by Hayley Thorpe
Sunday, September 28, 2008
FC UNITED fan Steven Wood is hoping his new book on the club will help them in their ambition to secure a ground of their own.
The UniBond Premier team currently play at Bury’s Gigg Lane, but are keen to move to their own home.
His book, Trips On Glue, will raise money for the club’s development fund.
The book is his diary of last season’s matches starting with the pre-season game at Studley right through to the play-off final win against Skelmersdale.
The book also features off the field events and an insight into what it is like to follow FC United.
The book can be purchased on matchdays or from www.tripsonglue.co.uk. The cost is £10.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Eric Cantona fears for Manchester United’s future after Sir Alex Ferguson
Observing United’s unconvincing start to the defence of both their Premier League and Champions League titles, the Frenchman has expressed concern over the destabilising effect of United eventually losing the most successful manager in their history.
The unpopular arrival of the Glazer family saddled the club with around £600 million of debt and has seen United’s ticket prices, previously some of the most competitively priced in the Premier League, rise year-on-year.
Though the Americans’ involvement has allowed Ferguson to build another championship winning squad, Cantona believes that it is only the Scotsman’s experienced hand that is keeping United challenging in domestic and European competition.
“I can understand why the fans are concerned,” said the former United player.
“The philosophy of the club will never change while Alex Ferguson is at the club. After he leaves . . . that’s what makes me worry.
“Ferguson is so strong, so popular, he can control everything. For the moment nothing has changed there — apart from in an economic way.
“I’m worried about the future. I hope that things will not change.”
Cantona also pledged his support for FC United, the club founded by disaffected supporters who bitterly fought against the Glazer takeover.
“They have a great idea,” said Cantona. “I hope they will become a great club and win the European Cup in 50 years’ time.
“Every club has to be created at one point. Now I am interested in the people who create clubs. Which type of people created Manchester United or Manchester City?”
The unpopular arrival of the Glazer family saddled the club with around £600 million of debt and has seen United’s ticket prices, previously some of the most competitively priced in the Premier League, rise year-on-year.
Though the Americans’ involvement has allowed Ferguson to build another championship winning squad, Cantona believes that it is only the Scotsman’s experienced hand that is keeping United challenging in domestic and European competition.
“I can understand why the fans are concerned,” said the former United player.
“The philosophy of the club will never change while Alex Ferguson is at the club. After he leaves . . . that’s what makes me worry.
“Ferguson is so strong, so popular, he can control everything. For the moment nothing has changed there — apart from in an economic way.
“I’m worried about the future. I hope that things will not change.”
Cantona also pledged his support for FC United, the club founded by disaffected supporters who bitterly fought against the Glazer takeover.
“They have a great idea,” said Cantona. “I hope they will become a great club and win the European Cup in 50 years’ time.
“Every club has to be created at one point. Now I am interested in the people who create clubs. Which type of people created Manchester United or Manchester City?”
Friday, September 26, 2008
If our time is money then these guys are loaded!
Exclusive by Richard Rattan
Nonleague Today
21.09.08
(No on-line content)
FC United's live web radio service FCUM TV have become football's latest millionaires.
While the station's commentators haven't joined the stars at Old Trafford or the City of Manchester Stadium in receiving bumper pay packets, the group of Rebels-mad volunteers, who run the service on a shoestring, logged their millionth minute listening time during last week's tight 1-1 draw in the FA Cup at Nantwich.
NonLeague's own broadcasting show heroes were back at Gigg Lane on Wednesday night for the replay, broadcasting live to a worldwide audience as FC United went down 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller.
While FCUM TV director avid Rebels supporter Mike Kerwin felt "gutted" by the defeat, he takes great pride in what the three-year-old broadcasting service has achieved so far.
Kerwin, who masterminds the operation from the headquarters of "Box", his computer graphics and post-production company in Manchester city centre, said: "People can listen to all our games live whether we are playing home or away. They can also watch video highlights of all our home games on our website.
"We have people listening to our commentaries on their computers and laptops all round the world. I can't even tell you the number of countries where our broadcasts are picked up.
"The reason why we started this is because we were all Manchester United fans and were used to first-class media coverage. There are 14 of us involved. We're multi-disciplined and we'd love to see other clubs in Non- League try and develop a service like ours. If anyone wants to contact us we'd be delighted to them how to broadcast.
"We've even been pacesetters in online broadcasting. It was us who introduced the chatroom during live commentaries. The BBC brought in live texts during games six months later."
Kerwin admitted that the FCUM TV commentators, which include Keith "Keg" Johnson, Brian "Seamus" Hancock and Steve "Swampy" Bennett, avoid the kind of pre-rehearsed phraseology and pomposity which has listeners and viewers of the main stream channels reaching for the off button.
Nonleague Today
21.09.08
(No on-line content)
FC United's live web radio service FCUM TV have become football's latest millionaires.
While the station's commentators haven't joined the stars at Old Trafford or the City of Manchester Stadium in receiving bumper pay packets, the group of Rebels-mad volunteers, who run the service on a shoestring, logged their millionth minute listening time during last week's tight 1-1 draw in the FA Cup at Nantwich.
NonLeague's own broadcasting show heroes were back at Gigg Lane on Wednesday night for the replay, broadcasting live to a worldwide audience as FC United went down 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller.
While FCUM TV director avid Rebels supporter Mike Kerwin felt "gutted" by the defeat, he takes great pride in what the three-year-old broadcasting service has achieved so far.
Kerwin, who masterminds the operation from the headquarters of "Box", his computer graphics and post-production company in Manchester city centre, said: "People can listen to all our games live whether we are playing home or away. They can also watch video highlights of all our home games on our website.
"We have people listening to our commentaries on their computers and laptops all round the world. I can't even tell you the number of countries where our broadcasts are picked up.
"The reason why we started this is because we were all Manchester United fans and were used to first-class media coverage. There are 14 of us involved. We're multi-disciplined and we'd love to see other clubs in Non- League try and develop a service like ours. If anyone wants to contact us we'd be delighted to them how to broadcast.
"We've even been pacesetters in online broadcasting. It was us who introduced the chatroom during live commentaries. The BBC brought in live texts during games six months later."
Kerwin admitted that the FCUM TV commentators, which include Keith "Keg" Johnson, Brian "Seamus" Hancock and Steve "Swampy" Bennett, avoid the kind of pre-rehearsed phraseology and pomposity which has listeners and viewers of the main stream channels reaching for the off button.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
FC go to Town
25/ 9/2008
FC UNITED returned to winning ways in style with a 4-0 hammering of Ossett Town on Tuesday night.
Kyle Wilson and Carlos Roca, paired up front in a much changed side, both scored a brace of goals to give the reds a much needed victory.
United had gone five games without a win and had slumped to 17th spot in the UniBond Premier League table but they were quickly into their stride on an autumnal evening in Yorkshire.
Roca started brightly and his constant running was rewarded when he cut in to score a fortuitous opener via a deflection.
Many FC fans were concerned by the exit of lethal finisher Rory Patterson to Bradford in the summer but Wilson has excelled in his place to become the league’s top scorer.
It was another fine performance from him on Tuesday and his first goal was exquisitely taken after he had beaten the off-side trap to slot home.
The reds continued to attack at will and the home side had no answer.
Roca scored what he thought was his second only for the linesman to rule him off-side. He was not to be denied in the second half though as he scored what is arguably FC’s goal of the season to date with a rasping drive into the top corner.
Wilson added his second goal from a penalty after earning the spot kick himself and the points were United’s.
The win was welcome fillip following FC’s drab 0-0 draw with Worksop at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
FC do not play this weekend due to them being out of the FA Cup.
FC UNITED returned to winning ways in style with a 4-0 hammering of Ossett Town on Tuesday night.
Kyle Wilson and Carlos Roca, paired up front in a much changed side, both scored a brace of goals to give the reds a much needed victory.
United had gone five games without a win and had slumped to 17th spot in the UniBond Premier League table but they were quickly into their stride on an autumnal evening in Yorkshire.
Roca started brightly and his constant running was rewarded when he cut in to score a fortuitous opener via a deflection.
Many FC fans were concerned by the exit of lethal finisher Rory Patterson to Bradford in the summer but Wilson has excelled in his place to become the league’s top scorer.
It was another fine performance from him on Tuesday and his first goal was exquisitely taken after he had beaten the off-side trap to slot home.
The reds continued to attack at will and the home side had no answer.
Roca scored what he thought was his second only for the linesman to rule him off-side. He was not to be denied in the second half though as he scored what is arguably FC’s goal of the season to date with a rasping drive into the top corner.
Wilson added his second goal from a penalty after earning the spot kick himself and the points were United’s.
The win was welcome fillip following FC’s drab 0-0 draw with Worksop at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
FC do not play this weekend due to them being out of the FA Cup.
Ossett Town 0 FC United 4
3:54pm Wednesday 24th September 2008
By Lesley Richards
FC United ended their five-game winless streak in style with a convincing victory at Ossett Town on Tuesday night.
Carlos Roca and Kyle Wilson struck twice each as the Rebels bounced back from FA Cup disappointment to secure their first league win since August 30.
Karl Marginson shared a goalless draw with Worksop at Gigg Lane on Saturday – three days after losing their midweek home replay 4-3 against Nantwich Town.
But United hit back at Ossett with a superb all-round team display.
Roca’s deflected effort – his first goal for the club since joining from Altrincham – handed the visitors a 10th-minute lead and the prolific Wilson doubled their advantage on 33 minutes with his 10th goal of the season.
Roca’s effort before half-time was ruled out for offside but he added his second, and FC’s third, with a 25-yard blockbuster on 83 minutes.
And Wilson completed the rout two minutes later when he struck a fourth from the penalty spot after the league’s top-scorer had been bundled over in the area to seal a first victory in six games – and third clean sheet in four games.
The Rebels have no game at the weekend following their FA Cup exit and return to action at home to Witton Albion on October 4.
By Lesley Richards
FC United ended their five-game winless streak in style with a convincing victory at Ossett Town on Tuesday night.
Carlos Roca and Kyle Wilson struck twice each as the Rebels bounced back from FA Cup disappointment to secure their first league win since August 30.
Karl Marginson shared a goalless draw with Worksop at Gigg Lane on Saturday – three days after losing their midweek home replay 4-3 against Nantwich Town.
But United hit back at Ossett with a superb all-round team display.
Roca’s deflected effort – his first goal for the club since joining from Altrincham – handed the visitors a 10th-minute lead and the prolific Wilson doubled their advantage on 33 minutes with his 10th goal of the season.
Roca’s effort before half-time was ruled out for offside but he added his second, and FC’s third, with a 25-yard blockbuster on 83 minutes.
And Wilson completed the rout two minutes later when he struck a fourth from the penalty spot after the league’s top-scorer had been bundled over in the area to seal a first victory in six games – and third clean sheet in four games.
The Rebels have no game at the weekend following their FA Cup exit and return to action at home to Witton Albion on October 4.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A big year for FC United
Written by Nick Royle
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
With Old Trafford 23,000 below capacity on Tuesday night for Manchester United’s Carling Cup tie with Middlesbrough, FC United fans could be forgiven for cracking an unsympathetic smile.
The founders of the club, set up by Manchester United supporters disgusted by the growing commercialism of the game and the Glazer takeover, have been warning that United’s business model was unsustainable, and that there would inevitably be a backlash from those who buy tickets every week.
With a recession around the corner, and ticket prices and ancillary costs such as travel inexorably rising, their prediction seems to be coming to fruition.
However, FC United fans would be advised not to be too smug. I was at FC United’s Unibond Premier Division game on Saturday against Worksop Town, and I detected a feeling that supporters feel that this is a critical year for their club, too.
Three promotions in three years since its 2005 inception mean that FC United are just three promotions from the Football League. Already, there are tensions within the fan-run club at the price of this success.
Fans in 2005 knew what they were against. They were against Glazer, and the debt-incurring takeover. Ask those fans in 2008 what they are for, however, and you would get an array of answers.
The pragmatist wing of the club wants to continue this remarkable journey, and go all the way to the Football League. At the back of their minds is the thought that they could one day draw Manchester United in the FA Cup or the Carling Cup, and the differences in motivation between the two clubs could be shown in sharp focus to a wider audience.
The fundamentalists are happy enough to keep their integrity, and that inevitably means that the club needs to stay rooted in non-league football. What is important for them is that football is played at 3pm on a Saturday, and that their club does not sell out.
It has caused a schismatic debate at the club, as the club’s success continues. Many fans were unhappy at the Unibond’s League insistence that the players wear the sponsors patches on their shirt, and the club’s members voted on the issue at the start of the season.
One contributor to the match programme wondered what would happen should FC United reach the first round of the FA Cup. In all probability, a TV company would want to show the game, and may ask for the fixture to be moved. What would the fans do if Setanta Sports asked the game to be played on a Sunday? Would they say no in their vote on the issue, out of principle, and risk a long-term ban from the FA Cup?
And if they say yes, could they not be accused of ‘following the dollar’ as eagerly as the Glazer-owned Manchester United, albeit on a smaller scale.
It is therefore fortuitous that FC United this year may have found their level on the football pitch. After the three promotions, FC United have started the season slowly, and sit in 12th place with just three wins from nine games.
It perhaps needs a season of consolidation on the pitch for those fans to reconcile amongst themselves just what they want from their club.
They need to work out whether the FC United experiment should compromise and accept moral relativity, or risk stagnation in order to keep their fundamental ideals intact.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
With Old Trafford 23,000 below capacity on Tuesday night for Manchester United’s Carling Cup tie with Middlesbrough, FC United fans could be forgiven for cracking an unsympathetic smile.
The founders of the club, set up by Manchester United supporters disgusted by the growing commercialism of the game and the Glazer takeover, have been warning that United’s business model was unsustainable, and that there would inevitably be a backlash from those who buy tickets every week.
With a recession around the corner, and ticket prices and ancillary costs such as travel inexorably rising, their prediction seems to be coming to fruition.
However, FC United fans would be advised not to be too smug. I was at FC United’s Unibond Premier Division game on Saturday against Worksop Town, and I detected a feeling that supporters feel that this is a critical year for their club, too.
Three promotions in three years since its 2005 inception mean that FC United are just three promotions from the Football League. Already, there are tensions within the fan-run club at the price of this success.
Fans in 2005 knew what they were against. They were against Glazer, and the debt-incurring takeover. Ask those fans in 2008 what they are for, however, and you would get an array of answers.
The pragmatist wing of the club wants to continue this remarkable journey, and go all the way to the Football League. At the back of their minds is the thought that they could one day draw Manchester United in the FA Cup or the Carling Cup, and the differences in motivation between the two clubs could be shown in sharp focus to a wider audience.
The fundamentalists are happy enough to keep their integrity, and that inevitably means that the club needs to stay rooted in non-league football. What is important for them is that football is played at 3pm on a Saturday, and that their club does not sell out.
It has caused a schismatic debate at the club, as the club’s success continues. Many fans were unhappy at the Unibond’s League insistence that the players wear the sponsors patches on their shirt, and the club’s members voted on the issue at the start of the season.
One contributor to the match programme wondered what would happen should FC United reach the first round of the FA Cup. In all probability, a TV company would want to show the game, and may ask for the fixture to be moved. What would the fans do if Setanta Sports asked the game to be played on a Sunday? Would they say no in their vote on the issue, out of principle, and risk a long-term ban from the FA Cup?
And if they say yes, could they not be accused of ‘following the dollar’ as eagerly as the Glazer-owned Manchester United, albeit on a smaller scale.
It is therefore fortuitous that FC United this year may have found their level on the football pitch. After the three promotions, FC United have started the season slowly, and sit in 12th place with just three wins from nine games.
It perhaps needs a season of consolidation on the pitch for those fans to reconcile amongst themselves just what they want from their club.
They need to work out whether the FC United experiment should compromise and accept moral relativity, or risk stagnation in order to keep their fundamental ideals intact.
Ossett Town crushed by FC United of Manchester
HEAVY DEFEAT: FC United run out easy winners at Ingfield
By Nick Rigg
Ossett Town 0FC United of Manchester 4
TOWN fell to their heaviest defeat of the season as they failed to kick on from their weekend victory over Nantwich by falling to defeat against FC United of Manchester on Tuesday night.
A bumper crowd turned up at Ingfield for the clash with the UniBond Premier Division newcomers, but the Town fans that turned up were left with little to cheer.
Town's evening didn't get off to the best of starts as Simon Baldry was forced off through injury to be replaced by Rob O'Brien early on.
And things were made worse just eleven minutes in as a deflected effort from Carlos Roca sent Town stopper Lee Cockerham the wrong way as the ball trickled in for the opener to the delight of the large travelling following from across the Pennines.
Town offered little in attack and it was the visitors who doubled their lead just after the half hour mark as Kyle Wilson broke the offside trap to send Cockerham the wrong way and make it 2-0 in favour of Karl Marginson's men.
It could have been worse for Simon Collins' men, as Roca had a goal chalked off before the break for offside.
Town came out with a more determined approach in the second half, with O'Brien's crossing and set-pieces in particular causing the FC United defence the biggest problems.
Darren Thornton flashed an effort wide of goal while Tom Greaves also tested FC United 'keeper Sam Ashton from the edge of the box.
O'Brien's crossing brought the best chance of the game for Town just before the hour mark as the FC United defence made a mess of a clearance but made amends by somehow clearing off the line with Liam Ormsby ready to head the ball in to the back of the net.
But that was as good as it got for Town, with the visitors wrapping the game up late on as Roca smashed a superb effort in to the top corner to leave Cockerham with no chance.
And the icing was put on the cake as Wilson made no mistake with a penalty kick on 85 minutes.
Ossett: Cockerham, Hay, Fawcus, Briggs, Lindley, Pacey, Baldry, Ormsby, Greaves, Savory, Thornton. Sunstitutes: O'Brien, Longstaff, Tonks, Claisse, Hardaker.
FC United: Ashton, Warrender, Garner, Baguley, Chadwick, Turner, Adam Carden, Simon Carden, Wilson, Wright, Roca. Substitutes: Howath, Self, Neville, Skidmore, Nugent.
For full UniBond Premier League match reports and previews, see Friday's Wakefield Express Sport.
Last Updated: 23 September 2008 10:31 PM
By Nick Rigg
Ossett Town 0FC United of Manchester 4
TOWN fell to their heaviest defeat of the season as they failed to kick on from their weekend victory over Nantwich by falling to defeat against FC United of Manchester on Tuesday night.
A bumper crowd turned up at Ingfield for the clash with the UniBond Premier Division newcomers, but the Town fans that turned up were left with little to cheer.
Town's evening didn't get off to the best of starts as Simon Baldry was forced off through injury to be replaced by Rob O'Brien early on.
And things were made worse just eleven minutes in as a deflected effort from Carlos Roca sent Town stopper Lee Cockerham the wrong way as the ball trickled in for the opener to the delight of the large travelling following from across the Pennines.
Town offered little in attack and it was the visitors who doubled their lead just after the half hour mark as Kyle Wilson broke the offside trap to send Cockerham the wrong way and make it 2-0 in favour of Karl Marginson's men.
It could have been worse for Simon Collins' men, as Roca had a goal chalked off before the break for offside.
Town came out with a more determined approach in the second half, with O'Brien's crossing and set-pieces in particular causing the FC United defence the biggest problems.
Darren Thornton flashed an effort wide of goal while Tom Greaves also tested FC United 'keeper Sam Ashton from the edge of the box.
O'Brien's crossing brought the best chance of the game for Town just before the hour mark as the FC United defence made a mess of a clearance but made amends by somehow clearing off the line with Liam Ormsby ready to head the ball in to the back of the net.
But that was as good as it got for Town, with the visitors wrapping the game up late on as Roca smashed a superb effort in to the top corner to leave Cockerham with no chance.
And the icing was put on the cake as Wilson made no mistake with a penalty kick on 85 minutes.
Ossett: Cockerham, Hay, Fawcus, Briggs, Lindley, Pacey, Baldry, Ormsby, Greaves, Savory, Thornton. Sunstitutes: O'Brien, Longstaff, Tonks, Claisse, Hardaker.
FC United: Ashton, Warrender, Garner, Baguley, Chadwick, Turner, Adam Carden, Simon Carden, Wilson, Wright, Roca. Substitutes: Howath, Self, Neville, Skidmore, Nugent.
For full UniBond Premier League match reports and previews, see Friday's Wakefield Express Sport.
Last Updated: 23 September 2008 10:31 PM
Friday, September 19, 2008
FC United want to bounce back
3:00am Friday 19th September 2008
By Nick Jackson
FC United bid to dust themselves down after their FA Cup exit on Wednesday night at the hands of Nantwich Town when they take on close UniBond Premier League rivals Worksop Town at Gigg Lane tomorrow.
Nantwich were three up in the first 49 minutes before goals from Simon Carden and Danny Self pulled the Rebels back into contention.
But they surrendered a penalty 22 minutes from time and, although Kyle Wilson pulled another back with a minute to go, it was Town who went through.
By Nick Jackson
FC United bid to dust themselves down after their FA Cup exit on Wednesday night at the hands of Nantwich Town when they take on close UniBond Premier League rivals Worksop Town at Gigg Lane tomorrow.
Nantwich were three up in the first 49 minutes before goals from Simon Carden and Danny Self pulled the Rebels back into contention.
But they surrendered a penalty 22 minutes from time and, although Kyle Wilson pulled another back with a minute to go, it was Town who went through.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
FC United 3 Nantwich 4
Stuart Brennan
17/ 9/2008
A STIRRING fightback could not prevent FC United from crashing out of the FA Cup in the Gigg Lane replay.
The Rebels looked down and out at 4-1 down but hit back to almost force extra time.
Manager Karl Marginson received a blow when midfielder Chris Baguley was ruled out through suspension.
In came Dave Neville for his first start but FC were off to a stinker, going behind after just eight minutes when Dave Walker pounced on a loose ball.
FC fought back but Nantwich stood firm, marshalled by veteran ex-Macclesfield defender Darren Tinson.
Two minutes into the second half the Dabbers added a controversial second. The linesman flagged as Walker went through to score but the referee overruled him claiming the ball had reached the striker via defender Dave Chadwick.
Rattled FC went 3-0 down when Charlie O'Loughlin headed home, but on 56 minutes Simon Carden snapped up a goal for the Rebels.
All hope seemed crushed on 68 minutes when Phil Parkinson went down in the box and Walker completed his hat-trick from the spot.
But on 74 minutes sub Danny Self bundled in FC's second and Kyle Wilson set up a thrilling finale with his ninth goal of the season two minutes from time.
17/ 9/2008
A STIRRING fightback could not prevent FC United from crashing out of the FA Cup in the Gigg Lane replay.
The Rebels looked down and out at 4-1 down but hit back to almost force extra time.
Manager Karl Marginson received a blow when midfielder Chris Baguley was ruled out through suspension.
In came Dave Neville for his first start but FC were off to a stinker, going behind after just eight minutes when Dave Walker pounced on a loose ball.
FC fought back but Nantwich stood firm, marshalled by veteran ex-Macclesfield defender Darren Tinson.
Two minutes into the second half the Dabbers added a controversial second. The linesman flagged as Walker went through to score but the referee overruled him claiming the ball had reached the striker via defender Dave Chadwick.
Rattled FC went 3-0 down when Charlie O'Loughlin headed home, but on 56 minutes Simon Carden snapped up a goal for the Rebels.
All hope seemed crushed on 68 minutes when Phil Parkinson went down in the box and Walker completed his hat-trick from the spot.
But on 74 minutes sub Danny Self bundled in FC's second and Kyle Wilson set up a thrilling finale with his ninth goal of the season two minutes from time.
Right result: FC United..3 Nantwich..4
9:31am Thursday 18th September 2008
By Toby Robinson
DAVE Walker fired Nantwich Town through to the next round of the FA Cup last night.
The striker's hat-trick sealed their replay at FC United.
Nantwich came away from Gigg Lane last night clutching an extremely hard won victory in their FA Cup First Qualifying Round replay. The result was in stark contrast to the score less draw at the Weaver Stadium last Saturday and the ‘Dabbers’ were under no illusions – they were in for a very tough encounter against the other ‘United’ and so it proved.
Meanwhile, head coach Steve Davis went with an unchanged starting eleven whilst amongst the 7 substitutes defender Richard Smith declared himself fit following recent illness whilst fellow defender Gyorgy Kiss was named in the squad for the first time this season to take his place on the bench.
Nantwich were under pressure from the start – FC United winning 3 early corners but without capitalising on their domination. However, despite the early pressure it was Nantwich who nosed in front in the 14th minute through Dave Walker, who eventually went on to complete a hat-trick in this most pulsating of cup ties. In the build up, a Danny Griggs free kick found Charlie O’Loughlin who turned to head the ball into the path of Dave Walker before firing past United ‘keeper Sam Ashton from close range.
In truth, from the moment the goal went in, Nantwich were largely second best for the remainder of the half but, the ‘Dabbers’ soaked up the pressure to go in at half time holding a slender lead.
Nantwich stunned the home support when they increased their lead in the 47th minute. Midfielder Glyn Blackhurst was the provider for hat-trick hero Walker – delivering a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Walker who in turn split the centre of the United defence before slotting past Ashton for the second time in the match. But, there was more to come from Nantwich and in the 49th minute, Charlie O’Loughlin rose to plant a bullet header from a left sided corner kick over Ashton into the roof of the net.
But, despite the deficit the home side dug deep to raise a fight back and in the 57th minute Simon Carden took advantage of some wayward defending to reduce the deficit whilst 10 minutes later, the earlier 3 goal margin was restored in favour of Nantwich after substitute Phil Parkinson was brought down in the box – Dave Walker stepping up to the spot before coolly slotting home his first ever penalty for the ‘Dabbers’.
Meanwhile, it was like a cauldron inside Gigg Lane – the fanatical United supporters delivering barrage after barrage of support and in the 73rd minute United’s Danny Self scored to set up an extremely tense finish. Wave after wave of attacks rained upon Nantwich before Kyle Wilson struck in the 89th minute with his 9th goal of the season. Then, the board went up to indicate 4 minutes of added time – more pressure to bear for the ‘Dabbers’ and the noise just got louder but eventually the time ran out for FC United and it is Nantwich who meet FC Halifax Town in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round at the Weaver Stadium on Saturday 27th of September.
By Toby Robinson
DAVE Walker fired Nantwich Town through to the next round of the FA Cup last night.
The striker's hat-trick sealed their replay at FC United.
Nantwich came away from Gigg Lane last night clutching an extremely hard won victory in their FA Cup First Qualifying Round replay. The result was in stark contrast to the score less draw at the Weaver Stadium last Saturday and the ‘Dabbers’ were under no illusions – they were in for a very tough encounter against the other ‘United’ and so it proved.
Meanwhile, head coach Steve Davis went with an unchanged starting eleven whilst amongst the 7 substitutes defender Richard Smith declared himself fit following recent illness whilst fellow defender Gyorgy Kiss was named in the squad for the first time this season to take his place on the bench.
Nantwich were under pressure from the start – FC United winning 3 early corners but without capitalising on their domination. However, despite the early pressure it was Nantwich who nosed in front in the 14th minute through Dave Walker, who eventually went on to complete a hat-trick in this most pulsating of cup ties. In the build up, a Danny Griggs free kick found Charlie O’Loughlin who turned to head the ball into the path of Dave Walker before firing past United ‘keeper Sam Ashton from close range.
In truth, from the moment the goal went in, Nantwich were largely second best for the remainder of the half but, the ‘Dabbers’ soaked up the pressure to go in at half time holding a slender lead.
Nantwich stunned the home support when they increased their lead in the 47th minute. Midfielder Glyn Blackhurst was the provider for hat-trick hero Walker – delivering a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Walker who in turn split the centre of the United defence before slotting past Ashton for the second time in the match. But, there was more to come from Nantwich and in the 49th minute, Charlie O’Loughlin rose to plant a bullet header from a left sided corner kick over Ashton into the roof of the net.
But, despite the deficit the home side dug deep to raise a fight back and in the 57th minute Simon Carden took advantage of some wayward defending to reduce the deficit whilst 10 minutes later, the earlier 3 goal margin was restored in favour of Nantwich after substitute Phil Parkinson was brought down in the box – Dave Walker stepping up to the spot before coolly slotting home his first ever penalty for the ‘Dabbers’.
Meanwhile, it was like a cauldron inside Gigg Lane – the fanatical United supporters delivering barrage after barrage of support and in the 73rd minute United’s Danny Self scored to set up an extremely tense finish. Wave after wave of attacks rained upon Nantwich before Kyle Wilson struck in the 89th minute with his 9th goal of the season. Then, the board went up to indicate 4 minutes of added time – more pressure to bear for the ‘Dabbers’ and the noise just got louder but eventually the time ran out for FC United and it is Nantwich who meet FC Halifax Town in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round at the Weaver Stadium on Saturday 27th of September.
Rebels fired up for Cup
17/ 9/2008
FC UNITED can move to within two matches of a possible FA Cup showdown with a League club tonight - if they can see off Nantwich Town.
The Rebels face the fellow UniBond League premier division outfit in a first round qualifying tie replay at Gigg Lane after an exciting goalless draw in Cheshire on Saturday.
The prize for the winners is a home clash with FC Halifax Town, from a division lower.
Chris Baguley is set to start in place of his injured brother Jamie. Striker Nick Robinson has left the Rebels for Conference North club Vauxhall Motors.
Meanwhile, FC have set up a meeting with culture secretary Andy Burnham following his comments last week about football being at "a crossroads", in danger of losing its identity and being out of touch with its roots.
The comments struck a chord with the Rebels, part of whose reason for being is a feeling of alienation from the money obsession and excessive commercialism at Old Trafford.
Burnham, who is MP for Leigh, expressed his concerns to the FA, and an FC United spokesman said: "We support his call for a debate about the issue, led by the FA, and the views of supporters are absolutely central to it.
"We also welcome his reiteration of the view that supporter ownership is a viable, valid - and we'd say necessary - step to reconnecting clubs, their fans and their communities."
FC UNITED can move to within two matches of a possible FA Cup showdown with a League club tonight - if they can see off Nantwich Town.
The Rebels face the fellow UniBond League premier division outfit in a first round qualifying tie replay at Gigg Lane after an exciting goalless draw in Cheshire on Saturday.
The prize for the winners is a home clash with FC Halifax Town, from a division lower.
Chris Baguley is set to start in place of his injured brother Jamie. Striker Nick Robinson has left the Rebels for Conference North club Vauxhall Motors.
Meanwhile, FC have set up a meeting with culture secretary Andy Burnham following his comments last week about football being at "a crossroads", in danger of losing its identity and being out of touch with its roots.
The comments struck a chord with the Rebels, part of whose reason for being is a feeling of alienation from the money obsession and excessive commercialism at Old Trafford.
Burnham, who is MP for Leigh, expressed his concerns to the FA, and an FC United spokesman said: "We support his call for a debate about the issue, led by the FA, and the views of supporters are absolutely central to it.
"We also welcome his reiteration of the view that supporter ownership is a viable, valid - and we'd say necessary - step to reconnecting clubs, their fans and their communities."
Nantwich Town must do it all again
Sep 17 2008 by Peter Morse, Crewe Chronicle
Nantwich Town 0 FC United 0
DANNY Griggs missed a second vital penalty in eight days and now Nantwich Town must try again to progress in the FA Cup tonight.
The Dabbers could only draw with FC United of Manchester in the first qualifying round in front of a record 1,784 spectators at the Weaver Stadium on Saturday.
Winger Griggs was denied from the spot by keeper Sam Ashton with less than 15 minutes left, and frustration boiled over when Peter Heler was sent off late on.
Loan keeper Andreas Aristedou, from Blackburn, made a heroic save late on to ensure the replay, which is at Bury’s Gigg Lane (7.45pm).
Boss Steve Davis said: “It was a good game of football with little between the sides. Danny failing with the penalty was a setback and Dave Walker could have scored a couple.
“We haven’t quite got the rhythm in the side that we are used to. Credit to Andreas, he arrived for a difficult game but has come out of it with flying colours. We are indebted to Blackburn for their assistance.”
Aristedou, 19, has joined for a month after Lee Jones failed to recover from a dead leg sustained in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Leigh Genesis, during which Glyn Blackhurst’s goal earned a draw.
In the 12th minute, United keeper Ashton brilliantly tipped over from Heler’s powerful drive, and a Charlie O’Loughlin header was inches over the bar following a corner.
Ashton remained the busier of the two keepers throughout the first half and again had to repel a rasping 22-yard drive from Heler.
But in the 28th minute, former Crewe Alex professional Kyle Wilson should have given the Reds the lead but missed the target with just the keeper to beat.
Both sides had spurned second-half chances before Liam Shotton was floored in the penalty area. Griggs saw his spot kick saved by Ashton at the foot of his left-hand post.
In the 78th minute, Heler received a second caution for a heavy challenge. And in injury time, Arestidou brilliantly saved on his line from a close-range effort.
The winners of tonight’s replay have been drawn at home to FC Halifax Town in the next round, to be staged on Saturday, September 27.
Nantwich Town 0 FC United 0
DANNY Griggs missed a second vital penalty in eight days and now Nantwich Town must try again to progress in the FA Cup tonight.
The Dabbers could only draw with FC United of Manchester in the first qualifying round in front of a record 1,784 spectators at the Weaver Stadium on Saturday.
Winger Griggs was denied from the spot by keeper Sam Ashton with less than 15 minutes left, and frustration boiled over when Peter Heler was sent off late on.
Loan keeper Andreas Aristedou, from Blackburn, made a heroic save late on to ensure the replay, which is at Bury’s Gigg Lane (7.45pm).
Boss Steve Davis said: “It was a good game of football with little between the sides. Danny failing with the penalty was a setback and Dave Walker could have scored a couple.
“We haven’t quite got the rhythm in the side that we are used to. Credit to Andreas, he arrived for a difficult game but has come out of it with flying colours. We are indebted to Blackburn for their assistance.”
Aristedou, 19, has joined for a month after Lee Jones failed to recover from a dead leg sustained in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Leigh Genesis, during which Glyn Blackhurst’s goal earned a draw.
In the 12th minute, United keeper Ashton brilliantly tipped over from Heler’s powerful drive, and a Charlie O’Loughlin header was inches over the bar following a corner.
Ashton remained the busier of the two keepers throughout the first half and again had to repel a rasping 22-yard drive from Heler.
But in the 28th minute, former Crewe Alex professional Kyle Wilson should have given the Reds the lead but missed the target with just the keeper to beat.
Both sides had spurned second-half chances before Liam Shotton was floored in the penalty area. Griggs saw his spot kick saved by Ashton at the foot of his left-hand post.
In the 78th minute, Heler received a second caution for a heavy challenge. And in injury time, Arestidou brilliantly saved on his line from a close-range effort.
The winners of tonight’s replay have been drawn at home to FC Halifax Town in the next round, to be staged on Saturday, September 27.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Wallidan set Kebba Bah record straight
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The founding father of Wallidan Football Club, Alhaji OB Conateh, has revealed that Wallidan were never consulted by any club to release an international clearance for their striker Kebba Bah.
Kebba is reported to be on the verge of joining a non-league club in FC United of Manchester but the club’s manager, Karl Marginson, said the former Gambia Under 20 player could not be available for selection simply because they are yet to receive confirmation of his international clearance - a news that came to Wallidan officials as a bolt from the blue.
“It’s a news to us that Kebba Bah is with a non-league club in England. We were never consulted by any club for an international transfer certificate, though we would not hesitate to issue transfer certificate under normal circumstances,” OB Conateh told Observer Sports yesterday.
“If the club want an international clearance, they should channel it through the English FA, who will then write to The Gambia Football Association before Wallidan can come in. But as far as I am concerned, neither Wallidan nor the GFA were contacted on the matter,” said the former GFA president who wished the versatile forward all best of luck.
Author: by Nanama Keita
The founding father of Wallidan Football Club, Alhaji OB Conateh, has revealed that Wallidan were never consulted by any club to release an international clearance for their striker Kebba Bah.
Kebba is reported to be on the verge of joining a non-league club in FC United of Manchester but the club’s manager, Karl Marginson, said the former Gambia Under 20 player could not be available for selection simply because they are yet to receive confirmation of his international clearance - a news that came to Wallidan officials as a bolt from the blue.
“It’s a news to us that Kebba Bah is with a non-league club in England. We were never consulted by any club for an international transfer certificate, though we would not hesitate to issue transfer certificate under normal circumstances,” OB Conateh told Observer Sports yesterday.
“If the club want an international clearance, they should channel it through the English FA, who will then write to The Gambia Football Association before Wallidan can come in. But as far as I am concerned, neither Wallidan nor the GFA were contacted on the matter,” said the former GFA president who wished the versatile forward all best of luck.
Author: by Nanama Keita
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Possible UK Club Move for Kebba Bah
Monday, September 15, 2008
FC UNITED, a Non-league club from Manchester, are interested in taking up Gambian striker Kebba Bah.
The player, who has been training with the club for the past few weeks could have made his debut appearance for the club last weekend, during their FA Cup first round qualifying tie had the club received an international clearance from former club Wallidan through The Gambia Football Association.
According to reports on the club’s website, the former Gambia under-20 international striker Kebba Bah will not play unless the club receives international clearance.
“Bah is the intriguing one, having played at the 2007 World Under-20 Championships. He was snapped up after being recommended by staff at The Manchester College, where Marginson is a coach,” the report stated.
It also added that, Marginson is rushing into nothing, saying: «Bearing in mind what happened to Wimbledon and others in the recent past we are awaiting confirmation of his international clearance before he can be selected. Kebba is a highly versatile player who can play anywhere and I am looking forward to working with him.
Kebba Bah played his club football in The Gambia with Flamemins, following the team’s relegation to Second Division; he was later signed by first division leaders Wallindan in 2003/2004 Gambia Football Association first Division season. Where he played until he left for the United Kingdom.
He made a daunting performance for The Gambia U-17 in Swaziland and was part of the Gambia U-20 team in Canada last year.
Pointsports was reliably informed that the player will be reporting back for training with the club on Tuesday.
Author: By Sainabou Kujabi
Source: Picture: Kebba Bah
The Point for Freedom and Democracy
FC UNITED, a Non-league club from Manchester, are interested in taking up Gambian striker Kebba Bah.
The player, who has been training with the club for the past few weeks could have made his debut appearance for the club last weekend, during their FA Cup first round qualifying tie had the club received an international clearance from former club Wallidan through The Gambia Football Association.
According to reports on the club’s website, the former Gambia under-20 international striker Kebba Bah will not play unless the club receives international clearance.
“Bah is the intriguing one, having played at the 2007 World Under-20 Championships. He was snapped up after being recommended by staff at The Manchester College, where Marginson is a coach,” the report stated.
It also added that, Marginson is rushing into nothing, saying: «Bearing in mind what happened to Wimbledon and others in the recent past we are awaiting confirmation of his international clearance before he can be selected. Kebba is a highly versatile player who can play anywhere and I am looking forward to working with him.
Kebba Bah played his club football in The Gambia with Flamemins, following the team’s relegation to Second Division; he was later signed by first division leaders Wallindan in 2003/2004 Gambia Football Association first Division season. Where he played until he left for the United Kingdom.
He made a daunting performance for The Gambia U-17 in Swaziland and was part of the Gambia U-20 team in Canada last year.
Pointsports was reliably informed that the player will be reporting back for training with the club on Tuesday.
Author: By Sainabou Kujabi
Source: Picture: Kebba Bah
The Point for Freedom and Democracy
Monday, September 15, 2008
Shaymen await Rebels
Stuart Brennan
15/ 9/2008FC
UNITED will face born-again Halifax Town in the next round of the FA Cup, if they can beat Nantwich in their first round qualifying replay on Wednesday night.
The Shaymen, now known as FC Halifax Town, are playing one division below the Rebels in the UniBond League's first division north after the original club was liquidated last season.
The new Shaymen have not had the best start to life in the lower reaches of the non-league pyramid, having won one of five league games, but had a 4-0 win at Ryton in the last round on Saturday.
Curzon Ashton, who pulled off a minor giant-killing act by beating Leigh Genesis, have been rewarded with a trip to play Stocksbridge Park Steels, flying high in the UniBond first division south.
Draw (selected): Nantwich or FC United v FC Halifax Town; Kendal v Mossley; Stocksbridge PS v Curzon Ashton; Droylsden v Bradford Park Avenue; Whitley Bay v Hyde United; Prescot Cables v Salford City; Gateshead v Witton Albion; Stalybridge v Farsley Celtic
15/ 9/2008FC
UNITED will face born-again Halifax Town in the next round of the FA Cup, if they can beat Nantwich in their first round qualifying replay on Wednesday night.
The Shaymen, now known as FC Halifax Town, are playing one division below the Rebels in the UniBond League's first division north after the original club was liquidated last season.
The new Shaymen have not had the best start to life in the lower reaches of the non-league pyramid, having won one of five league games, but had a 4-0 win at Ryton in the last round on Saturday.
Curzon Ashton, who pulled off a minor giant-killing act by beating Leigh Genesis, have been rewarded with a trip to play Stocksbridge Park Steels, flying high in the UniBond first division south.
Draw (selected): Nantwich or FC United v FC Halifax Town; Kendal v Mossley; Stocksbridge PS v Curzon Ashton; Droylsden v Bradford Park Avenue; Whitley Bay v Hyde United; Prescot Cables v Salford City; Gateshead v Witton Albion; Stalybridge v Farsley Celtic
Nantwich 0 FC United 0
Stuart Brennan
15/ 9/2008
KARL Marginson hailed goalkeeping hero Sam Ashton - and his new-look defence - as the Rebels earned an FA Cup replay at the Weaver Stadium.
Ashton saved a 71st minute Danny Griggs penalty to cap a brilliant display in the first round qualifying tie and ensure the UniBond League premier division sides do battle again at Gigg Lane on Wednesday (7.45pm).
And with new full-backs Danny Warrender and Simon Garner shoring up a defence that has been creaking of late, Marginson was satisfied with the clean sheet.
"Sam was excellent," said Marginson. "People have said he was at fault for some goals we have conceded lately, me included, but his save in the first-half was world-class and the penalty save earned us a replay.
"For me he's one of the best, if not the best, keeper in this league and his attitude is first-class.
"And for the new full- backs to come in and play as well as they did in their first game tells you a lot about them.
"Danny was top-class dealing with a winger like Griggs, who is one of the best in this league, and you could tell Simon has been playing with clubs like Stalybridge and Fleetwood."
Ashton pulled off three saves of high quality, the last one from Griggs' spot kick, while at the other end defender Adam Turner headed a glorious chance over the bar and Jerome Wright's teasing cross was turned onto his own crossbar by Dave Tickle.
The Dabbers ended up holding out for the last 15 minutes with ten men after Peter Heler was red-carded for two bookable offences against Garner.
FC are still awaiting international clearance for 19-year-old Gambia Under-20 international Kebba Bah, set to sign for the club after moving to Manchester with his German wife.
Jamie Baguley left the ground on crutches after suffering a knee cartilage tear, but brother Chris a is a ready-made replacement for Wednesday's replay.
Marginson wants his team to be bolder when they get a sight of goal on Wednesday against a big, experienced defence which has former Macclesfield centre-half Darren Tinson as its kingpin.
"One disappointment was that we didn't work the keeper enough," said Marginson.
"Adam Turner is a young lad and you don't expect him to come up with the winning goal, but he was in a great position to win it with the header he put over.
"The replay will be tight again. If anyone had scored on Saturday I think that would have been enough to win the game and it will be no different in the replay."
15/ 9/2008
KARL Marginson hailed goalkeeping hero Sam Ashton - and his new-look defence - as the Rebels earned an FA Cup replay at the Weaver Stadium.
Ashton saved a 71st minute Danny Griggs penalty to cap a brilliant display in the first round qualifying tie and ensure the UniBond League premier division sides do battle again at Gigg Lane on Wednesday (7.45pm).
And with new full-backs Danny Warrender and Simon Garner shoring up a defence that has been creaking of late, Marginson was satisfied with the clean sheet.
"Sam was excellent," said Marginson. "People have said he was at fault for some goals we have conceded lately, me included, but his save in the first-half was world-class and the penalty save earned us a replay.
"For me he's one of the best, if not the best, keeper in this league and his attitude is first-class.
"And for the new full- backs to come in and play as well as they did in their first game tells you a lot about them.
"Danny was top-class dealing with a winger like Griggs, who is one of the best in this league, and you could tell Simon has been playing with clubs like Stalybridge and Fleetwood."
Ashton pulled off three saves of high quality, the last one from Griggs' spot kick, while at the other end defender Adam Turner headed a glorious chance over the bar and Jerome Wright's teasing cross was turned onto his own crossbar by Dave Tickle.
The Dabbers ended up holding out for the last 15 minutes with ten men after Peter Heler was red-carded for two bookable offences against Garner.
FC are still awaiting international clearance for 19-year-old Gambia Under-20 international Kebba Bah, set to sign for the club after moving to Manchester with his German wife.
Jamie Baguley left the ground on crutches after suffering a knee cartilage tear, but brother Chris a is a ready-made replacement for Wednesday's replay.
Marginson wants his team to be bolder when they get a sight of goal on Wednesday against a big, experienced defence which has former Macclesfield centre-half Darren Tinson as its kingpin.
"One disappointment was that we didn't work the keeper enough," said Marginson.
"Adam Turner is a young lad and you don't expect him to come up with the winning goal, but he was in a great position to win it with the header he put over.
"The replay will be tight again. If anyone had scored on Saturday I think that would have been enough to win the game and it will be no different in the replay."
Lack of clearance hinders Kebba Bah’s England move
Monday, September 15, 2008
Wallidan striker Kebba Bah could not complete his dream move to English semi-professional side, FC United, simply because the Manchester based club are yet to receive confirmation of the player’s international clearance, Observer Sports can reveal.
Kebba Bah was snapped up by FC United who play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division after being recommended by staff at the Manchester College.
But the former Gambia Under-20 international will not play unless the club receive international clearance from The Gambia Football Association on behalf of his Banjul based-club, Wallidan.
FC United manager, Karl Marginson, is pleased to be working with Bah, but he is rushing into nothing, saying: "Bearing in mind what happened to Wimbledon and others in the recent past we are awaiting confirmation of his international clearance before he can be selected. Kebba is a highly versatile player who can play anywhere and I am looking forward to working with him."
FC United of Manchester is a semi-professional English football club based in Bury. The club was formed in 2005 by Manchester United supporters following Malcolm Glazer's controversial takeover which led to thousands of supporters defecting from the club. They are affectionately referred to as "The Red Rebels". Although the majority of the club's support comes from Manchester and the surrounding area, its supporters club has branches in more than ten countries including France, Poland, New Zealand, the United States and Canada.
Wallidan striker Kebba Bah could not complete his dream move to English semi-professional side, FC United, simply because the Manchester based club are yet to receive confirmation of the player’s international clearance, Observer Sports can reveal.
Kebba Bah was snapped up by FC United who play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division after being recommended by staff at the Manchester College.
But the former Gambia Under-20 international will not play unless the club receive international clearance from The Gambia Football Association on behalf of his Banjul based-club, Wallidan.
FC United manager, Karl Marginson, is pleased to be working with Bah, but he is rushing into nothing, saying: "Bearing in mind what happened to Wimbledon and others in the recent past we are awaiting confirmation of his international clearance before he can be selected. Kebba is a highly versatile player who can play anywhere and I am looking forward to working with him."
FC United of Manchester is a semi-professional English football club based in Bury. The club was formed in 2005 by Manchester United supporters following Malcolm Glazer's controversial takeover which led to thousands of supporters defecting from the club. They are affectionately referred to as "The Red Rebels". Although the majority of the club's support comes from Manchester and the surrounding area, its supporters club has branches in more than ten countries including France, Poland, New Zealand, the United States and Canada.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
An Interview With... Phil Power
Late last week TheSilkWeb.co.uk had a chat with the Silkmen legend that is Phil Power. See what he had to say here...
Firstly how's life at FC United of Manchester?
This season is proving a lot tougher given the resources we have.
Are you working there full time or do you have a day job to do?
I'm part time at FC; my main occupation is caring for young people in a residential home for Salford social services.
Your in the Northern Premier League this season after three successive promotions. FC United predicted to be in the Conference by 2009/10 season. Do you think you can do it?
It would be difficult but you never know!
What is Karl Marginson like as a manager and do you think he could manage in the football league one day?
He is still learning his trade as a manager. Only time will tell.
Lets go back in time now to your Macclesfield Town days. Can you remember how you became a Silkman?
I was on the transfer list at Stalybridge Celtic when Sammy McIlroy phoned me at home and asked me did I want to play for them.
No doubt you enjoyed working under Sammy McIlroy. What was he like as a manager?
THE BEST!!!
Do you have any regrets from your time at the Moss Rose?
I wish my time there could have lasted longer.
When you were growing up, who was your favourite footballer?
Bryan Robson and Diego Maradona.
What has been your greatest achievement during your career?
Being fortunate to play at Wembley twice.
And what’s the one memory during the career you want to forget?
Breaking my leg the night before my transfer to Harry Redknapp and Bournemouth from Chorley in what was supposed to be my farewell game.
Now some questions from the Macc fans out there...
Who came up with your nickname The Maltese Falcon? And do you have any other nicknames?
Maybe there is a Macc fan out there who can answer that because it originated with the Macc fans! None that I'm aware of.
Who was the best player you played with in your time at Macc?
Chris Byrne.
What was your favourite Macc goal you scored?
Away at Altrincham; we won 1-0 it wasn't a great goal but it was the year we won the league and Altrincham were relegated. That's Life!!!
Do you have shares in a fake tan company?
No it's a real Salford sun tan (honest).
How did it feel when you were told you had no future at Macclesfield Town?
Gutted. I knew I would not be happy anywhere else.
Would you would like to manage Macclesfield Town in the future?
Yes, starting from yesterday.
What did you enjoy the most?
- Winning the league in 95
- Winning the FA Trophy in 96
- Winning the league again in 97
- Winning promotion to the old League 2 in 98
Winning the league in 1997.
Which was your favourite away ground visited when you played for Macc?
Kidderminster / Woking.
Apart from Macc, which club have you most enjoyed playing for?
Chorley in the Conference.
Did you think that the club could achieve the great things that it did when you first joined us?
Definitely under the leadership combination of Sammy and Gil Prescott.
A gentleman on the forums with the username "Petemacc" is advocating that Macclesfield Town need to be relegated to the Blue Square Premier in order for them to become more competitive, regroup, and employ Steve Burr as manager. What do you think of that?
Firstly Steve Burr is doing a great job at Stalybridge; but after all the hard work it took to reach the football league I don't agree it would be good to drop down as I believe that you should aim to play at the highest level possible.
Finally Phil, Do you have a message to the Macc fans out there?
Thanks for the happiest times in my football career, nothing has compared to pulling on the Macc shirt and I hope I gave you as much pleasure as you all did me. Hopefully I will return one day in some capacity (if you would have me).
Firstly how's life at FC United of Manchester?
This season is proving a lot tougher given the resources we have.
Are you working there full time or do you have a day job to do?
I'm part time at FC; my main occupation is caring for young people in a residential home for Salford social services.
Your in the Northern Premier League this season after three successive promotions. FC United predicted to be in the Conference by 2009/10 season. Do you think you can do it?
It would be difficult but you never know!
What is Karl Marginson like as a manager and do you think he could manage in the football league one day?
He is still learning his trade as a manager. Only time will tell.
Lets go back in time now to your Macclesfield Town days. Can you remember how you became a Silkman?
I was on the transfer list at Stalybridge Celtic when Sammy McIlroy phoned me at home and asked me did I want to play for them.
No doubt you enjoyed working under Sammy McIlroy. What was he like as a manager?
THE BEST!!!
Do you have any regrets from your time at the Moss Rose?
I wish my time there could have lasted longer.
When you were growing up, who was your favourite footballer?
Bryan Robson and Diego Maradona.
What has been your greatest achievement during your career?
Being fortunate to play at Wembley twice.
And what’s the one memory during the career you want to forget?
Breaking my leg the night before my transfer to Harry Redknapp and Bournemouth from Chorley in what was supposed to be my farewell game.
Now some questions from the Macc fans out there...
Who came up with your nickname The Maltese Falcon? And do you have any other nicknames?
Maybe there is a Macc fan out there who can answer that because it originated with the Macc fans! None that I'm aware of.
Who was the best player you played with in your time at Macc?
Chris Byrne.
What was your favourite Macc goal you scored?
Away at Altrincham; we won 1-0 it wasn't a great goal but it was the year we won the league and Altrincham were relegated. That's Life!!!
Do you have shares in a fake tan company?
No it's a real Salford sun tan (honest).
How did it feel when you were told you had no future at Macclesfield Town?
Gutted. I knew I would not be happy anywhere else.
Would you would like to manage Macclesfield Town in the future?
Yes, starting from yesterday.
What did you enjoy the most?
- Winning the league in 95
- Winning the FA Trophy in 96
- Winning the league again in 97
- Winning promotion to the old League 2 in 98
Winning the league in 1997.
Which was your favourite away ground visited when you played for Macc?
Kidderminster / Woking.
Apart from Macc, which club have you most enjoyed playing for?
Chorley in the Conference.
Did you think that the club could achieve the great things that it did when you first joined us?
Definitely under the leadership combination of Sammy and Gil Prescott.
A gentleman on the forums with the username "Petemacc" is advocating that Macclesfield Town need to be relegated to the Blue Square Premier in order for them to become more competitive, regroup, and employ Steve Burr as manager. What do you think of that?
Firstly Steve Burr is doing a great job at Stalybridge; but after all the hard work it took to reach the football league I don't agree it would be good to drop down as I believe that you should aim to play at the highest level possible.
Finally Phil, Do you have a message to the Macc fans out there?
Thanks for the happiest times in my football career, nothing has compared to pulling on the Macc shirt and I hope I gave you as much pleasure as you all did me. Hopefully I will return one day in some capacity (if you would have me).
Friday, September 12, 2008
Rebels swoop for quartet
Stuart Brennan
12/ 9/2008
FC UNITED have snapped up four new players on the eve of their FA Cup first round qualifying tie at Nantwich.
The Rebels have stiffened their defence by signing full backs Danny Warrender and Simon Garner, and left-sided midfielder/defender Alex Skidmore, all of whom are eligible to play at the Weaver Stadium tomorrow.
But former Gambia under-20 international striker Kebba Bah will not play unless the club receive international clearance.
Manager Karl Marginson had warned he was running out of patience with his stuttering defence after they conceded four goals in defeat by bottom club Prescot Cables on Tuesday.
Danny Allen and Shaun Roscoe have left the club, joining the growing band of FC exiles at New Mills, while striker Nick Robinson has been told he can also go.
Warrender, a right back, is a former Manchester City youth team player who played 17 first team games for Blackpool on loan in 2005-06.
When a permanent deal fell through and he was released by City, he tumbled down the pyramid to play for Rossendale before having a season with San Francisco Seals in the lower reaches of the US leagues.
Garner, not to be confused with the former Blackburn player, is a United-supporting left back who has played for Stalybridge and Fleetwood, and was released by the Fylde coast side this week.
Skidmore is a utility player who came through the youth ranks at Blackburn before joining Rochdale, and has been signed after impressing during a three-week trial.
Bah is the intriguing one, having played at the 2007 World Under-20 Championships. He was snapped up after being recommended by staff at The Manchester College, where Marginson is a coach.
But Marginson is rushing into nothing, saying: "Bearing in mind what happened to Wimbledon and others in the recent past we are awaiting confirmation of his international clearance before he can be selected. Kebba is a highly versatile player who can play anywhere and I am looking forward to working with him."
12/ 9/2008
FC UNITED have snapped up four new players on the eve of their FA Cup first round qualifying tie at Nantwich.
The Rebels have stiffened their defence by signing full backs Danny Warrender and Simon Garner, and left-sided midfielder/defender Alex Skidmore, all of whom are eligible to play at the Weaver Stadium tomorrow.
But former Gambia under-20 international striker Kebba Bah will not play unless the club receive international clearance.
Manager Karl Marginson had warned he was running out of patience with his stuttering defence after they conceded four goals in defeat by bottom club Prescot Cables on Tuesday.
Danny Allen and Shaun Roscoe have left the club, joining the growing band of FC exiles at New Mills, while striker Nick Robinson has been told he can also go.
Warrender, a right back, is a former Manchester City youth team player who played 17 first team games for Blackpool on loan in 2005-06.
When a permanent deal fell through and he was released by City, he tumbled down the pyramid to play for Rossendale before having a season with San Francisco Seals in the lower reaches of the US leagues.
Garner, not to be confused with the former Blackburn player, is a United-supporting left back who has played for Stalybridge and Fleetwood, and was released by the Fylde coast side this week.
Skidmore is a utility player who came through the youth ranks at Blackburn before joining Rochdale, and has been signed after impressing during a three-week trial.
Bah is the intriguing one, having played at the 2007 World Under-20 Championships. He was snapped up after being recommended by staff at The Manchester College, where Marginson is a coach.
But Marginson is rushing into nothing, saying: "Bearing in mind what happened to Wimbledon and others in the recent past we are awaiting confirmation of his international clearance before he can be selected. Kebba is a highly versatile player who can play anywhere and I am looking forward to working with him."
FA Cup a welcome distraction for FC
11/ 9/2008
FC UNITED hope that the FA Cup will provide a nice distraction from their league woes on Saturday as they take on Nantwich Town.
The reds suffered a 4-3 defeat at UniBond Premier Division basement club Prescot Cables on Tuesday night and they will be looking to recover against the Dabbers in the FA Cup’s first round of qualifying on Saturday, September 13, kick-off 3pm.
FC fought back from 2-0 down to level at 3-3 in a tumultuous battle at Cables, which was played against the backdrop of the fierce Manchester and Merseyside rivalry.
A noisy minority of plastic scousers from Knowsley sang about the Munich air disaster as their adopted side led 2-0 thanks to glaring errors at the back from an off-key United. But Kyle Wilson got the reds back into the game with a well taken finish, only for Prescot to again earn a two-goal cushion.
But when substitute Chris Baguley scored a fantastic free kick and Wilson added a second goal from the penalty spot it looked as though FC had earned themselves an unlikely point.
However, their defensive frailties were once again exposed as previously winless Prescot broke to smash home the winner in the final minute.
A stoppage time rocket from Wilson left the crossbar rattling and 15th-placed United slumped to their fourth defeat in seven league games.
FC UNITED hope that the FA Cup will provide a nice distraction from their league woes on Saturday as they take on Nantwich Town.
The reds suffered a 4-3 defeat at UniBond Premier Division basement club Prescot Cables on Tuesday night and they will be looking to recover against the Dabbers in the FA Cup’s first round of qualifying on Saturday, September 13, kick-off 3pm.
FC fought back from 2-0 down to level at 3-3 in a tumultuous battle at Cables, which was played against the backdrop of the fierce Manchester and Merseyside rivalry.
A noisy minority of plastic scousers from Knowsley sang about the Munich air disaster as their adopted side led 2-0 thanks to glaring errors at the back from an off-key United. But Kyle Wilson got the reds back into the game with a well taken finish, only for Prescot to again earn a two-goal cushion.
But when substitute Chris Baguley scored a fantastic free kick and Wilson added a second goal from the penalty spot it looked as though FC had earned themselves an unlikely point.
However, their defensive frailties were once again exposed as previously winless Prescot broke to smash home the winner in the final minute.
A stoppage time rocket from Wilson left the crossbar rattling and 15th-placed United slumped to their fourth defeat in seven league games.
FC look to get back to winning ways
10:50am Thursday 11th September 2008
By Liam Chronnell
FC United hit the Wembley trail as they look to put their faltering league form behind them.
The Rebels slumped to a 4-3 defeat against bottom club Prescot Cables on Tuesday night.
But Karl Marginson will hope his side can return to winning ways in the qualifying round of the FA Cup at Weaver Stadium.
Following Saturday’s postponement against Eastwood Town, FC were back in UniBond Premier League action in midweek.
But, despite looking like they had secured a point after fighting back from 3-1 with 11 minutes remaining, they suffered their third defeat in four games.
Karl O’Donnell and Liam Kennedy put the Merseysiders 2-0 up with goals either side of half-time.
Kyle Wilson pulled one back for the Reds on 70 minutes, but Prescot went straight up the other end and scored again – this time through skipper Eddie Taylor.
Marginson made a triple substitution and threw caution to the wind by switching to a 3-4-3 formation, and it paid almost instant dividends when Chris Baguley reduced the arrears before striker Wilson levelled matters from the penalty spot with his eighth goal of the season.
But the visitors were not able to shut up shop and Karl Connelly’s grabbed a stunning 83rd-minute winner.
There was still time for Wilson to salvage a point for United, but his volley struck the crossbar.
By Liam Chronnell
FC United hit the Wembley trail as they look to put their faltering league form behind them.
The Rebels slumped to a 4-3 defeat against bottom club Prescot Cables on Tuesday night.
But Karl Marginson will hope his side can return to winning ways in the qualifying round of the FA Cup at Weaver Stadium.
Following Saturday’s postponement against Eastwood Town, FC were back in UniBond Premier League action in midweek.
But, despite looking like they had secured a point after fighting back from 3-1 with 11 minutes remaining, they suffered their third defeat in four games.
Karl O’Donnell and Liam Kennedy put the Merseysiders 2-0 up with goals either side of half-time.
Kyle Wilson pulled one back for the Reds on 70 minutes, but Prescot went straight up the other end and scored again – this time through skipper Eddie Taylor.
Marginson made a triple substitution and threw caution to the wind by switching to a 3-4-3 formation, and it paid almost instant dividends when Chris Baguley reduced the arrears before striker Wilson levelled matters from the penalty spot with his eighth goal of the season.
But the visitors were not able to shut up shop and Karl Connelly’s grabbed a stunning 83rd-minute winner.
There was still time for Wilson to salvage a point for United, but his volley struck the crossbar.
Connolly on mark to seal Cables win
Sep 10 2008 by David Bassett, Liverpool Echo
PRESCOT Cables remain at the foot of the UniBond Premier Division despite a thrilling 4-3 victory over FC United of Manchester at Valerie Park last night.
In front of a 700-plus crowd, their best home league gate in recent years, Cables went 2-0 ahead through Karl O’Donnell and Liam Kennedy.
Kyle Wilson pulled one back for FC United on 70 minutes, and although Eamon Price quickly restored Cables’ two-goal advantage, Wilson’s second goal of the night, and a Chris Baguley strike, put the visitors level.
But Karl Connolly grabbed Prescot’s winner seven minutes from the end.
PRESCOT Cables remain at the foot of the UniBond Premier Division despite a thrilling 4-3 victory over FC United of Manchester at Valerie Park last night.
In front of a 700-plus crowd, their best home league gate in recent years, Cables went 2-0 ahead through Karl O’Donnell and Liam Kennedy.
Kyle Wilson pulled one back for FC United on 70 minutes, and although Eamon Price quickly restored Cables’ two-goal advantage, Wilson’s second goal of the night, and a Chris Baguley strike, put the visitors level.
But Karl Connolly grabbed Prescot’s winner seven minutes from the end.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Rebels tough Cup opener
Stuart Brennan
11/ 9/2008
FC UNITED kick off their FA Cup campaign at Nantwich with some trepidation – the last time they played a competitive match there, they lost 5-1!
And manager Karl Marginson is warning his side that the Dabbers, who host the rebels in the first round qualifying on Saturday, have actually overhauled their team since that President’s Cup quarter-final thrashing last season.
On that occasion, Nantwich were thrown out of the competition for fielding an ineligible player, despite the Rebels appealing to the UniBond League on their behalf, saying that the arrival of the offending player as a late substitute had no bearing on the result.
The league refused to listen, and FC went on to win that cup. And before a pre-season friendly at Weaver Stadium, FC presented their UniBond premier division rivals with a trophy entitled Not the President’s Cup as a gesture of goodwill.
“We’ve got a very friendly relationship with Nantwich, but the draw couldn’t have been much tougher,” says Marginson, who will welcome back centre half Adam Turner after he missed Tuesday’s 4-3 defeat at Prescot Cables due to work commitments.
“But they have brought in 11 new players in the summer, with plenty of experience, but they are a footballing team like us and that could make it a very good game.”
Defender Rob Nugent has been told to rest his knee injury for another six weeks, but the defender is considering ignoring the surgeon’s advice and playing through the pain barrier.
"They opened his knee up for a cartilage tear and the surgeon has said they could find nothing wrong," says Marginson. "They told him to come back in six weeks and just do stretching exercises.
"But Rob just wants to get on with it and play through the pain barrier, as he did last season. We will take a look at him in training, but even if he does decide he's OK to play we will give him a week or two."
Marginson had a dire warning for the rest of his defence after conceding four at Prescot: “Some of our defending was a disgrace, and there are players in the team who are skating on very thin ice.”
11/ 9/2008
FC UNITED kick off their FA Cup campaign at Nantwich with some trepidation – the last time they played a competitive match there, they lost 5-1!
And manager Karl Marginson is warning his side that the Dabbers, who host the rebels in the first round qualifying on Saturday, have actually overhauled their team since that President’s Cup quarter-final thrashing last season.
On that occasion, Nantwich were thrown out of the competition for fielding an ineligible player, despite the Rebels appealing to the UniBond League on their behalf, saying that the arrival of the offending player as a late substitute had no bearing on the result.
The league refused to listen, and FC went on to win that cup. And before a pre-season friendly at Weaver Stadium, FC presented their UniBond premier division rivals with a trophy entitled Not the President’s Cup as a gesture of goodwill.
“We’ve got a very friendly relationship with Nantwich, but the draw couldn’t have been much tougher,” says Marginson, who will welcome back centre half Adam Turner after he missed Tuesday’s 4-3 defeat at Prescot Cables due to work commitments.
“But they have brought in 11 new players in the summer, with plenty of experience, but they are a footballing team like us and that could make it a very good game.”
Defender Rob Nugent has been told to rest his knee injury for another six weeks, but the defender is considering ignoring the surgeon’s advice and playing through the pain barrier.
"They opened his knee up for a cartilage tear and the surgeon has said they could find nothing wrong," says Marginson. "They told him to come back in six weeks and just do stretching exercises.
"But Rob just wants to get on with it and play through the pain barrier, as he did last season. We will take a look at him in training, but even if he does decide he's OK to play we will give him a week or two."
Marginson had a dire warning for the rest of his defence after conceding four at Prescot: “Some of our defending was a disgrace, and there are players in the team who are skating on very thin ice.”
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Prescot Cables edge FC United in seven-goal thriller: non-league round-up
Sep 10 2008 by David Bassett, Liverpool Echo
PRESCOT Cables remain at the foot of the UniBond Premier Division despite a thrilling 4-3 victory over FC United of Manchester at Valerie Park last night.
In front of a 700-plus crowd, their best home league gate in recent years, Cables went 2-0 ahead through Karl O’Donnell and Liam Kennedy.
Kyle Wilson pulled one back for FC United on 70 minutes, and although Eamon Price quickly restored Cables’ two-goal advantage, Wilson’s second goal of the night, and a Chris Baguley strike, put the visitors level.
But Karl Connolly grabbed Prescot’s winner seven minutes from the end.
PRESCOT Cables remain at the foot of the UniBond Premier Division despite a thrilling 4-3 victory over FC United of Manchester at Valerie Park last night.
In front of a 700-plus crowd, their best home league gate in recent years, Cables went 2-0 ahead through Karl O’Donnell and Liam Kennedy.
Kyle Wilson pulled one back for FC United on 70 minutes, and although Eamon Price quickly restored Cables’ two-goal advantage, Wilson’s second goal of the night, and a Chris Baguley strike, put the visitors level.
But Karl Connolly grabbed Prescot’s winner seven minutes from the end.
Prescot Cables 4 FC United 3
10:33pm Tuesday 9th September 2008
By Marc Higginson
FC United fought back from 3-1 down to level the scores, but they still succumbed to defeat in Merseyside.
Karl O’Donnell put the home side into a half-time lead, before Liam Kennedy doubled Prescot’s advantage on 50 minutes.
Kyle Wilson pulled one back for the rebels, but Prescot went straight up the other end and scored again – this time through skipper Eddie Taylor.
FC manager Karl Marginson made a triple substitution and threw caution to the wind by switching to a 3-4-3 formation, and it paid almost instant dividends.
Chris Baguley reduced the arrears before Kyle Wilson’s penalty levelled the scores.
However, the visitors were not able to shut up shop and Karl Connelly’s stunning finish into the top corner gave Prescot the points.
FC did have a chance to equalise with the last kick off the game, but Wilson saw his volley hit the bar.
By Marc Higginson
FC United fought back from 3-1 down to level the scores, but they still succumbed to defeat in Merseyside.
Karl O’Donnell put the home side into a half-time lead, before Liam Kennedy doubled Prescot’s advantage on 50 minutes.
Kyle Wilson pulled one back for the rebels, but Prescot went straight up the other end and scored again – this time through skipper Eddie Taylor.
FC manager Karl Marginson made a triple substitution and threw caution to the wind by switching to a 3-4-3 formation, and it paid almost instant dividends.
Chris Baguley reduced the arrears before Kyle Wilson’s penalty levelled the scores.
However, the visitors were not able to shut up shop and Karl Connelly’s stunning finish into the top corner gave Prescot the points.
FC did have a chance to equalise with the last kick off the game, but Wilson saw his volley hit the bar.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Nugent boost for FC
Stuart Brennan
8/ 9/2008
FC UNITED received a huge fillip ahead of tomorrow night’s league clash at Prescot Cables, with news that talisman Rob Nugent will soon be back in action.
The defender is the only survivor from the Rebels’ first-ever game at Leigh over three years ago, but has missed the start of the season with a knee problem.
The ex-Sheffield United man (pictured) was today expected to get the all-clear from the surgeon to resume full training, but manager Karl Marginson is not expecting to rush him back into the team, with Adam Turner having served a suspension and available to play on Merseyside.
But Marginson is keen to get Nugent back involved as soon as possible. He says: “As well as being a good defender, Rob has the experience of being here from the start.
“He has the club in his blood, having been on the picket lines when Malcolm Glazer took over at Old Trafford. It means more to him than to some of the other players.”
Dave Neville will also be available after his ban expired on Saturday, despite the home game with Eastwood Town being postponed, and the blank date gave top scorer Kyle Wilson chance to rest an ankle knock.
The Rebels’ first team took advantage of the waterlogged pitch to go and watch professional boxer Matthew Hall – a regular at FC games and close friend of players Neville and Tunji Moses – rack up a knockout victory at the Manchester Evening News Arena.
8/ 9/2008
FC UNITED received a huge fillip ahead of tomorrow night’s league clash at Prescot Cables, with news that talisman Rob Nugent will soon be back in action.
The defender is the only survivor from the Rebels’ first-ever game at Leigh over three years ago, but has missed the start of the season with a knee problem.
The ex-Sheffield United man (pictured) was today expected to get the all-clear from the surgeon to resume full training, but manager Karl Marginson is not expecting to rush him back into the team, with Adam Turner having served a suspension and available to play on Merseyside.
But Marginson is keen to get Nugent back involved as soon as possible. He says: “As well as being a good defender, Rob has the experience of being here from the start.
“He has the club in his blood, having been on the picket lines when Malcolm Glazer took over at Old Trafford. It means more to him than to some of the other players.”
Dave Neville will also be available after his ban expired on Saturday, despite the home game with Eastwood Town being postponed, and the blank date gave top scorer Kyle Wilson chance to rest an ankle knock.
The Rebels’ first team took advantage of the waterlogged pitch to go and watch professional boxer Matthew Hall – a regular at FC games and close friend of players Neville and Tunji Moses – rack up a knockout victory at the Manchester Evening News Arena.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Bleau leaves Red Rebels
Stuart Brennan
5/ 9/2008
MICAH Bleau has left FC United, although the club will retain his registration for this season.
The big central defender has joined AFC Emley, close to his Yorkshire home, and is able to stay registered with the Rebels as his new club plays in the Northern Counties East League.
Bleau had a traumatic time on the opening match of the season as FC drew 3-3 with Matlock, and has not figured in the first team since.
With Jacob Wood impressing on his debut at Bradford Park Avenue last week, Adam Turner due back from suspension next week and Rob Nugent due to return from injury in the near future, Bleau was dropping down the pecking order.
FC are also set to allow former Manchester City youngster James Brackenridge out on loan to gain fitness, while Kyle Harrop has already joined Bacup Borough on a temporary basis to get some match practice.
5/ 9/2008
MICAH Bleau has left FC United, although the club will retain his registration for this season.
The big central defender has joined AFC Emley, close to his Yorkshire home, and is able to stay registered with the Rebels as his new club plays in the Northern Counties East League.
Bleau had a traumatic time on the opening match of the season as FC drew 3-3 with Matlock, and has not figured in the first team since.
With Jacob Wood impressing on his debut at Bradford Park Avenue last week, Adam Turner due back from suspension next week and Rob Nugent due to return from injury in the near future, Bleau was dropping down the pecking order.
FC are also set to allow former Manchester City youngster James Brackenridge out on loan to gain fitness, while Kyle Harrop has already joined Bacup Borough on a temporary basis to get some match practice.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Rebels face big spenders
Stuart Brennan
4/ 9/2008
FC UNITED come up against the Manchester City of the UniBond League premier division when Eastwood Town visit Gigg Lane tomorrow.
The Nottinghamshire club has a weekly wage budget of around £9,000, roughly six times that of the Rebels, spending power which made them the pre-season bookies’ favourites to win the title, and a place in Conference South.
But FC manager Karl Marginson (pictured) is untroubled by such a cash disadvantage, with most of his club’s revenue being swallowed up by the rent paid to landlords Bury.
“It looks like being another topsy-turvy season in this division,” he says. “On the last day of last season, there were nine clubs in this division which could have been relegated, and it could be another close league.”
On the plus side, winger Jerome Wright completed his first 90 minutes of the season in Monday’s defeat at Bradford Park Avenue, Adam Carden returned to action, and he drafted in new boy Jacob Wood for an impressive debut as a makeshift centre half.
Wood, normally a right back, was released by Stockport County in the summer and saw a stint at Stalybridge come to nothing, but he is set to keep his place on Saturday.
“We threw him in at the deep end and he came oput of it with a lot of credit,” said Marginson.
“We asked him to do a job, and he did it very well, and with Adam Turner still suspended and Rob Nugent still not right, we need him.”
4/ 9/2008
FC UNITED come up against the Manchester City of the UniBond League premier division when Eastwood Town visit Gigg Lane tomorrow.
The Nottinghamshire club has a weekly wage budget of around £9,000, roughly six times that of the Rebels, spending power which made them the pre-season bookies’ favourites to win the title, and a place in Conference South.
But FC manager Karl Marginson (pictured) is untroubled by such a cash disadvantage, with most of his club’s revenue being swallowed up by the rent paid to landlords Bury.
“It looks like being another topsy-turvy season in this division,” he says. “On the last day of last season, there were nine clubs in this division which could have been relegated, and it could be another close league.”
On the plus side, winger Jerome Wright completed his first 90 minutes of the season in Monday’s defeat at Bradford Park Avenue, Adam Carden returned to action, and he drafted in new boy Jacob Wood for an impressive debut as a makeshift centre half.
Wood, normally a right back, was released by Stockport County in the summer and saw a stint at Stalybridge come to nothing, but he is set to keep his place on Saturday.
“We threw him in at the deep end and he came oput of it with a lot of credit,” said Marginson.
“We asked him to do a job, and he did it very well, and with Adam Turner still suspended and Rob Nugent still not right, we need him.”
Bradford Park Avenue 2 FC United 0
Tony Howard
4/ 9/2008
FC UNITED’S departed striker Rory Patterson came back to haunt his old mates as he scored twice to give Bradford Park Avenue victory in an ill-tempered affair.
Patterson, who left to milk the substantial Yorkshire cash cow in the summer, scored a sublime first half opener and slotted a neat second as FC were bullied out of the game.
And to add insult to injury, reds midfielder Chris Baguley was on the end of a ridiculous sending off for returning to the field without the referee’s permission following an injury.
That was one of several ludicrous decisions from the ref, who also decided to ignore two certain dismissals for violent play carried out by Park Avenue defenders.
But United can have no complaints about the result. BPA were far superior in the second half as their physical advantage in midfield told.
Despite a credible first 45 minutes. FC did not create enough chances for Patterson’s replacement Kyle Wilson to add to his six goals so far this campaign. And when given his own chances the sun-tanned Patterson obliged.
FC fans, who originally dubbed Patterson ‘the man with no name’, changed his moniker to ‘the man with no fans’. But he ultimately had the last laugh.
He certainly handled himself a lot better than Bradford’s manager, who displayed the behavioural aptitude of a two-year-old toddler celebrating a pass the parcel victory.
FC host Eastwood Town at Gigg Lane this Saturday, September 6, kick-off 3pm.
4/ 9/2008
FC UNITED’S departed striker Rory Patterson came back to haunt his old mates as he scored twice to give Bradford Park Avenue victory in an ill-tempered affair.
Patterson, who left to milk the substantial Yorkshire cash cow in the summer, scored a sublime first half opener and slotted a neat second as FC were bullied out of the game.
And to add insult to injury, reds midfielder Chris Baguley was on the end of a ridiculous sending off for returning to the field without the referee’s permission following an injury.
That was one of several ludicrous decisions from the ref, who also decided to ignore two certain dismissals for violent play carried out by Park Avenue defenders.
But United can have no complaints about the result. BPA were far superior in the second half as their physical advantage in midfield told.
Despite a credible first 45 minutes. FC did not create enough chances for Patterson’s replacement Kyle Wilson to add to his six goals so far this campaign. And when given his own chances the sun-tanned Patterson obliged.
FC fans, who originally dubbed Patterson ‘the man with no name’, changed his moniker to ‘the man with no fans’. But he ultimately had the last laugh.
He certainly handled himself a lot better than Bradford’s manager, who displayed the behavioural aptitude of a two-year-old toddler celebrating a pass the parcel victory.
FC host Eastwood Town at Gigg Lane this Saturday, September 6, kick-off 3pm.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Money is talking at Rebels' level
3:49pm Wednesday 3rd September 2008
By Liam Chronnell
KARL Marginson says he has not been surprised by the improved standard of teams in the UniBond Premier League – just by the wages.
The FC United boss has seen his newly-promoted side make a mixed start to the new campaign.
The Rebels were sunk by a brace from old boy Rory Patterson at big-spending Bradford Park Avenue on Monday night.
Marginson’s men will look to bounce back against Eastwood Town at Gigg Lane this weekend against a team who have a £9,000-a-week playing budget.
And the manager admits it makes it difficult to compete as the Reds chase a fourth successive promotion.
“That’s five or six times more than I have to spend,” he said.
“There’s a myth that we’re big spenders but we never have been.
“Last season we were about mid-table in terms of paying wages – now we’re bottom.
“We knew teams would be fitter, better organised and have a little bit more quality in this league, and they are.
“But anyone can beat anyone and, if my players start believing in themselves, then they can be a force to be reckoned with.”
Former fans’ favourite Patterson, who was lured to Bradford in a lucrative moved over the summer, came back to haunt his old club in a 2-0 defeat.
The striker put the home side, which also included ex-Rebels man Stuart Rudd in their ranks, ahead after 15 minutes with a stunning 30-yard free-kick.
He doubled the lead just before the hour mark with a cool finish before FC’s Chris Baguley was sent off for his second bookable offence late on as tempers threatened to boil over.
The loss came two days after Kyle Wilson inspired United to a convincing 3-1 victory against Whitby Town.
The striker, Patterson’s replacement, smashed a brilliant hat-trick against the league’s bottom club at Gigg Lane.
Wilson fired the hosts in front on 13 minutes, only for Town to hit back before half-time.
But the former England Under-19s hitman struck again on 66 minutes to restore FC’s advantage, and his third – and sixth of the season – two minutes later wrapped up the points.
FC follow Saturday’s home clash with Eastwood with a trip to Prescot Cables on Tuesday night
By Liam Chronnell
KARL Marginson says he has not been surprised by the improved standard of teams in the UniBond Premier League – just by the wages.
The FC United boss has seen his newly-promoted side make a mixed start to the new campaign.
The Rebels were sunk by a brace from old boy Rory Patterson at big-spending Bradford Park Avenue on Monday night.
Marginson’s men will look to bounce back against Eastwood Town at Gigg Lane this weekend against a team who have a £9,000-a-week playing budget.
And the manager admits it makes it difficult to compete as the Reds chase a fourth successive promotion.
“That’s five or six times more than I have to spend,” he said.
“There’s a myth that we’re big spenders but we never have been.
“Last season we were about mid-table in terms of paying wages – now we’re bottom.
“We knew teams would be fitter, better organised and have a little bit more quality in this league, and they are.
“But anyone can beat anyone and, if my players start believing in themselves, then they can be a force to be reckoned with.”
Former fans’ favourite Patterson, who was lured to Bradford in a lucrative moved over the summer, came back to haunt his old club in a 2-0 defeat.
The striker put the home side, which also included ex-Rebels man Stuart Rudd in their ranks, ahead after 15 minutes with a stunning 30-yard free-kick.
He doubled the lead just before the hour mark with a cool finish before FC’s Chris Baguley was sent off for his second bookable offence late on as tempers threatened to boil over.
The loss came two days after Kyle Wilson inspired United to a convincing 3-1 victory against Whitby Town.
The striker, Patterson’s replacement, smashed a brilliant hat-trick against the league’s bottom club at Gigg Lane.
Wilson fired the hosts in front on 13 minutes, only for Town to hit back before half-time.
But the former England Under-19s hitman struck again on 66 minutes to restore FC’s advantage, and his third – and sixth of the season – two minutes later wrapped up the points.
FC follow Saturday’s home clash with Eastwood with a trip to Prescot Cables on Tuesday night
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Patterson back to haunt Rebels
2/ 9/2008
RORY Patterson returned to haunt FC United as he struck twice to send them crashing to a 2-0 UniBond Premier defeat at Bradford Park Avenue.
The former FC fans' idol gave the Tykes a 16th minute lead when he beat keeper Sam Ashton with a piledriver from outside the box.
Patterson added his and Bradford's second just before the hour.
RORY Patterson returned to haunt FC United as he struck twice to send them crashing to a 2-0 UniBond Premier defeat at Bradford Park Avenue.
The former FC fans' idol gave the Tykes a 16th minute lead when he beat keeper Sam Ashton with a piledriver from outside the box.
Patterson added his and Bradford's second just before the hour.
Patterson double sinks Rebels
9:58pm
Monday 1st September 2008
By Staff Sports Reporter
Bradford Park Avenue 2 FC United 0
RORY Patterson showed he had not lost any of his predatory instincts when he struck twice to sink his old club in the UniBond Premier League last night.
The former FC United star striker put Bradford Park Avenue ahead after 15 minutes with a stunning 30-yard free-kick, and doubled the lead just before the hour mark when he ran through one-on-one with the keeper and slotted into the bottom corner.
Bradford, who had another ex-FC United man in their ranks in the form of Stuart Rudd, deserved their victory in a feisty encounter in which FC’s Chris Baguley was sent off for his second bookable offence late on.
Monday 1st September 2008
By Staff Sports Reporter
Bradford Park Avenue 2 FC United 0
RORY Patterson showed he had not lost any of his predatory instincts when he struck twice to sink his old club in the UniBond Premier League last night.
The former FC United star striker put Bradford Park Avenue ahead after 15 minutes with a stunning 30-yard free-kick, and doubled the lead just before the hour mark when he ran through one-on-one with the keeper and slotted into the bottom corner.
Bradford, who had another ex-FC United man in their ranks in the form of Stuart Rudd, deserved their victory in a feisty encounter in which FC’s Chris Baguley was sent off for his second bookable offence late on.
Avenue marksmen return to haunt former club
By Ian Whiting »
Bradford Park Avenue 2, FC United of Manchester 0
The unwritten rule that former players come back to haunt you was certainly the case tonight as Rory Patterson and Stuart Rudd did just that against FC United of Manchester.
Patterson grabbed both goals as Avenue, who signed both him and Rudd during the summer, edged to victory in the Roses derby of the UniBond League Premier Division.
The pattern was set in the first minute when Avenue earned a set-piece but the visitors sprung a rapid counter attack.
When Chris Bettney was fouled, he delivered the free-kick himself. It was cleared by United’s skipper Dave Chadwick and spread to the wing.
Seconds later, Avenue captain Mark Haran was clearing from the home side’s penalty area, and there was no let-up in the pace from then on.
There was just over a quarter of an hour gone when Avenue broke the deadlock, and again it was a free-kick.
Rudd and Patterson were both involved as the visitors fell behind. Chadwick brought Rudd down as he approached the edge of the area.
The free-kick was 20 yards out and Tom Baker rolled the ball to Patterson, who drilled it in with a vicious shot.
Minutes later, Baker fired over after Patterson had flicked on a Stuart Graves throw-in but United responded when Simon Carden back-heeled a Carlos Rocca cross wide.
The only other two chances in the first half both came the way of the home side, with Chris Hall just failing to connect with a Bettney cross on the half hour.
A later throw-in from Graves found Baker but his shot was saved by keeper Sam Ashton.
After the interval, the visitors came out with a purpose and mounted a sustained spell of attacking football.
Despite that, they did not create too many chances and the Bradford side eventually doubled their lead.
Rudd headed in from a Bettney corner but saw the strike ruled out after a foul, and later chances followed for Chris Hall and Patterson.
However, the former United goalscorer was not to be denied his second. Just before the hour, Baker picked the ball up ten yards inside his own half and threaded a ball through for Patterson to run on to as he cut in from the left flank.
He finished his run with a shot into the corner of the net from 15 yards.
The visitors’ frustrations were compounded when Chris Baguley received a red card in the penultimate minute.
Bradford Park Avenue 2, FC United of Manchester 0
The unwritten rule that former players come back to haunt you was certainly the case tonight as Rory Patterson and Stuart Rudd did just that against FC United of Manchester.
Patterson grabbed both goals as Avenue, who signed both him and Rudd during the summer, edged to victory in the Roses derby of the UniBond League Premier Division.
The pattern was set in the first minute when Avenue earned a set-piece but the visitors sprung a rapid counter attack.
When Chris Bettney was fouled, he delivered the free-kick himself. It was cleared by United’s skipper Dave Chadwick and spread to the wing.
Seconds later, Avenue captain Mark Haran was clearing from the home side’s penalty area, and there was no let-up in the pace from then on.
There was just over a quarter of an hour gone when Avenue broke the deadlock, and again it was a free-kick.
Rudd and Patterson were both involved as the visitors fell behind. Chadwick brought Rudd down as he approached the edge of the area.
The free-kick was 20 yards out and Tom Baker rolled the ball to Patterson, who drilled it in with a vicious shot.
Minutes later, Baker fired over after Patterson had flicked on a Stuart Graves throw-in but United responded when Simon Carden back-heeled a Carlos Rocca cross wide.
The only other two chances in the first half both came the way of the home side, with Chris Hall just failing to connect with a Bettney cross on the half hour.
A later throw-in from Graves found Baker but his shot was saved by keeper Sam Ashton.
After the interval, the visitors came out with a purpose and mounted a sustained spell of attacking football.
Despite that, they did not create too many chances and the Bradford side eventually doubled their lead.
Rudd headed in from a Bettney corner but saw the strike ruled out after a foul, and later chances followed for Chris Hall and Patterson.
However, the former United goalscorer was not to be denied his second. Just before the hour, Baker picked the ball up ten yards inside his own half and threaded a ball through for Patterson to run on to as he cut in from the left flank.
He finished his run with a shot into the corner of the net from 15 yards.
The visitors’ frustrations were compounded when Chris Baguley received a red card in the penultimate minute.
Monday, September 01, 2008
FC United of Manchester beat the blues of Whitby
Published Date: 01 September 2008
By Andrew Snaith
WHITBY Town's slump continued after a fifth straight defeat, this time at the hands of new boys FC United on Saturday.
The result leaves the Blues struggling at the bottom of the table.
The club formed by Manchester United followers angered by the Glazer takeover three years ago were indebted to a farcical second goal which changed the game after Whitby had enjoyed the better of the early exchanges.
The Blues recalled ex-boss Lee Nogan to the side, with Kevin Burgess returning from injury and new signing Jimmy Beadle handed a debut.
Town began well in front of more than 2,000 supporters at League Two Bury's Gigg Lane, the current home ground of FC United.
However, a number of corners came to nothing, and from their first real attack, United found themselves ahead on 12 minutes. It was neat and well rehearsed as the men in red zipped the ball in quick triangles around Town's defence, but Mark Tinkler and Ashley Lyth were left flat-footed as Kyle Wilson nipped in to slot past keeper Ben Escritt from close range.
Alex Janes headed down accurately but too close to United keeper Sam Ashton from a right-wing free-kick after arriving at the far post – but continued pressure finally brought a Whitby equaliser just after the half hour.
Skipper Tony Hackworth raced onto a through ball and forced his way to the right edge of the United box where his early shot deflected off the boot of a covering defender, looped over Ashton and into the top-left corner of the net.
But just to typify the Blues' season so far, makeshift defender Tinkler pulled up with a leg injury four minutes later, and limped off, to be replaced by Richard Forster.
And Town were lucky not to go in at the break with a deficit when a minute before half-time, Wilson marginally beat the offside trap but fired straight at Escritt when one-on-one with the gloveman.
Whitby began the second half strongly and Hackworth again strode clear but saw his unconvincing angled drive charged down by a backtracking defender.
Burgess struck an optimistic 25-yard effort which Ashton caught comfortably and cleared to the other end where United almost re-took the lead. A corner was forced and the set piece was headed goalwards by Simon Carden, only for a blue head to divert it off his own goal-line.
The Lancastrians kept up the pressure but were handed an enormous slice of luck on 66 minutes.
Carlos Roca twisted and turned by the touchline on the right flank, 12 yards from goal. Shadowed by Alex Janes, the United sub slipped as he tried another stepover, but found the nearby linesman flagging for a free-kick, much to the disbelief of both sets of fans, plus Janes.
Roca then got up to curl the free-kick into the Town box where Carden's header was blocked on the line, only for Wilson to nod home from point blank range.
The former Skelmersdale man then hammered the final nail in the Town coffin just two minutes later.
This time there were no officials to blame as the Blues' defence parted like the Red Sea, leaving Wilson to complete his hat-trick.
Whitby should have pulled a goal back with nine minutes remaining.
A terrible error from United captain Dave Chadwick saw him gift the ball to Tom Raw inside the Reds' penalty area, but he hesitated and Chadwick got back to block.
More misfortune struck for the visitors seconds later when Ashley Lyth clashed heads with Carden, and collapsed to the ground unconscious. Luckily, nearby players reacted quickly to place the Whitby defender in the recovery position, but he was stretchered from the field still out cold, and with all three changes made, Town had to continue the match with only 10 men.
However, with Garvie tricking his way down the right flank frequently, the Blues had one more gilt-edged chance deep into injury time.
Again it fell to Raw as he collected Danny Brunskill's long ball over the top, but when one-on-one with the stranded Ashton on the edge of the area, the striker chipped straight into the United stopper's hands.
Whitby: Escritt, Burgess, Janes (Garvie 69), Lyth, Tinkler (Forster 35), Nogan (Brunskill 76), Huggins, Beadle, Raw, Hackworth, Charlton. Subs not used: Ledgeway, Brumwell. Attendance: 2,071
Result: FC United of Manchester 3 Whitby Town 1
By Andrew Snaith
WHITBY Town's slump continued after a fifth straight defeat, this time at the hands of new boys FC United on Saturday.
The result leaves the Blues struggling at the bottom of the table.
The club formed by Manchester United followers angered by the Glazer takeover three years ago were indebted to a farcical second goal which changed the game after Whitby had enjoyed the better of the early exchanges.
The Blues recalled ex-boss Lee Nogan to the side, with Kevin Burgess returning from injury and new signing Jimmy Beadle handed a debut.
Town began well in front of more than 2,000 supporters at League Two Bury's Gigg Lane, the current home ground of FC United.
However, a number of corners came to nothing, and from their first real attack, United found themselves ahead on 12 minutes. It was neat and well rehearsed as the men in red zipped the ball in quick triangles around Town's defence, but Mark Tinkler and Ashley Lyth were left flat-footed as Kyle Wilson nipped in to slot past keeper Ben Escritt from close range.
Alex Janes headed down accurately but too close to United keeper Sam Ashton from a right-wing free-kick after arriving at the far post – but continued pressure finally brought a Whitby equaliser just after the half hour.
Skipper Tony Hackworth raced onto a through ball and forced his way to the right edge of the United box where his early shot deflected off the boot of a covering defender, looped over Ashton and into the top-left corner of the net.
But just to typify the Blues' season so far, makeshift defender Tinkler pulled up with a leg injury four minutes later, and limped off, to be replaced by Richard Forster.
And Town were lucky not to go in at the break with a deficit when a minute before half-time, Wilson marginally beat the offside trap but fired straight at Escritt when one-on-one with the gloveman.
Whitby began the second half strongly and Hackworth again strode clear but saw his unconvincing angled drive charged down by a backtracking defender.
Burgess struck an optimistic 25-yard effort which Ashton caught comfortably and cleared to the other end where United almost re-took the lead. A corner was forced and the set piece was headed goalwards by Simon Carden, only for a blue head to divert it off his own goal-line.
The Lancastrians kept up the pressure but were handed an enormous slice of luck on 66 minutes.
Carlos Roca twisted and turned by the touchline on the right flank, 12 yards from goal. Shadowed by Alex Janes, the United sub slipped as he tried another stepover, but found the nearby linesman flagging for a free-kick, much to the disbelief of both sets of fans, plus Janes.
Roca then got up to curl the free-kick into the Town box where Carden's header was blocked on the line, only for Wilson to nod home from point blank range.
The former Skelmersdale man then hammered the final nail in the Town coffin just two minutes later.
This time there were no officials to blame as the Blues' defence parted like the Red Sea, leaving Wilson to complete his hat-trick.
Whitby should have pulled a goal back with nine minutes remaining.
A terrible error from United captain Dave Chadwick saw him gift the ball to Tom Raw inside the Reds' penalty area, but he hesitated and Chadwick got back to block.
More misfortune struck for the visitors seconds later when Ashley Lyth clashed heads with Carden, and collapsed to the ground unconscious. Luckily, nearby players reacted quickly to place the Whitby defender in the recovery position, but he was stretchered from the field still out cold, and with all three changes made, Town had to continue the match with only 10 men.
However, with Garvie tricking his way down the right flank frequently, the Blues had one more gilt-edged chance deep into injury time.
Again it fell to Raw as he collected Danny Brunskill's long ball over the top, but when one-on-one with the stranded Ashton on the edge of the area, the striker chipped straight into the United stopper's hands.
Whitby: Escritt, Burgess, Janes (Garvie 69), Lyth, Tinkler (Forster 35), Nogan (Brunskill 76), Huggins, Beadle, Raw, Hackworth, Charlton. Subs not used: Ledgeway, Brumwell. Attendance: 2,071
Result: FC United of Manchester 3 Whitby Town 1
FC United 3 Whitby 1
Source: Manchester Evening News
Ben Collins
1/ 9/2008
FC UNITED boss Karl Marginson believes the Rebels have now shown there is life after Rory Patterson and Stuart Rudd.
FC will renew acquaintances with their former strike pair tonight as they visit Bradford Park Avenue, who lured Patterson and Rudd from the Rebels this summer.
Kyle Wilson has been tasked with taking on the goal-scoring duties and struck a hat-trick to take his tally to six in just five league games.
"Every game we've had against Bradford Park Avenue has been a close encounter," said Marginson. "I'm sure this one'll be no different and we'll try to win it.
"It wasn't fantastic by any means on Saturday but we played well in patches and it's something to build on.
"Some people said we'd struggle to score goals after losing the two lads from last year but I don't think that's going to be the case and Kyle went out and proved it on Saturday."
Danny Self could continue at right-back tonight after filling in for Liam Foster on Saturday, while Dave Neville and Adam Turner are suspended.
Ben Collins
1/ 9/2008
FC UNITED boss Karl Marginson believes the Rebels have now shown there is life after Rory Patterson and Stuart Rudd.
FC will renew acquaintances with their former strike pair tonight as they visit Bradford Park Avenue, who lured Patterson and Rudd from the Rebels this summer.
Kyle Wilson has been tasked with taking on the goal-scoring duties and struck a hat-trick to take his tally to six in just five league games.
"Every game we've had against Bradford Park Avenue has been a close encounter," said Marginson. "I'm sure this one'll be no different and we'll try to win it.
"It wasn't fantastic by any means on Saturday but we played well in patches and it's something to build on.
"Some people said we'd struggle to score goals after losing the two lads from last year but I don't think that's going to be the case and Kyle went out and proved it on Saturday."
Danny Self could continue at right-back tonight after filling in for Liam Foster on Saturday, while Dave Neville and Adam Turner are suspended.
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