a football team playing on the pitch every other week too.

"As well as the Reds we use the pitch for development purposes which involves the local community. School kids play on it as well as all our junior teams and I have to be sure the pitch and stadium can stand up to it. Although the extra revenue would have been nice I have to make a decision based on what is best for Salford City Reds. It’s nothing personal against FC United at all."

Salford City player and former Manchester United star Ben Thornley said: "It’ll be great to have the game at the Willows, both for the club and the players.

"There’ll be a big crowd which will create a good atmosphere for us and hopefully it’ll bring in a few extra quid for the club as well which we need at this level."