Source: The Bolton News
FC United have suffered a major blow ahead of the new season after star striker Rory Patterson joined UniBond Premier League rivals Bradford Park Avenue.
The breakaway club's longest-serving player has signed a more lucrative contract with the big-spending Yorkshire outfit who, along with FC, were promoted from the Division One North last season.
Patterson, the league's top scorer last term with 41 goals, will team up with strike partner Stuart Rudd, who has also moved to Bradford after being released by the Rebels. But manager Karl Marginson has moved quickly to find replacements - signing former England Under-19s hitman Kyle Wilson and ex-Altrincham forward Carlos Roca.
"I tried to sign Kyle at the back end of last season but it didn't work out," he said of 22-year-old Wilson, who has played for Altrincham and Droylsden. "I am delighted he's on board for the new campaign.
"Kyle's already had some great footballing experiences including playing in the Football League for Crewe as well as international experience.
"Kyle and Carlos Roca will be great additions to the squad and will undoubtedly entertain supporters when they pull on the shirt.
"They are both quick, young, exciting footballers and fit into the type of team we are building and how FC United should play football. And there will be more to come."
But the Reds boss admits losing Patterson was a blow. He added: "Rory knows how much he is valued by me and the club but we cannot come anywhere close to the kind of money being offered by Bradford. Everyone is grateful to Rory for his efforts over the last three seasons; the goals he has scored and his all-round contribution have been a large part of the club's success."
Last season's player of the season Jerome Wright, Chris Baguley, Bradley Howard and Sam Ashton have all signed new deals with the club.
But, in a further blow, midfielder Josh Howard, who spent most of last season on the sidelines with injury, is rumoured to be joining NWCL Division One side New Mills after deciding his future lies away from Gigg Lane.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Star striker quits and joins rivals
10:57am
Tuesday 24th June 2008
By Liam Chronnell
FC United have received a major blow ahead of the new season after revealing that star striker Rory Patterson has left to join UniBond Premier League rivals Bradford Park Avenue.
The breakaway club's longest-serving player has signed a more lucrative contract with the big-spending Yorkshire club who, along with FC, were promoted from the Division One North last season.
Patterson, the league's top scorer last term with 41 goals, will team up with strike partner Stuart Rudd, who has also moved to Bradford after being released by the Rebels.
"Rory knows how much he is valued by me and the club but we cannot come anywhere close to the kind of money being offered by Bradford," said FC boss Karl Marginson.
"Everyone is grateful to Rory for his efforts over the last three seasons; the goals he has scored and his all-round contribution have been a large part of the club's success."
Marginson has moved quickly to sign a replacement, landing former Altrincham hitman Carlos Roca, while Jerome Wright, Chris Baguley, Bradley Howard and Sam Ashton have all signed new deals with the club.
But, in a further blow to United, midfielder Josh Howard, who spent most of last season on the sidelines with injury, has also decided his future lies away from Gigg Lane.
Tuesday 24th June 2008
By Liam Chronnell
FC United have received a major blow ahead of the new season after revealing that star striker Rory Patterson has left to join UniBond Premier League rivals Bradford Park Avenue.
The breakaway club's longest-serving player has signed a more lucrative contract with the big-spending Yorkshire club who, along with FC, were promoted from the Division One North last season.
Patterson, the league's top scorer last term with 41 goals, will team up with strike partner Stuart Rudd, who has also moved to Bradford after being released by the Rebels.
"Rory knows how much he is valued by me and the club but we cannot come anywhere close to the kind of money being offered by Bradford," said FC boss Karl Marginson.
"Everyone is grateful to Rory for his efforts over the last three seasons; the goals he has scored and his all-round contribution have been a large part of the club's success."
Marginson has moved quickly to sign a replacement, landing former Altrincham hitman Carlos Roca, while Jerome Wright, Chris Baguley, Bradley Howard and Sam Ashton have all signed new deals with the club.
But, in a further blow to United, midfielder Josh Howard, who spent most of last season on the sidelines with injury, has also decided his future lies away from Gigg Lane.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Rebels sign Rocky
20/ 6/2008
FC UNITED have bounced off the ropes after losing three of their stars by signing "Rocky".
The Rebels have snapped up 24-year-old former Oldham and Carlisle winger Carlos Roca after his release by Altrincham, with manager Karl Marginson convinced that he will be a big hit with the FC fans.
Marginson said: “I’ve been after Carlos for a year, and I think our fans will love him. He is fast, tricky and creative. What I loved when I spoke to him is that he wants to enjoy his football, so he is singing from the same hymn sheet as the rest of this club."
After losing top strikers Rory Patterson and Stuart Rudd to UniBond premier rivals Bradford Park Avenue, and also seeing wide man Josh Howard join New Mills, the signing is a huge boost to FC morale.
And with skipper Dave Chadwick and midfielder Chris Baguley turning down more lucrative offers to remain at the club along with fans favourite Jerome Wright, Marginson feels his squad could be stronger and more competitive than ever next season.
Roca, who was once described by then Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy as a “complete bag of tricks” after starring against his side in an FA Cup tie at the Stadium of Light in 2006, has also turned out for Stalybridge and Droylsden.
Roca was a big favourite with Vics fans, who dubbed him “Rocky”.
The Withington lad began his career at Oldham, where he made 11 appearances, and moved on to Carlisle, for whom he played 15 times before moving into non-league football.
FC UNITED have bounced off the ropes after losing three of their stars by signing "Rocky".
The Rebels have snapped up 24-year-old former Oldham and Carlisle winger Carlos Roca after his release by Altrincham, with manager Karl Marginson convinced that he will be a big hit with the FC fans.
Marginson said: “I’ve been after Carlos for a year, and I think our fans will love him. He is fast, tricky and creative. What I loved when I spoke to him is that he wants to enjoy his football, so he is singing from the same hymn sheet as the rest of this club."
After losing top strikers Rory Patterson and Stuart Rudd to UniBond premier rivals Bradford Park Avenue, and also seeing wide man Josh Howard join New Mills, the signing is a huge boost to FC morale.
And with skipper Dave Chadwick and midfielder Chris Baguley turning down more lucrative offers to remain at the club along with fans favourite Jerome Wright, Marginson feels his squad could be stronger and more competitive than ever next season.
Roca, who was once described by then Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy as a “complete bag of tricks” after starring against his side in an FA Cup tie at the Stadium of Light in 2006, has also turned out for Stalybridge and Droylsden.
Roca was a big favourite with Vics fans, who dubbed him “Rocky”.
The Withington lad began his career at Oldham, where he made 11 appearances, and moved on to Carlisle, for whom he played 15 times before moving into non-league football.
Exit not a 'Ror' deal
Tony Howard
19/ 6/2008
FC UNITED boss Karl Marginson insists that his squad will be stronger next season without record scorer Rory Patterson.
Patterson, who scored 41 goals last term, has joined UniBond Premier Division rivals Bradford Park Avenue for a reputed £350 per week.
Manager Marginson is unfazed by Patterson’s decision to take the Yorkshire coin and he says that his exit can work to FC’s advantage.
United have already secured the signatures of captain Dave Chadwick and flying winger Jerome Wright and they have some new faces lined up.
Margy said: "We want players who want to play for this football club because they love the game and understand what we’re about.
"It’s a cliché but it’s true. No player is bigger than the club and no player is more important than the supporters that own and run FC United.
"Rory being the focal point for this team often had a negative effect and players had a habit of looking to him too much.
"His departure will galvanise the squad and bring us closer together. We’ve got a nucleus of young lads who’ve stayed loyal to us last season despite good offers elsewhere.
"There’s 20 teams in this league who pay more than us – but not one of them have anywhere near our support.
"FC United will still be the biggest draw in the league – not because of ‘star’ players but because of the supporters. That’s a wonderful thing to be able to say and we’re rightly proud of that.
"We’re chuffed to have secured Chaddy and Jerome for next season. Bradford and others were sniffing after Jerome but he’s made the decision to stay with us despite offers of much more money. That’s the sort of player I want at this football club."
Chadwick and Wright take the total of players signed up for next term to 14. The others are Danny Allen, Sam Ashton, Jamie Baguley, Simon Carden, Adam Carden, Liam Foster, Kyle Harrop, Bradley Howard, Rob Nugent, Nick Robinson, Shaun Roscoe and Adam Turner.
Patterson has been joined by strike partner Stuart Rudd in his defection across the Pennines to Bradford Park Avenue. Rudd was released by Marginson after a hit-and-miss season hampered by a succession of injuries.
Winger Josh Howard’s season was also punctuated by injury problems. He has joined New Mills.
Chris Baguley has been approached by Southport and his midfield partner Nicky Platt is being chased by Stalybridge. Both players are mulling over their futures having returned from holidays this week.
Marginson was unable to be specific about new signings when the Advertiser went to press last night, Wednesday, June 18.
He said: "We have our list of players we’re interested in. The ones we’ve spoken to understand the ideals of this football club and are looking forward to getting out there in front of our big and noisy following."
19/ 6/2008
FC UNITED boss Karl Marginson insists that his squad will be stronger next season without record scorer Rory Patterson.
Patterson, who scored 41 goals last term, has joined UniBond Premier Division rivals Bradford Park Avenue for a reputed £350 per week.
Manager Marginson is unfazed by Patterson’s decision to take the Yorkshire coin and he says that his exit can work to FC’s advantage.
United have already secured the signatures of captain Dave Chadwick and flying winger Jerome Wright and they have some new faces lined up.
Margy said: "We want players who want to play for this football club because they love the game and understand what we’re about.
"It’s a cliché but it’s true. No player is bigger than the club and no player is more important than the supporters that own and run FC United.
"Rory being the focal point for this team often had a negative effect and players had a habit of looking to him too much.
"His departure will galvanise the squad and bring us closer together. We’ve got a nucleus of young lads who’ve stayed loyal to us last season despite good offers elsewhere.
"There’s 20 teams in this league who pay more than us – but not one of them have anywhere near our support.
"FC United will still be the biggest draw in the league – not because of ‘star’ players but because of the supporters. That’s a wonderful thing to be able to say and we’re rightly proud of that.
"We’re chuffed to have secured Chaddy and Jerome for next season. Bradford and others were sniffing after Jerome but he’s made the decision to stay with us despite offers of much more money. That’s the sort of player I want at this football club."
Chadwick and Wright take the total of players signed up for next term to 14. The others are Danny Allen, Sam Ashton, Jamie Baguley, Simon Carden, Adam Carden, Liam Foster, Kyle Harrop, Bradley Howard, Rob Nugent, Nick Robinson, Shaun Roscoe and Adam Turner.
Patterson has been joined by strike partner Stuart Rudd in his defection across the Pennines to Bradford Park Avenue. Rudd was released by Marginson after a hit-and-miss season hampered by a succession of injuries.
Winger Josh Howard’s season was also punctuated by injury problems. He has joined New Mills.
Chris Baguley has been approached by Southport and his midfield partner Nicky Platt is being chased by Stalybridge. Both players are mulling over their futures having returned from holidays this week.
Marginson was unable to be specific about new signings when the Advertiser went to press last night, Wednesday, June 18.
He said: "We have our list of players we’re interested in. The ones we’ve spoken to understand the ideals of this football club and are looking forward to getting out there in front of our big and noisy following."
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Rebels stunned by double exit
Source: M.E.N.
stuart brennan
14/ 6/2008
STAR striker Rory Patterson has dealt FC United a blow by leaving the club for UniBond League premier division rivals Bradford Park Avenue.
And with the Rebels also releasing hit-man Stuart Rudd, the club has now lost the two men whose goals - 154 in a total of 211 appearances - have fuelled three successive promotions.
Rory attracted attention from League outfits and several of the wealthier non-league clubs by topping the scoring charts in the UniBond first division with 41 goals in 49 outings.
And Park Avenue, backed by the riches of property developer Bob Blackburn, made 24-year-old Ulsterman Patterson an offer he could not refuse.
"It's very disappointing," said FC manager Karl Marginson, who had been hopeful of resisting the barrage of offers being made to the former Rochdale player. "But I understand the lad's decision, because he has a young family, and the money Bradford are talking is on another planet to what we can offer.
"There are professional footballers out there who don't get what Rory will be on."
Marginson has also released 32-year-old Rudd, who missed most of last season with a succession of injuries, and is now in the market for two strikers.
"With the injuries Stuart had, and with us stepping up another level, we just felt that the time was right to part company," said Karl.
"Other than that, with the financial situation, I had to raise a little bit of money, and hopefully we will be able to get someone else in."
The Rebels are hopeful of securing a deal for winger Jerome Wright, also being pursued by Park Avenue.
stuart brennan
14/ 6/2008
STAR striker Rory Patterson has dealt FC United a blow by leaving the club for UniBond League premier division rivals Bradford Park Avenue.
And with the Rebels also releasing hit-man Stuart Rudd, the club has now lost the two men whose goals - 154 in a total of 211 appearances - have fuelled three successive promotions.
Rory attracted attention from League outfits and several of the wealthier non-league clubs by topping the scoring charts in the UniBond first division with 41 goals in 49 outings.
And Park Avenue, backed by the riches of property developer Bob Blackburn, made 24-year-old Ulsterman Patterson an offer he could not refuse.
"It's very disappointing," said FC manager Karl Marginson, who had been hopeful of resisting the barrage of offers being made to the former Rochdale player. "But I understand the lad's decision, because he has a young family, and the money Bradford are talking is on another planet to what we can offer.
"There are professional footballers out there who don't get what Rory will be on."
Marginson has also released 32-year-old Rudd, who missed most of last season with a succession of injuries, and is now in the market for two strikers.
"With the injuries Stuart had, and with us stepping up another level, we just felt that the time was right to part company," said Karl.
"Other than that, with the financial situation, I had to raise a little bit of money, and hopefully we will be able to get someone else in."
The Rebels are hopeful of securing a deal for winger Jerome Wright, also being pursued by Park Avenue.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Patterson makes it a hat-trick of signings
Source: Bradford Telegraph and Argus
By Ian Whiting
Following the signing of Chris Bettney in midweek, Bradford Park Avenue will sign another former Rochdale player tomorrow when striker Rory Patterson becomes the latest capture.
Manager Dave Cameron completed a hat-trick when he added a third player to his squad during the week, midfielder James Scales being drafted in from Blue Square North outfit Barrow.
"Rory will be signing tomorrow. It is not a secret and no one will hijack the deal," said Cameron today.
"He has told his former employers and has agreed the terms we have offered him, so it's a done deal.
"He is coming to Horsfall Stadium just to sign the piece of paper, which is the two-year contract that the club has negotiated with him.
"Rory is another player of proven quality and ability that will improve our squad as we take the club forward.
"I'm looking forward to working with him, Chris and James and can't wait for the pre-season to get underway."
Patterson had experience in the Football League with Bradford City's Coca-Cola League Two rivals Rochdale. However, he comes to Avenue from their own rivals, FC United of Manchester.
Both Avenue, as champions, and FC United were promoted from the UniBond Division One North last May.
Patterson finished the season as the division's top scorer - he netted 41 in total, 33 of which were league goals.
The sum total was two more than Michael Norton, who was a target of Cameron's but decided to stay in Division One North with Curzon Ashton. Patterson's haul was twice as many as Avenue's leading marksman Mike Moseley, but his season was blighted by niggling injuries.
Bettney's career started at Sheffield United, and Rochdale was one of his other four full-time clubs, which includes a spell at Hull City.
The right winger has also done the non-league scene with Ilkeston Town and Alfreton Town before joining Harrogate Town.
Cameron has got him from Avenue's Blue Square North near-neighbours and also tempted Barrow's Scales from the same division.
"These are very good signings for the club - all good players who have a lot to offer but are still very ambitious. The qualities of Rory and Chris will already be known by our supporters.
"They might not know as much about James but he will become a favourite. He is a midfielder who is like a little terrier - he takes no prisoners.
"He is a Scouser - that tells a story - 20 years of age, as fit as a fiddle and will run through brick walls."
By Ian Whiting
Following the signing of Chris Bettney in midweek, Bradford Park Avenue will sign another former Rochdale player tomorrow when striker Rory Patterson becomes the latest capture.
Manager Dave Cameron completed a hat-trick when he added a third player to his squad during the week, midfielder James Scales being drafted in from Blue Square North outfit Barrow.
"Rory will be signing tomorrow. It is not a secret and no one will hijack the deal," said Cameron today.
"He has told his former employers and has agreed the terms we have offered him, so it's a done deal.
"He is coming to Horsfall Stadium just to sign the piece of paper, which is the two-year contract that the club has negotiated with him.
"Rory is another player of proven quality and ability that will improve our squad as we take the club forward.
"I'm looking forward to working with him, Chris and James and can't wait for the pre-season to get underway."
Patterson had experience in the Football League with Bradford City's Coca-Cola League Two rivals Rochdale. However, he comes to Avenue from their own rivals, FC United of Manchester.
Both Avenue, as champions, and FC United were promoted from the UniBond Division One North last May.
Patterson finished the season as the division's top scorer - he netted 41 in total, 33 of which were league goals.
The sum total was two more than Michael Norton, who was a target of Cameron's but decided to stay in Division One North with Curzon Ashton. Patterson's haul was twice as many as Avenue's leading marksman Mike Moseley, but his season was blighted by niggling injuries.
Bettney's career started at Sheffield United, and Rochdale was one of his other four full-time clubs, which includes a spell at Hull City.
The right winger has also done the non-league scene with Ilkeston Town and Alfreton Town before joining Harrogate Town.
Cameron has got him from Avenue's Blue Square North near-neighbours and also tempted Barrow's Scales from the same division.
"These are very good signings for the club - all good players who have a lot to offer but are still very ambitious. The qualities of Rory and Chris will already be known by our supporters.
"They might not know as much about James but he will become a favourite. He is a midfielder who is like a little terrier - he takes no prisoners.
"He is a Scouser - that tells a story - 20 years of age, as fit as a fiddle and will run through brick walls."
Saturday, June 07, 2008
FC seek new blood
Graham Hardcastle
7/ 6/2008
FC UNITED are looking to bring in fresh blood for the start of the new season.
Rebels' boss Karl Marginson is having a well-earned break and missed last night's friendly against a Marburg Select XI near Frankfurt.
Coach Tony Cullen took charge in Germany and saw the Reds win 3-1 thanks to goals from Lee Ellis, James Holden and Rory Patterson.
Cullen said: "We do have four or five players in the pipeline, and we are in negotiations with existing players about signing new contracts.
"We should have things sorted in the next ten days."
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Howzat as a football club raises £1,000 - playing cricket
THEY'VE followed their team all season long through rain and shine - but Bank Holiday Monday was a new experience for fans of Bury-based football team FC United of Manchester.
More than 500 supporters turned up at Bury Cricket Club to cheer on their team in a match of a different sort - cricket.
Eleven players lined up in a 20 overs-a-side match against an enthusiastic BCC side.
In the end, it was the cricket club that came out on top by the narrow margin of 20 runs in a highly competitive match.
But, in truth, both teams were the winners, as they raised about £1,000 to be shared between BCC and FC United's development fund.
FC boss Karl Marginson said: "It was a really enjoyable occasion with a lot of banter and a great day out for everyone who turned up.
"Luckily, the bad weather kept off and we were able to have a good game," he said.
"Our players took it seriously when they knew they had a chance of winning, but they enjoyed the fun side of it too.
"We would like to thank everyone at BCC for inviting us and making such a great day possible."
FC United, who play their home games at Gigg Lane, this season gained promotion for the third successive year and from August will play in the Unibond League Premier Division.
8:00am today
By Dale Haslam
More than 500 supporters turned up at Bury Cricket Club to cheer on their team in a match of a different sort - cricket.
Eleven players lined up in a 20 overs-a-side match against an enthusiastic BCC side.
In the end, it was the cricket club that came out on top by the narrow margin of 20 runs in a highly competitive match.
But, in truth, both teams were the winners, as they raised about £1,000 to be shared between BCC and FC United's development fund.
FC boss Karl Marginson said: "It was a really enjoyable occasion with a lot of banter and a great day out for everyone who turned up.
"Luckily, the bad weather kept off and we were able to have a good game," he said.
"Our players took it seriously when they knew they had a chance of winning, but they enjoyed the fun side of it too.
"We would like to thank everyone at BCC for inviting us and making such a great day possible."
FC United, who play their home games at Gigg Lane, this season gained promotion for the third successive year and from August will play in the Unibond League Premier Division.
8:00am today
By Dale Haslam
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Non-league player of the season
4/ 6/2008
IT was a campaign of widely contrasting fortunes for the region's semi-professional clubs, with FC United's completion of a promotion hat-trick among the highlights and a third successive relegation reprieve for Altrincham one of several major talking points.
STAR MAN: COLIN LITTLE (Altrincham): A vintage year for the veteran striker, whose 20 goals made him the third- highest scorer in the Blue Square Premier League, helping the Robins maintain their top-flight status thanks to the demise of Halifax Town. 9
RORY PATTERSON (FC United): Still the jewel in the Rebels' crown. His league and cup goals were crucial to FC continuing their remarkable rise. 8.
ASHLEY WINN (Stalybridge Celtic): His livewire displays in midfield and double-figure goals tally were a major contribution to Bridge coming within a whisker of promotion. 8
MICHAEL CARR (Northwich Victoria): The England non-league international midfielder will be Vics' loss and Morecambe's gain following his end-of-season switch to Sammy McIlroy's Shrimps. 7
RYAN SHOTTON (Altrincham): Showed maturity beyond his years during nearly a full season on loan from Stoke to scoop the fans' player-of-the- year award. 8
LIAM BROWNHILL (Witton Albion): The consistency of this highly-promising young defender earned him an unexpected England non-league international call-up. 7
JEROME WRIGHT (FC United): With a sweet left foot and bundles of energy, this flying young winger is one of the brightest prospects in North West non-league. 7
ANDY LUNDY (Trafford): Vodkat League First Division's 28-goal top scorer did as much as anyone to help win promotion back to the UniBond League. 8
PAUL PHILLIPS (Droylsden): Powe
rless to prevent the club sliding straight back down to Blue Square North, but his brave efforts in goal were enough to persuade Stalybridge to sign him. 7
MIKE NORTON (Curzon Ashton): The former scourge of North West Counties League defences was just as prolific in the UniBond League, scoring 39 times. 8
PADDY GAMBLE (Stalybridge Celtic): Enjoyed a hugely successful season on loan from Nottingham Forest, keeping 15 clean sheets. 8
GREG YOUNG (Altrincham): Cultured centre-half who proved to be an inspired signing following his switch from Halifax. 7
GARETH SEDDON (Hyde United): Not quite as outstanding as in his first season with the Tigers, but still a class act up front. 7
SCOTT TYNAN (Northwich Victoria): England non-league keeper's safe hands were crucial in successful fight against relegation. 8
ADAM WARLOW (Witton Albion): Topped the UniBond Premier Division scoring charts with 25 goals to make himself one of non-league's hottest properties. 8
CARLOS MEAKIN (New Mills): His 29 league goals were vital to the Millers clinching the Vodkat Division Two championship. 7
CHRIS BAGULEY (FC United): Makes the game look easy and chipped in with more than his fair share of goals from central midfield. 8
JODY BANIM (Droylsden): Impressed while so many of his team-mates struggled, earning a permanent switch to Nigel Clough's Burton Albion. 7
DARREN TINSON (Altrincham): Still a commanding figure at 38 and was particularly eye-catching away from home when the Robins needed him most. 7
LEE STEELE (Northwich Victoria): His goals at the business end of the season were the difference between staying up and going down. 7
STEVE HOWSON (Radcliffe Borough): Bagged 36 goals in all competitions - no mean feat in a struggling side. Was rewarded with a Manchester Premier Cup winners' medal. 8
LEE SOUTHWOOD (Trafford): Doubles up as manager Ged Kielty's assistant, and a real tower of strength at centre-half. 7
STEVE PAYNE (Stalybridge Celtic): A rock at the heart of the defence, where his leadership qualities really came to the fore. 7.
DAVE CHADWICK (FC United): The Rebels' very own Captain Courageous. 7
Who is your player of the season? Send your verdict - in no more than 100 words - to sportscomps@men-news.co.uk for your chance to win.
IT was a campaign of widely contrasting fortunes for the region's semi-professional clubs, with FC United's completion of a promotion hat-trick among the highlights and a third successive relegation reprieve for Altrincham one of several major talking points.
STAR MAN: COLIN LITTLE (Altrincham): A vintage year for the veteran striker, whose 20 goals made him the third- highest scorer in the Blue Square Premier League, helping the Robins maintain their top-flight status thanks to the demise of Halifax Town. 9
RORY PATTERSON (FC United): Still the jewel in the Rebels' crown. His league and cup goals were crucial to FC continuing their remarkable rise. 8.
ASHLEY WINN (Stalybridge Celtic): His livewire displays in midfield and double-figure goals tally were a major contribution to Bridge coming within a whisker of promotion. 8
MICHAEL CARR (Northwich Victoria): The England non-league international midfielder will be Vics' loss and Morecambe's gain following his end-of-season switch to Sammy McIlroy's Shrimps. 7
RYAN SHOTTON (Altrincham): Showed maturity beyond his years during nearly a full season on loan from Stoke to scoop the fans' player-of-the- year award. 8
LIAM BROWNHILL (Witton Albion): The consistency of this highly-promising young defender earned him an unexpected England non-league international call-up. 7
JEROME WRIGHT (FC United): With a sweet left foot and bundles of energy, this flying young winger is one of the brightest prospects in North West non-league. 7
ANDY LUNDY (Trafford): Vodkat League First Division's 28-goal top scorer did as much as anyone to help win promotion back to the UniBond League. 8
PAUL PHILLIPS (Droylsden): Powe
rless to prevent the club sliding straight back down to Blue Square North, but his brave efforts in goal were enough to persuade Stalybridge to sign him. 7
MIKE NORTON (Curzon Ashton): The former scourge of North West Counties League defences was just as prolific in the UniBond League, scoring 39 times. 8
PADDY GAMBLE (Stalybridge Celtic): Enjoyed a hugely successful season on loan from Nottingham Forest, keeping 15 clean sheets. 8
GREG YOUNG (Altrincham): Cultured centre-half who proved to be an inspired signing following his switch from Halifax. 7
GARETH SEDDON (Hyde United): Not quite as outstanding as in his first season with the Tigers, but still a class act up front. 7
SCOTT TYNAN (Northwich Victoria): England non-league keeper's safe hands were crucial in successful fight against relegation. 8
ADAM WARLOW (Witton Albion): Topped the UniBond Premier Division scoring charts with 25 goals to make himself one of non-league's hottest properties. 8
CARLOS MEAKIN (New Mills): His 29 league goals were vital to the Millers clinching the Vodkat Division Two championship. 7
CHRIS BAGULEY (FC United): Makes the game look easy and chipped in with more than his fair share of goals from central midfield. 8
JODY BANIM (Droylsden): Impressed while so many of his team-mates struggled, earning a permanent switch to Nigel Clough's Burton Albion. 7
DARREN TINSON (Altrincham): Still a commanding figure at 38 and was particularly eye-catching away from home when the Robins needed him most. 7
LEE STEELE (Northwich Victoria): His goals at the business end of the season were the difference between staying up and going down. 7
STEVE HOWSON (Radcliffe Borough): Bagged 36 goals in all competitions - no mean feat in a struggling side. Was rewarded with a Manchester Premier Cup winners' medal. 8
LEE SOUTHWOOD (Trafford): Doubles up as manager Ged Kielty's assistant, and a real tower of strength at centre-half. 7
STEVE PAYNE (Stalybridge Celtic): A rock at the heart of the defence, where his leadership qualities really came to the fore. 7.
DAVE CHADWICK (FC United): The Rebels' very own Captain Courageous. 7
Who is your player of the season? Send your verdict - in no more than 100 words - to sportscomps@men-news.co.uk for your chance to win.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
