Community work goal for football team

Source: Bury Times

BURY-based football club FC United is top of the league when it comes to showing how teams should work with the community, according to a leading Goverment minister.

MP Andy Burnham, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, visited Gigg Lane on January 17 to watch the reds beat Prescot Cables 2-0.

Though he supports Everton, Mr Burnham is a huge fan of clubs like FC United, which is owned by its fans, who vote on major issues like admission prices and sponsorship, and elect a board to run the club day to day.

Included in the club’s manifesto is a pledge to work with charities — it is a keen backer of Prestwich-based Medequip4 kids — and to develop strong community links.

Volunteer coaches also run regular coaching sessions across Greater Manchester.

Mr Burnham said: “I enjoyed the match and congratulate FC United on their victory.

“Both myself and my parliamentary colleague David Chaytor, MP for Bury North, were impressed with the standard of football on the pitch and the passion of the fans off it.

“FC United has shown how fans can defy the odds and set up and run a genuine, democratic, community based club. As a co-founder of fans’ group Supporters Direct, these are values that I back.

“I know FC United will continue to show football how supporter owned clubs can be a force for good in the modern game.”

Non-league preview

Edited from: Manchester Evening News
Tony Glennon
January 30, 2009

...

ADAM Turner has left FC United and returned to Bacup.

The centre-half sent boss Karl Marginson a text saying he wanted regular first-team football.

FC host Guiseley at Gigg Lane tomorrow, the early season pace-setters having hit a barren patch, without a win in seven league games.

Lions players up for latest Gigg

10:30am Thursday 29th January 2009

By Ian Whiting

Guiseley enjoyed the euphoria of a win in midweek and they would like to transfer that form to the league on Saturday to get their UniBond League Premier Division promotion push back on track.

Assistant manager Wayne Benn says the players will certainly be motivated, as they will be the first side since Bradford City to take the stage at Gigg Lane.

The Bantams lost to Bury on Tuesday but the Lions will be hoping tenants FC United of Manchester do not make it a double.

“We will go there looking for a win, as at this stage of the season we are not interested in draws,” said Benn.

“The League Cup win against Ashton on Tuesday was nice; we felt we were overdue one. We scored three goals, kept a clean sheet and it was a good performance, so it all came at once.

“We won’t be shouting from the rooftops that it is a turning point but it was a step in the right direction. We know it will be a tough game at FC United but it is a great place to go and play football.

“If playing at a ground like that, on a surface like that, in front of two thousand-plus fans doesn’t excite you, then there is something wrong with you. As ever though, we won’t be getting carried away.

“Our lads will know they are up against a very good passing side. When they came to us they played really well and outpassed us at times. They are the only side we have faced this season to manage that.

“We sneaked a draw, at home, thanks to an Anthony Lloyd rocket. On that occasion I think we got more than we deserved. We say it when it happens the other way round, so we have to be honest.”

Midfielder Steve Burton is doubtful after lasting only 25 minutes of the midweek cup win with a groin injury. Utility man Simeon Bambrook returns to the squad after being rested on Tuesday.

Arms set for attack on the silverware

29/1/2009

MIDDLETON’S top two football teams are bidding for glory in what promises to be a classic seven days.

On Sunday all eyes will be on Radclyffe Arms who aim for a place in the Manchester Amateur Sunday Cup semi-finals.

Over the years Arms earned a reputation as a club which was always the bridesmaid, but this season they are odds-on to claim the Middleton Sunday League Premier Division title and could add possible knockout silverware from three other fronts.

Tameside Sunday League side Stamford FC provide the opposition on Sunday, and Arms will go into the game as hot favourites after a string of superb performances in the competition, not least the 11-0 drubbing of Weaste United in the previous round.

Arms have given up home advantage, and the match will now be played at Armidale Road, Dukinfield, kick-off 10.30am

If Arms go on to clinch the Middleton League title they will earn an invitation into next season’s contest for the North West Champion of Champions Cup – a trophy which Langley Celtic are determined to retain for a second year.

On Sunday week (8 February) they face Heywood Reform at Parkfield in a quarter-final of this year’s competition, kick-off 10.30am.

Reform took a coachload of supporters to Blackpool in the previous round and are expected to be well supported again.

Celtic hope that some of Middleton’s large contingent of FC United fans will be attracted by the appearances in the green and white of Dave Neville and Tunji Moses who are regulars in the United side.

FC shoot up to seventh spot

29/ 1/2009

FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson hailed comeback kid Jamie Baguley after his screamer took the reds up to seventh place.

United are on the edge of the UniBond Premier League play-off places following their 2-0 win at Leigh Genesis on Tuesday night, which included a 25-yard pile driver from Baguley.

The reds have now won five of their last six games and they play the side directly above them, Guiseley, at Gigg Lane on Saturday, January 31, kick-off 3pm.

Marginson said: “We’re on a good run and it’s important that we continue that.

“The performance at Leigh wasn’t great as they made it difficult for us. But we got the three points we needed to continue our promotion push.

“We’ve got good competition for places at the moment and Jamie Baguley coming off the bench and scoring such a good goal just goes to prove that we have many players battling for a place in the starting 11.

“Jamie is a top lad with a great attitude and everyone is made up that he has recovered from the knee injury that kept him out for much of the season.

“Guiseley will be a tough game as we drew 2-2 with them in a cracking match in November.

“We thought that we did more than enough to win that one and we actually went in front with a couple of minutes left, before their full back scored the goal of his life from 30 yards out to steal a point.

“So we maybe have a score to settle and we know that if we are at our best we will beat anyone.”

Winger Jerome Wright scored the other goal on Tuesday night as FC marked the first ever competitive game at Leigh’s Sports Village with a win.

But FC had less luck on Saturday as Witton Albion caused an upset with a last minute winner to pip the reds 2-1.

United’s goal came from loan signing Tristram Whitman, who has impressed his manager.

Margy said: “Tristram is settling in well and getting to know the way that we play.

“He took his goal against Witton really well and there will be plenty more of them to come, we hope.

“We were very unlucky not to win Saturday’s game and I’ve never seen a team hit the woodwork as often as we did. But that’s football and it will even itself out.”

Centre half Rob Nugent is FC’s only doubt for the Guiseley game after he suffered a broken nose at Witton.

The admission prices for Saturday are £7.50 for adults, £5 for over-60s and £2 for under-18s.

Non League round-up

28/ 1/2009

FC UNITED got their UniBond Premier Division promotion bid firmly back on track with a comfortable 2-0 win at bottom-of-the-table Leigh Genesis in front of a crowd of 1,302.

But the rebel Reds, who were desperate to bounce back from their agonising last-gasp defeat at Witton, had to wait until two minutes from time to secure the win.

Jamie Baguley was on hand to clinch their fourth victory in five games with a 25-yard screamer.

Jerome Wright had given United a 15th minute lead when he drilled home from just inside the box.

But, despite dominating throughout, Karl Marginson's men were unable to kill off plucky Genesis, who were playing for the first time at their new Leigh Sports Village ground, until Baguley finally settled the issue with time running out.

The win takes United to within a point of a play-off place ahead of Saturday's crunch home clash with fellow promotion contenders Guiseley.

Meanwhile, Altrincham played out their second Blue Square Premier draw in four days as they were held 1-1 by York at Moss Lane.

The Robins led at the break through Shaun Densmore's 15th minute goal, but Richard Brodie equalised within a minute of the re-start to earn the visitors a point.

Relegation-haunted Northwich remain anchored at the foot of the table despite ending their six-match losing streak with a thrilling 3-3 draw at Wrexham.

Droylsden's hopes of forcing their way into the Blue Square North promotion picture suffered a set-back in a 1-0 disappointing defeat at Gainsborough.

Debut night at LSV ends in defeat for Leigh Genesis against FC United

Source: Leigh Journal

8:53am Wednesday 28th January 2009

By Matt Lawton

Leigh Genesis 0 FC United 2

AN encouraging crowd of more than 1,300 turned up for Leigh Genesis’ inaugural fixture at the Leigh Sports Village Stadium on Tuesday night but many were to go home in disappointment as visitors FC United chalked up a comfortable victory.

After months of false starts and alternative venues, Leigh finally made their bow at their impressive new home but, playing a 4-5-1 formation, found themselves largely on the back foot for much of the first half.

After wasting a couple of earlier chances, it was on 17 minutes when the visitors took the lead.

Leigh defender Ben McHugh was dispossessed in his own area by FC United striker Jerome Wright, who made no mistake in lashing the ball past Genesis goalkeeper Danny Morton and claiming the honour of being the very first goal scorer at the Leigh Sports Village Stadium.

United left back Simon Garner almost grabbed a second goal for the visitors seven minutes later when his ambitious shot from distance was awkwardly tipped over the crossbar by Morton before Alex Cunliffe had the first chance for the hosts, firing wide of the target from the edge of the area.

Phil Marsh sent a free kick arrowing inches away from goal just before half time but, wiith Leigh struggling to get a foothold in the game, United’s victory was sealed with 21 minutes remaining when substitute Jamie Baguley fired a terrific shot past Morton from just outside of the penalty area.

Such a big crowd will prove infinitely encouraging to the club but the team need to start picking up points sooner rather than later, starting with the relegation six-pointer with Worksop Town in a fixture that, with the Leigh Sports Village Stadium unavailable, is to be played at Stainton Park, the home of Radcliffe Borough, on Saturday at 3pm.

Leigh Genesis: Danny Morton, Mark Radcliffe, Kris King, Chris Page, Ben McHugh (Nia Bayunu), Nick Linford (Kyle Lambert), Steve Settle, Karl Brown, Phil Marsh, Alex Cunliffe, Dale Whitham (Sam Parkinson).

FC open Leigh stadium

Source: Manchester Evening News

Stuart Brennan
26/ 1/2009

FC UNITED christen Leigh Genesis’ new stadium tomorrow night, with manager Karl Marginson hoping for a little more luck than they had at the weekend.

The Rebels hit the woodwork an astonishing SEVEN times in the 2-1 defeat at Witton Albion, six of them in the second half, and Marginson is hoping that such ill fortune does not befall his team against the UniBond premier’s bottom club at Sports Village Stadium.

“I can’t remember a game where anyone hit the woodwork so many times,” says Marginson, whose team remain just three points outside the play-offs. “It was just one of those games, and if we had got our noses in front I feel we would have won comfortably.”

Now Marginson is warning his side to be on their guard against a team which has been in freefall, without a league win since October and having lost their last four without scoring, including a 5-0 defeat at Matlock at the weekend.

“It will be a big boost for them, moving into the new stadium, and for the game to be against us as well,” said the FC boss. “They have quite a lot of young lads, and I am sure their manager will be focusing on getting them to play without fear.”

Stalwart defender Rob Nugent will be missing after breaking his nose and being knocked out at Witton, with Adam Turner stepping in to partner Dave Chadwick in defence.

Marginson still has to decide whether to stick with Tris Whitman up front after he marked his first start for the club with the goal at Witton, or whether to restore Tommy Turner to his partnership with top scorer Kyle Wilson.

Marginson’s side has developed an unhealthy knack of under-performing against relegation strugglers – the six teams directly above Leigh have all taken points off them this season.

But Marginson feels that is the nature of the division his team are in: “Quite a few of the top teams have been beaten by those at the bottom.

“Witton beat us, but they have improved a lot since we beat them in October and should climb away from the relegation zone pretty quickly.”

Witton out of relegation zone with brave victory over FC United of Manchester

Source: Mid Cheshire Chronicle

Jan 26 2009 by Ben Coulbeck, Mid Cheshire Chronicle

A battling home performance in front of a four-figure crowd ensured Witton Albion climbed out of the bottom four and claim their first league win at Wincham Park since early September.

Witton maintained their unbeaten start to 2009 thanks to goals at the end of both halves in an entertaining and open UniBond Premier encounter against FC United of Manchester.

Despite visiting FC United, backed by the majority of a 1030-strong crowd, having most of the play during the first half, it was Gary Finley’s men that took the lead moments before the half-time whistle.

Witton had been on the back foot for most of the half but during a number of salvos into FC’s penalty area, a cross from the right was met by striker Lee Thompson who rose highest to head the ball past energetic keeper Sam Ashton.

It was a goal that came against the run of play but was exactly the break Witton needed to instil belief that victory, and indeed revenge for the 5-3 embarrassment at FC United’s Gigg Lane last year, was possible.

After the break the visitors, attacking the Lostock end, looked threatening and hit Greg Smith’s crossbar on no more than four occasions.

But it was Witton that came closest to adding to the scoresheet when a cross from the right was met again by Thompson but his goal-bound header was miraculously tipped onto the bar by Ashton.

The visitors immediately responded though and levelled when a ball through the heart of Witton’s defence was latched onto first by Tristam Whitman who squeezed his shot under Smith.

United almost went ahead shortly after when they hit Smith’s left-hand post and at times, Witton were riding their luck, but a mixture of fortune, grit and determination made sure the Albion stayed on level terms.

Witton had chances to go ahead through Neil Black, who impressed with his workrate all afternoon, but FC keeper Ashton was up to the task to block his shot on two occasions.

But Black was not to be denied as, in the final minute of the game, he managed to get the final touch to deflected shot which saw the ball trickle over the line and sent the home fans into raptures.

Witton host Marine tomorrow (Tuesday) night at Wincham Park in the fourth round of the UniBond Challenge Cup.

'Munich gesture' warning to player

10:00am Monday 26th January 2009

A FOOTBALL player accused of mocking the deaths of plane crash victims has been given an official warning by the sport’s governing body.

But despite being contacted by the Football Association, former Marine FC player John Lawless has refused to admit he did anything wrong.

Mr Lawless and team-mate Shaun Tuck, are alleged to have made an aeroplane gesture — an apparent reference to the Munich air disaster of 1958, which killed eight Manchester United players — to FC United supporters during a clash at Gigg Lane last week.

The story was exclusively reported first on the Bury Times’ website.

Last Friday, the FA gave Mr Lawless and Mr Tuck written warnings.

Marine chairman Paul Leary has apologised to supporters of FC United for any offence caused but Mr Lawless, who has since left the club, maintains that he is innocent.

His lawyer, Ged Nolan, from Canter Levin and Berg, said: “John left Marine by mutual consent. He wasn’t sacked so, contrary to reports elsewhere, he will not be making any legal challenges against leaving Marine.

“John has said he did not make the aeroplane gesture but he did say that he raised five fingers to the crowd.”

The five-fingered gesture is to symbolise that Liverpool have won the Champions League five times to Manchester United’s three.

Mr Lawless has since signed for Welsh Premier League side Caernarfon Town.

Mr Leary said: “This has been a very difficult time for our club. We are a long-established club with high standards and an excellent reputation both on and off the pitch. The publicity surrounding this has been damaging to us.

“I apologise to the fans of FC United of Manchester for the events that have led to both the inquiry by the FA and to the departure of John Lawless from Marine.”

Witton 2 FC United 1

6:19pm Saturday 24th January 2009

By Andrew Simpson

WITTON drew home comfort – at long last – thanks to Neil Black’s late winner.

This, a first win in front of their own fans since September, also lifted them out of the bottom four.

It could be worth more than three points.

The Rebels, rightly, will curse their luck after seeing the ball hit the Witton woodwork half a dozen times in a frantic second half.

But they were still in the contest only due to Albion’s profligacy in front of goal.

Black, the main culprit, made amends with his scrambled touch in stoppage time, but his feeble finishing could have cost the hosts precious points.

Football logic should have made him an obvious choice to nick the decider.

A tepid first half provided the perfect smokescreen for what was to follow later.

Rob Nugent headed Jerome Wright’s flag kick against the bar on 37 minutes – the first attacking effort of note.

Albion hit the front six minutes later, Lee Thompson powering a perfect header into the top corner from Danny Warner’s corner.

The second half was one to savour.

Thompson held his head after sending a diving header thumping against the bar from Kieran Lugsden’s centre on 55 minutes.

It was the cue for attacking mayhem.

Tris Whitman scampered onto Dave Neville’s lofted through ball to poke a shot under Greg Smith to level two minutes later.

Black then put a mark of the same colour next to his name.

Twice he scampered clear to face keeper Sam Ashton, both times he blasted straight at the visitors’ custodian.

At the other end Nugent again headed a Wright set piece against the woodwork, former Albion striker and the league’s leading marksman Kyle Wilson hooking the rebound back against the bar.

The visitors flooded forward after that, Wilson drilling a shot against the inside of the post after Wright had pounced on Oliver James’ dreadful pass on the halfway line.

James escaped again when Smith clawed his sliced clearance out of the top corner, Simon Carden turning the loose ball wide with the goal at his mercy.

Whitman’s mis-hit cross clipped the top of the bar, then sub Carlos Roca was next to go close when his fizzing shot slammed the upright with Smith a spectator.

A winner appeared inevitable, except it was Albion that nicked it.

Lugsden’s deep free kick was headed down by Brian Pritchard for Black, whose weak touch was enough to fool Ashton.

FC United travel to Witton Albion...

Edited from: The Bolton News
...
Meanwhile, FC United travel to Witton Albion on the back of a 2-0 victory over Prescot Cables which put them within two points of the UniBond Premier League promotion places.

Tommy Turner, who set up the first of two goals for Simon Carden against Cables, is confident the Rebels can make it a fourth consecutive promotion.

He said: “If we can win three or four more games on the spin, then you will see us move up the table. A lot can happen in half a season and everyone in the dressing room is hopeful of getting something.”

Witton v FC United: preview

12:28pm Friday 23rd January 2009

By Andrew Simpson

Witton Albion v FC United of Manchester (ko 3pm)
UniBond Premier Division
Venue: Wincham Park
Admission: Adults £9, O65s £5.50, U16s £4 U14s Free
Odds (bet365): Witton 9/5, Draw 5/2, FC United 11/10
Previous meeting: n/a

Witton (from):Greg Smith (GK), Scott, Wynne, Dunne, Booth, Pritchard, Schwarz, Warner, King, James, Dunn, Olsen, Smyth, Lugsden, Black, Thompson
Doubtful: none
Injured: Moore (knee)
Suspended: none
Top scorer: Lee Thompson (7)
League form guide (last six home): L L L L L L
League home record: P11 W1 D2 L8 F13 A24 Pts5

FC United (from): Ashton (GK), Warrender, Nugent, Chadwick, Adam Turner, Garner, Adam Carden, Chappell, Moses, Simon Carden, Neville, Roca, Wright, Tommy Turner, Whitman, Wilson
Doubtful: none
Injured: none
Suspended: none
Top scorer: Kyle Wilson (24)
League form guide (last six away): W W L L D D
League away record: P12 W5 D2 L5 F21 A17 Pts17

KYLE Wilson returns to Wincham Park as the runaway top scorer in the UniBond Premier Division.

His 21 league strikes, including two against Albion at Gigg Lane back in October, have taken his side to within a point of a play-off position.

Hosts Witton have the unenviable title of worst home side in the league, winning just one league game at home in front of their own supporters this term. They have lost the past seven in a row.

But Gary Finley’s men have improved of late, winning four of their past five on the road, to move off bottom spot.

Victory tomorrow could take them as high as 15th should other results go their way.

Neil Black returns after sitting out the midweek Cheshire FA Senior Cup defeat at Altrincham, partnering Lee Thompson in attack. Mark Smyth, missing for the past two matches, should return too.

Oliver James, cup tied on Tuesday, could feature at the heart of the midfield.

FC United of Manchester visit Wincham Park for the first time on the back of three successive league victories.

They have yet to concede a goal in 2009.

Tris Whitman, on loan from Eastwood Town, battles in-form Tommy Turner for a place alongside Wilson in attack.

Former Northwich Victoria winger Carlos Roca is likely to start from the bench.

Soccer match to mark Holocaust day

Source: Prestwich and Whitefield Guide

2:50pm Friday 23rd January 2009

A SPECIAL football match will take place in Prestwich on Sunday to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

Prestwich-based Jewish team Manchester Maccabi will play a friendly match at 11am against a side from FC United, who play their home games at Gigg Lane in Bury.

Entry is free and everyone is invited to attend the match at the Brooklands centre, off Bury Old Road, A Maccabi spokesman said: “We welcome the opportunity of opening the doors to all visitors on this momentous occasion.”

He said the message of Holocaust Memorial Day — which falls on Tuesday, January 27, — was that “we can all choose to stand up to hatred”.

He added: “Manchester Maccabi and FC United are joining together to take this stand, by giving recognition to tolerance, understanding and celebration of our differences, which will help us in our fight against prejudice and discrimination.”

Carden cuts down Cables

22/ 1/2009

FC UNITED moved to within two points of the promotion places as they beat UniBond Premier League strugglers Prescot Cables 2-0 on Saturday.

Simon Carden bagged a brace to help the reds record their third successive victory as they moved out of 11th place for the first time in ages.

Many fans had begun to think that the league table had got ‘stuck’, such was the difficulty that United had in moving out of the mid-table position despite a run of good results.

But Carden’s clinical finishing from midfield finally unanchored FC, making manager Karl Marginson’s prediction that they can still achieve promotion for the fourth year in a row look far less fanciable than it once did.

United cut the Cables down to size with two second half goals from the evergreen Carden. His first was a smartly taken rebound after Tommy Turner had been denied and his second was a neat finish following a through ball from Simon Garner.

Carden should have claimed a hat-trick when he was put clean through on goal soon after but the linesman ruled him off-side.

Carden was taken off almost immediately because he needed a cigarette.

The 2,045 crowd, which included the government’s culture secretary Andy Burnham, Mayor of Bury Peter Ashworth and rock group The Mongs, saw impressive on-pitch contributions from David Neville and substitute Tunji Moses – the son of former Manchester United star Remi, whose ex-teammate Scott McGarvey ventured on to the pitch at half-time to draw the raffle.

FC will hope to continue their winning ways when they travel to Witton Albion on Saturday, January 24, kick-off 3pm. On the gate admission costs £9 for adults and £6 for under-16s and pensioners.

John Lawless: I didn’t mock the victims of Munich

Jan 22 2009 by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo

A LIVERPOOL footballer today spoke out for the first time to deny making gestures mocking the Munich air disaster.

Former Marine FC midfielder John Lawless has revealed that he celebrated a goal against Manchester-based FC United by holding five fingers up to signify Liverpool FC’s five European Cup wins.

The father-of-four spoke exclusively to the ECHO about his personal nightmare since he left the Merseyside club by mutual consent following the controversy.

The 26-year-old told how he raised one hand aloft to celebrate a colleagues goal at Gigg Lane.

But some fans in the FC United end construed the gesture as an aeroplane motion to recall the 1958 tragedy that left 23 people dead, and complained to police.

Today, Mr Lawless alleged that he and other Marine players had received persistent anti-Liverpool abuse from rival supporters, including taunts about the Hillsborough disaster.

A spokesman for FC United has denied this claim.

The midfielder, from Croxteth, added that he had felt compelled to cut short his contract with Marine after feeling he “no longer had the support” of the Unibond Premier League club.

The ECHO has seen an official ruling by the Football Association which confirms no action will be taken against the player.

And it reminds Mr Lawless about future goal celebrations which “have the potential to be misconstrued”.

The statement ends: “As you will no doubt appreciate, there are occasions when a seemingly innocent gesture or action can have a negative effect on the behaviour of a crowd.”

Mr Lawless told the ECHO: “My teammates and representatives of the club were subjected to constant aggressive derogatory verbal taunts and chants by a small section of FC United supporters and these remarks were directed towards the origin of my birth and the football team which I support.

“I categorically deny mimicking the Munich air disaster as alleged by FC United supporters.

“When Peter Cunnicky scored the goal, I celebrated with my teammates and ran away with my hands held high, mimicking the ‘five times’ celebration in reference to LFC’s success in the European Cup competition.

“I would like to state that I have no axe to grind with any representative of FC United and I have a number of friends who play for their team.

“I have a lot of friends who are from different parts of the Greater Manchester area who remain friends to this day.

“During my time with Marine FC, I have made many friends and want to wish them every success in the future.”

FC United was formed in 2005 by Manchester United fans opposed to Malcolm Glazer’s takeover at Old Trafford.

A solicitor acting for Mr Lawless has watched a video replay of the game and the alleged incident, and states it shows no such Munich-mocking gesture.

Mr Lawless, who has been one of Marine’s best performers this season, has been playing at semi-professional level for around a decade.

He has previously played for Aberystwyth and TNS in the Welsh Football league, and since his departure from Marine, he has signed for another Welsh club.

He added: “It’s been a nightmare. I could understand it if any of it was true, but I shouldn’t have had to put up with what I did.

“I just want to get on with what I love doing which is playing football.”

Police in talks as spotlight falls on next match

MARINE FC officials have met Merseyside police to discuss ways of stopping violence erupting at the club’s next clash with FC United.

Tensions between some fans are running high following the controversial match last month, after which Marine player John Lawless’s contract was terminated.

The Crosby club and police are looking to introduce additional security when the breakaway Manchester team plays the return league fixture at College Road on Saturday March 28.

On internet message boards, fans are already warning that it could be “the game to miss”.

The management of the Edinburgh pub, in College Road, are among businesses considering closing for the day.

A spokesman for FC United said: “We have a brilliant relationship with Marine and what happened after the last fixture was over-played.

“Our record is impeccable and there is never any trouble, only the odd incident in Leeds.”

luketraynor@liverpoolecho.co.uk

Crosby's Marine FC fear battle zone for FC United of Manchester match

Source: Crosby Herald

Jan 22 2009 by Mark Johnson, Crosby Herald

MARINE FC officials were yesterday meeting with officers from Merseyside Police to discuss ways of preventing Crosby’s streets being turned into “a battle zone” by football hooligans from Manchester.

Their safety fears stem from the next UniBond Premier League game with FC United of Manchester.

Tensions between some fans are running high after a controversial match in Greater Manchester last month.

Following that clash, Marine player John Lawless had his contract terminated for allegedly making an aeroplane motion – felt by some to have been an insult referencing the 1958 Munich Air Disaster in which 23 people died – before taking a corner at the home end.

Footage of the incident has recently appeared on YouTube.

Now police and Marine FC are looking into introducing additional security for when FC United, formed as a breakaway club by fans furious at Manchester United’s takeover by the Glazer family, play the return fixture at College Road on Saturday, March 28.

On Internet message boards, fans are already warning that it could be “the game to miss” after emotions ran high during the December 20 fixture.

During the game, at Gigg Lane, Bury, Liverpool-based footballers sustained a tirade of abuse from the home supporters relating to their backgrounds.

Mr Lawless’s solicitor, Ged Nolan, from firm Canter, Levin & Berg, said the team suffered a “torrent of abuse” with some songs mocking the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster.

The management of the Edinburgh pub on College Road, Crosby, is among local businesses considering closing for the day, as they seek advice from police over whether they would be safer shutting their doors.

The forthcoming game is likely to see a bigger crowd because it lands on the weekend when England play Slovakia, meaning the North West’s top flight teams including Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United won’t be playing.

Mike Smith, assistant manager of the Edinburgh, told the Herald: “We have been warned by a regular that there could be trouble. It’s something we are working on at the moment.

“We will have to have discussions with the police and Marine to get advice.

“We don’t know if we are opening or not. We have been told of the possibility of trouble and some hot heads.

“We have only ever experienced trouble once from fans from one club about four years ago. Other than that the away teams’ fans are brilliant.”

On YouTube one football fan wrote: “I was toying with the idea of going to the return fixture in the New Year, but it sounds like the genteel suburbs of Crosby could be a bit of a battlezone.”

Another member posted: “We've played on Merseyside before with no problems, but this match could be one to give a miss.”

An FC United spokesman told the Herald: “We will take between 500 and 600 fans to the game. We have a brilliant relationship with Marine and what’s happened after the last fixture has been over-played. Our record has been impeccable and there is never any trouble, only the odd incident in Leeds.”

A spokesman for FC United said they “categorically denied” allegations their supporters mocked the Hillsborough Disaster.

FC bidding for fourth promotion

4:26pm Wednesday 21st January 2009

By Liam Chronnell

TOMMY Turner is confident FC United can make it a fourth successful promotion campaign.

The Rebels moved to within two points of the play-offs following Saturday’s 2-0 victory against Prescot Cables.

Simon Carden’s second-half double sealed a third win in a row and sent the Gigg Lane tenants up to ninth in the UniBond Premier League table.

And with games against Witton Albion and Leigh Genesis – both rooted in the bottom four – coming up in the space of four days, Turner believes Karl Marginson’s side can continue their surge up the table.

“You have to look at how we are doing in comparison to the teams around you and the truth is, no-one is putting a real run together,” said the striker, who joined the Reds from Bacup in November and has scored four goals in his last five games. “If we can win three or four more games on the spin, then you will see a definite move up the table.

“We’re only two points off the play-offs as it is, and 12 points off top of the league. A lot can happen in half a season and everyone in the dressing room is hopeful of getting something.”

Turner set up United’s first goal against Cables at the weekend when his shot could only be parried by Prescott goalkeeper Zak Jones and Carden pounced four minutes after the restart.

The midfielder struck again on 75 minutes after running on to Simon Garner’s pass to wrap up the points in front of 2,045 home fans.

FC travel to Witton on Saturday before visiting Leigh on Tuesday night.

Wincham ready for the FC invasion

Source: Mid Cheshire Chronicle

Jan 21 2009 by Ben Coulbeck, Mid Cheshire Chronicle

WITTON Albion officials are looking forward to the biggest pay day of the UniBond Premier season as FC United of Manchester and their travelling hordes arrive in Northwich on Saturday.

The rebel club, formed by disillusioned fans when American business tycoon Malcolm Glazer bought Manchester United in 2005, have an average home crowd of more than 2,000.

And with current finances at both Northwich football clubs being at a premium, the arrival of a potential 1,000-plus FC United fans will bring a welcome boost to the Wincham Park coffers.

Acting chairman Mark Harris said the club was prepared for the match and would extend a warm welcome to visiting supporters up until kick-off.

He said: “We have been working for about three of four weeks in preparation for the visit of FC and we have been liaising with them to ensure their supporters have an enjoyable and safe afternoon.

“There will be no segregation on Saturday as we don’t feel that it will be an issue but I have been overwhelmed by our fantastic group of volunteers who have offered to be extra programme sellers and stewards.

“Our supporters will be in the minority so they will have to shout that bit louder but if we stick together on and off the pitch, hopefully we can continue to rise up the table.”

Witton are on a high at the moment having taken six points from their last two league matches although the visiting Gigg Lane outfit arrive on the back of three straight wins themselves.

Manager Gary Finley said his players would relish playing in front of the biggest crowd of the season but, more importantly, he wants three points from the fixture to continue their drive to safety.

He said: “The lads will give their all week in week out but these are the games you want to be playing in. When you are playing in front of more than 2,000 fans then you are bound to give that bit extra.

“Saturday is all about us trying to turn our home form around. We have gone to some extremely tough places in the league and picked up three points.

“But we need to start picking up points at home and that starts on Saturday against FC United.”

Kick-off on Saturday is 3pm and admission prices are £9 adults, £5.50 for concessions. The social club will be open to both sets of supporters from noon.

See www.midcheshirechronicle.co.uk for a match report of Witton’s clash with FC United.

Football Association warns 'Munich row' pair

Source: Liverpool Echo

by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo

TWO Merseyside footballers received written warnings after claims they mocked the Munich air disaster by making aeroplane gestures in front of rival fans.The FA contacted Marine FC players John Lawless and Shaun Tuck after the game against Manchester-based FC United at Gigg Lane, Bury.The 1958 Munich air crash left 23 people dead - including eight United players. Mr Lawless, 26, left the club after his contract was cancelled.Today the FA ruled announced they were taking no action against the players - but warned them about future conduct.Mr Lawless, from Croxteth, is considering legal action claiming Marine was 'hasty' terminating his contract.His solicitor claimed Mr Lawless and other Marine players were subjected to persistent anti-Liverpool abuse from the stands including taunts about Hillsborough tragedy.

Non-league round-up

Edited from: Manchester Evening News

...
Two goals from Simon Carden gave FC United a 2-0 win over Prescot Cables in the UniBond Premier while Ashton United drew 2-2 with Guiseley with goals from Ian Bennett and Danny Ellis.

Meanwhile, FC United moved to within...

Source: Edited from The Bolton News

...
Meanwhile, FC United moved to within two points of the play-off zone as two second half goals from Simon Carden saw off Prescot Cables at Gigg Lane.

Not only was the win United’s third in succession, but also marked three straight games without conceding a goal as the Reds moved up to ninth place in the UniBond Premier Division.

Carden broke the deadlock four minutes after the interval by stroking home the rebound from a Tommy Turner shot that the Prescot keeper could only parry.

The midfielder struck again with 15 minutes to go after being played through by a delightful ball from left-back Simon Garner, sealing victory in front of 2,045 ecstatic supporters.

Layout update

We may experience some gremlins in the coming days, as a much needed update to the blog finally gets underway.

'Munich gesture' footballer John Lawless in legal move

Jan 17 2009

Luke Traynor

A FOOTBALLER accused of mocking the Munich air disaster is considering legal action against his club.

Marine FC bosses terminated midfielder John Lawless’ contract this following the incident at Manchester-based FC United.

It was claimed the 20-year-old made an aeroplane motion with his arms while taking a corner during the clash.

But his solicitor said the Football Association is expected to confirm there was no evidence to support the allegations.

And he claimed the player and his Liverpool-based team-mates were subjected to persistent anti-Liverpool chants from FC United supporters at the game played at Gigg Lane, Bury.

Ged Nolan, from firm Canter Levin and Berg, told the ECHO they suffered a “torrent of abuse” with some songs mocking the Hillsborough tragedy.

He added: “All Mr Lawless is interested in is the football. If anyone was subjected to abuse it wasn’t the FC United supporters.

“I need now to see the referee’s report and speak to Marine FC.

“No statements were made by any supporters. There was no police report that mentioned it or any official police complaint.

“I understand the majority of FC United games are recorded so I will seek any video evidence which may be available.”

It is understood Mr Lawless’ legal team will say that Marine FC acted hastily by terminating the player’s contract.

The 1958 Munich air crash left 23 people dead, including eight Manchester United players.

A spokesman for FC United today told the ECHO they “categorically denied” allegations their supporters mocked the Hillsborough disaster.

He said: “There was the usual Manchester-Merseyside banter but nothing that was distasteful.”

Mr Lawless, who comes from Croxteth, declined to comment while the investigation continues.

FC United was formed in 2005 by Manchester United fans opposed to Malcolm Glazer’s Old Trafford takeover.

Liverpool region soccer star dropped over Man United taunt

Source: Click Liverpool

by Tony McConville. Published Fri 16 Jan 2009 11:11

A Liverpool City Region amateur footballer who appeared to mock the Munich air disaster during a game in Manchester has had his contract cancelled by his club, it has emerged.

John Lawless, a midfielder for Marine FC, allegedly made an aeroplane motion with his arms while taking a corner during a match against FC United in December 2008.

Marine FC, which has its ground in Crosby has terminated the player's contract folowing the incident.

A statement on the team's website this week said that Lawless had left the club, adding that "his contract has been cancelled by agreement of both parties'".

The 1958 Munich air crash left 23 people dead, including eight Manchester United players.

Former Manchester United footballer and Munich survivor Albert Scanlon described Lawless as a "complete idiot''.

Mr Scanlon suffered from a fractured skull and a broken arm and leg in the crash. The 73-year-old said: "`He was probably trying to have a go at the fans but it backfired on him.

"Most people still remember Munich in the right way, but you still get one or two idiots that try and get attention.''

FC United was formed in 2005 by Manchester United fans opposed to Malcolm Glazer's takeover at Old Trafford. Mr Scanlon added: "FC United are still United supporters. The man's a complete idiot.''

It is understood that a second Marine FC player, Shaun Tuck, was also warned by police for making a similar gesture during the match at Gigg Lane in Bury, Greater Manchester.

‘Munich jibe’ row at Marine FC match

Source: Liverpool Echo p1 p2

Jan 16 2009 by Staff Reporter, Liverpool Echo

A FOOTBALLER who appeared to mock the Munich air disaster during a game has had his contract cancelled by his Merseyside club.

Marine FC midfielder John Lawless allegedly made an aeroplane motion with his arms while taking a corner during a match against Manchester-based FC United last month.

The 1958 Munich air crash left 23 people dead, including eight Manchester United players.

The club in College Road, Crosby, said it had terminated the player’s contract “by agreement of both parties”.

Lawless, 26, of Croxteth, was unavailable for comment today.

His parents told the ECHO they did not wish to discuss the controversy.

People at the match have stated there was persistent and “unsavoury” anti Liverpool FC chanting at the match which may have prompted Mr Lawless’s response.

Marine chairman Paul Leary said: “We have announced that contracted player John Lawless has left the club and his contract has been cancelled by agreement of both parties.”

The Football Association wrote to the Mr Lawless about the allegations who responded in writing after a complaint was made to the governing body.

FC United was formed in 2005 by Manchester United fans opposed to Malcolm Glazer’s takeover at Old Trafford.

A spokesman for the club, who play in the Unibond League, said: “We were satisfied from the outset it would be dealt with by the relevant authorities, the police and the FA, and we were satisfied Marine would deal with it accordingly.

“The Munich air disaster is a sensitive topic for our supporters.

“It was not something that was pleasant to see, but they reacted impeccably and did not rise to the bait, which was obviously his intention.”

It is understood a second Marine player, Shaun Tuck, was also warned by police for making a similar gesture during the match at Bury FC’s Gigg Lane ground, where FC United play.

He remains with the club although his involvement in the incident is still being investigated.

PC Tony Brown, a football intelligence officer with Greater Manchester police, said: “Offensive behaviour will not be tolerated.

“It is testimony to the swift actions of the officers at the match that this situation was dealt with quickly and without any further incidents.”

The Football Association said it was investigating the matter.

'Munich gesture' footballer has contract terminated

Source: Belfast Telegraph and The Scottish Herald

Thursday, 15 January 2009

A footballer who appeared to mock the Munich air disaster during a game in Manchester has had his contract cancelled by his club, it has emerged.

John Lawless, a midfielder for Marine FC, allegedly made an aeroplane motion with his arms while taking a corner during a match against FC United in December.

Marine FC, based in Crosby, Merseyside, have now terminated the player's contract.

A statement on the team's website this week said that Lawless had left the club, adding that "his contract has been cancelled by agreement of both parties".

The 1958 Munich air crash left 23 people dead, including eight Manchester United players.

Former Manchester United footballer and Munich survivor Albert Scanlon described Lawless as a "complete idiot".

Mr Scanlon suffered from a fractured skull and a broken arm and leg in the crash.

The 73 year old said: "He was probably trying to have a go at the fans but it backfired on him.

"Most people still remember Munich in the right way, but you still get one or two idiots that try and get attention."

FC United was formed in 2005 by Manchester United fans opposed to Malcolm Glazer's takeover at Old Trafford.

Mr Scanlon said: "FC United are still United supporters. The man's a complete idiot."

A spokesman for FC United, which plays in the Unibond League, said: "We were satisfied from the outset that it would be dealt with by the relevant authorities, the police and the FA, and we were satisfied that Marine FC would deal with it accordingly."

He added: "The Munich air disaster is a sensitive topic for our supporters. It wasn't something that was pleasant to see but they reacted impeccably and didn't rise to the bait, which was obviously his intention."

It is understood that a second Marine FC player, Shaun Tuck, was also warned by police for making a similar gesture during the match at Gigg Lane in Bury, Greater Manchester.

Pc Tony Brown, a football intelligence officer with Greater Manchester Police, said: "Offensive behaviour will not be tolerated and it is testimony to the swift actions of the officers at the match that this situation was dealt with quickly and without any further incidents."

The Football Association said it was investigating the matter.

Football rivalry goes too far (BBC Video)

Source: BBC (Video)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7832078.stm

'Mocking' footballer leaves club

Source: BBC

A Merseyside footballer who appeared to mock the Munich air disaster during a game in Manchester has had his contract cancelled by his club, it has emerged.

John Lawless, a player for Marine FC, allegedly made an aeroplane motion with his arms while taking a corner during a match against FC United in December.

Marine FC, based in Crosby, have now terminated the player's contract.

A statement on the team's website said "his contract has been cancelled by agreement of both parties".

The 1958 Munich air crash left 23 people dead, including eight Manchester United players.

FC United was formed in 2005 by Manchester United fans opposed to Malcolm Glazer's takeover at Old Trafford.

The Football Association said it was investigating the matter.

FC eye 'Cable' climb

15/ 1/2009

FC UNITED will bid to further close the gap in the race for a play-off place as they host Prescot Cables on Saturday, January 17, kick-off 3pm.

The reds moved to within four points of the UniBond Premier League’s top six with a 1-0 away win at Boston at the weekend.

Their goal scoring hero was Kyle Wilson, who notched his 24th goal of the season.

Prescot come to Gigg Lane having beaten FC 4-3 in the reverse fixture back in September.

In that match, FC came from behind to level the scores at 3-3 only for the Knowsley side to break their hearts with a last minute goal on the counter attack.

United warmed up for Saturday’s game with a 2-1 friendly victory over North West Counties side Maine Road on Tuesday night.

FC new boys Tunji Moses and ex-Maine Roader Neil Chappel played in the match.

The on the gate admission prices for Saturday are £7.50 for adults, £5 for over-60s and £2 for under-18s.

John Lawless’ contract with Marine terminated

Source: Crosby Herald

Jan 15 2009 by Philip Kirkbride, Crosby Herald

JOHN Lawless’ contract with Marine was terminated on Tuesday – but the club are keeping tight-lipped as to why he is leaving the Arriva Stadium.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who had hit six goals in 21 games for the Mariners this season, is being investigated by the Football Association for his alleged conduct during his club’s visit to FC United of Manchester on December 20.

Lawless has been accused by FC United fans of taunting the home crowd by mimicking an aeroplane – a gesture believed to be in reference to the Munich air disaster of 1958, when eight Manchester United players were killed.

Another Mariner player, Shaun Tuck, was also accused of making a similar gesture after his side made it 1-1 through Peter Cumiskey’s 34th minute penalty.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed to the Herald that two men were officially warned at half-time of the UniBond Premier Division match at Gigg Lane, with Marine later confirming that Lawless and Tuck had been written to by the FA and had since responded.

Match referee John Corkhill included the alleged incidents in his match report, which prompted the UniBond League to take the matter to the FA.

Marine chairman Paul Leary had issued a statement to the press on Monday, confirming that an investigation was underway. He then updated the club’s stance on Tuesday evening, saying Lawless had left the Mariners.

But officials at Marine declined to expand on a club statement, which read: “Marine FC announces that contracted player John Lawless has today left the club and his contract has been cancelled by agreement of both parties“.

Manager Alvin McDonald did admit that losing a player of Lawless’ stature would be a huge blow.

He said: “From a player-manager point of view, I am really disappointed. He is an excellent player and over the last two months, he has been our best player. John is a match winner, talented and really enjoyed playing for Marine FC. He could have gone to other clubs and earned bigger wages, but he stuck to his word right throughout the summer and signed with us. I am not looking to bring in anyone to replace him. We have got Darren Brookfield and Paul Woolcott, who can play on the right side of midfield. It is one of the strongest positions at the club.”

Meanwhile, Brookfield is a doubt for Marine’s first competitive match of 2009 against Witton Albion on Saturday, after picking up a foot injury in the 4-0 win over Ashton Athletic in Tuesday night’s friendly match.

Though McDonald is hopeful Brookfield can shake off the knock, he is less optimistic about the chances of Joe Fowler, who was forced off with a twisted knee. Tim Bigland is also a doubt through illness.

Don’t forget that you can keep up-to-date with all the action from Marine v Witton Albion on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, and the Lancashire Co-op Trophy match at Kendal Town on Tuesday night, kick-off 7:45pm, by logging onto www.crosbyherald.co.uk

(GER) Standing room only

Source: Junge Welt

Ein Buch über Englands erste proletarische Jugendkultur. Der Erlös geht an den FC United of Manchester
Von Christian Bunke

Wer sind diese Leute?« fragt der BBC-Reporter verwundert. Die hundert Sitzplätze im dekorierten Veranstaltungsraum der Bibliothek in Manchester sind voll besetzt. »Standing room only« und von diesem machen Dutzende Gebrauch. Andrew Davies, Professor für Kriminalgeschichte an der Universität Liverpool, stellt sein neues Buch vor. Im Publikum sind keine Yuppies, kaum bekennende Studierende und nur wenig Intellektuelle zu finden. Statt dessen ist der Saal gefüllt mit Jugendlichen, Arbeitern, Fußballfans.

Andrew Davies liest an diesem Abend aus seinem Buch »The Gangs of Manchester«. Hier geht es um die Scuttlers, Großbritanniens erste proletarische Jugendsubkultur. Das Buch brauchte 17 Jahre Entstehungszeit. 17 Jahre Wühlen in Polizei- und Zeitungsarchiven.

Scuttlers machten die Straßen Manchesters in der zweiten Hälfte des 19.Jahrhunderts unsicher. Manchester galt damals als die Mutter aller modernen Großstädte. Der erste saure Regen der Welt fiel in Manchester, der Heimatstadt der ersten Großindustrie. Die Straßen waren finster und schmutzig, die Arbeiterwohnungen so überfüllt wie die zahllosen Kneipen.

Hier besoff sich der junge Engels, von den Einwohnern noch heute liebevoll Fred genannt. Nebenbei schrieb er ein Buch über die Lage der arbeitenden Klasse Englands. Eine junge Salforderin namens Mary Burns paßte auf, daß ihm keiner aufs Maul haute. Sie beschaffte ihm auch die dringend nötigen Kontakte. Engels’ Buch wäre ohne sie nicht entstanden.

Eine moderne Stadt brachte eine moderne Jugend hervor. 12- bis 15jährige Mancs, Mädchen und Jungs, arbeiteten in den Fabriken. Einen Teil ihres Lohns gaben sie an ihre Eltern ab. Den Rest verpraßten sie in Musikhallen und Pubs. Die Mittelklasse war empört. In der Presse wurde ausführlich der Verfall der bürgerlichen Familie beklagt. Die jungen Leute sollten gefälligst zu Hause bleiben und nicht in der Stadt herumstromern.

Mutti und Vati wollten die Teenager zu Hause nicht haben. Oft lebten mehrere Arbeiterfamilien auf engstem Raum zusammen. Und die Jugendlichen fühlten sich als Erwachsene. Wer tagsüber für Niedriglöhne in der Fabrik schuftet, kann abends selbst über sein spärliches Geld entscheiden. Es entstand die erste Jugendmode: Schlaghosen, Clogs mit Metallbeschlägen. Kappen wurden schräg ins Gesicht gezogen, damit sie die modische Frisur nicht ganz verdeckten. Am wichtigsten der Ledergürtel, insbesondere die Schnalle. Mit der Schnalle galt es anzugeben. Es gab Schnallen in allen Formen und Farben, die Trends wechselten beinahe täglich.

Dies waren die Scuttlers. Die Straßen, Gassen und Hinterhöfe Manchesters gehörten ihnen. Sie waren territorial organisiert und zogen zu Hunderten gegeneinander in die Schlacht. Die Gürtelschnalle wurde zur wichtigsten Waffe. Es kam zur ersten Medienhysterie gegen »die Jugend von heute«. Am allerschlimmsten: Nicht nur die Jungs kloppten sich in Manchesters Hinterhöfen, auch die Mädchen beteiligten sich leidenschaftlich. Der Sittenverfall war komplett. Journalisten, Staatsanwälte, Richter forderten die Wiedereinführung des Auspeitschens für Jugendliche. Um der Lage Herr zu werden, wurden später die Lads Clubs gegründet, die ersten Jugendclubs. Jahrzehnte später gründeten sich im Salford Lads Club »The Smiths«. Auch in anderen Städten hinterließen solche Initiativen Spuren. Die Beat Clubs im Liverpool der 1950er Jahre waren teilweise ein Versuch, Jugendliche in einer kontrollierbaren Umgebung zusammenzuführen.

Andrew Davies vermacht den Erlös seines Buches dem FC United of Manchester, dem Verein, der sich den Kampf gegen den modernen Fußball auf die Fahnen geschrieben hat. Viele ältere Vereinsmitglieder machten in den 80er Jahren als »Perry Boys« die Straßen Manchesters, Englands und Europas unsicher. Ihre Vorfahren waren die Scutt­lers.

Die Moston Action Drama Group, eine Jugendtheatergruppe, will ein Stück aus dem Buch machen, um in ihrem Stadtteil eine Diskussion über heutige Gangstrukturen anzuregen.

Andrew Davies: The Gangs of Manchester – The Story of the Scuttlers. Milo Books, Preston 2008, 325 Seiten, 13,30 Euro * 11,99 Pfund zum aktuellen Kurs

Player sacked over Munich jibes

Source: Manchester Evening News

Chris Osuh
15/ 1/2009

A FOOTBALLER who mocked the Munich air disaster during a game against FC United has been sacked by his club.

John Lawless, 26, who played in midfield for Merseyside team Marine FC, sparked uproar during the match at Gigg Lane by making an 'aeroplane' gesture with his arms while taking a corner.

Stewards had to restrain furious FC United fans from running on to the pitch. A second Marine player, Shaun Tuck, was warned by police at half-time for making a similar gesture.

It later emerged that Lawless was a member of a group on social networking website Facebook dedicated to making cruel jibes about the crash.

Now, Marine FC has announced that the 26-year-old - whom they signed from Colwyn Bay just a few months ago - has had his contract cancelled.

Eight of Manchester United's 'Busby Babes', three club staff and eight journalists were killed in the 1958 air crash.

FC United was formed by Manchester United fans angered by the Malcolm Glazer takeover.

Munich survivor Harry Gregg blasted Lawless' behaviour as 'stupid' last night.

The 76-year-old former goalkeeper, who pulled teammates from the burning plane, told the M.E.N.: "This behaviour has no place in football.

"It's nonsense to make signals relating to a tragedy that happened a long time ago and few clubs, certainly not Liverpool Football Club, would tolerate a player doing so."

Pathetic

Sandy Busby the 72-year-old son of the late Sir Matt Busby, said Lawless' behaviour was 'pathetic'.

He added: "He's embarrassed Marine and he's embarrassed himself.

"It's very poor form. I would personally urge Manchester United and FC United fans not to rise to it when idiots try and make you have a go at them."

A statement on Marine FC's website said: "Marine FC announces that contract player John Lawless has today left the club and his contract has been cancelled by agreement of both parties."

The club's chairman, Paul Leary, added: "We have received a written enquiry from the FA regarding allegations.

"The club has responded to the FA in writing and has also spoken to the players regarding the complaints.

"The two players have also been written to by the FA and they too have responded in writing. Both the club and the players are cooperating fully with the enquiry by an officer of the FA."

Referee John Corkhill included the incident in his match report, which prompted Unibond League officials to report the matter to the Football Association (FA).

The matter is likely to come before the FA's regulatory commission, which will consider the referee's report and decide if a charge should be brought. Croxteth-raised Mr Lawless, a former Liverpool FC trainee who has a 'Liver Bird' club tattoo, would then have about one week to respond to any charge.

FC United general manager Andy Walsh said: "We will have to see what the outcome of that investigation is.

"I would like to praise the professional approach of the match day stewards and police who moved quickly to deal with the incident in a responsible way so problems were kept to a minimum.

"I want to say 'thanks' to FC United fans who did not rise to the bait."

Greater Manchester Police football intelligence officer, PC Tony Brown, said: "Offensive behaviour will not be tolerated and it is testimony to the swift actions of the officers at the match that this situation was dealt with quickly and without any further incidents."

Cold Front

Source; edited from: Eastern Daily Press

15 January 2009
MARK HEARLE



With that match being called of the round of phone calls began again although this time there was not quite as many. So now it appeared that something very unusual was about to happen to me - a winter's afternoon with no football! I had just about come around to the idea when the phone rang with the offer of a trip up to Boston alongside the manager to take in their Unibond League game with FC United of Manchester!

It was, of course an offer that I could not refuse and off we went as happy as a fly on..you know the rest I'm sure!

The game itself was nothing special resulting in a single goal victory for the visitors. One thing that I will remember about the game though is the cold. I can now say that it was the coldest I have ever been watching a game of football anywhere! It really was bitter and what with the effect of the wind it felt like -10C. It did feel rather strange though just to sit and watch a game and not having to write or talk about it. It's quite a while since I last done that although the change was just the job.

Boston 0 FC United 1

Unibond Premier League

3:42pm Wednesday 14th January 2009

By Staff Sports Reporter

KYLE Wilson’s 85th minute strike sealed victory for FC United in artic conditions at York Street.

In the only league game to be played in the Unibond Premier, the Rebels survived an early scare when Gary King headed past Sam Ashton from a corner. Boston’s celebrations were cut short, however, as the goal was disallowed for a push in the box.

The hosts offered the most in attack, but Wilson had a chance to put FC ahead when his side were awarded a free kick on the left, but he fired into the keeper’s chest.

Adam Carden was unlucky not to do better with a curling shot from the edge of the penalty area which went narrowly the wrong side of the post.

Tommy Turner also had a chance to put the ball away, but could only find the side-netting.

Simon Garner prevented Boston from going ahead just before the interval with an excellent saving tackle on Ollie Ryan.

It was mainly tit-for-tat after the break and there were handbags at dawn when Carden and Ryan clashed, resulting in a booking for both players.

Carden might had the last laugh when his ball in from the right was turned on to his own post by the aptly named Matt Bloomer.

The FC contingent were celebrating when Wilson picked up an excellent ball from Danny Warrender before slotting a fine shot under the Boston keeper with just five minutes remaining.

The Rebel Reds will now face Prescot Cables at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

Death taunt player's contract terminated

9:56am Wednesday 14th January 2009

By Dale Haslam

A FOOTBALL player has had his contract terminated after taunting fans by mocking the death of 23 people in an air crash.

John Lawless, aged 26, who played for Merseyside side Marine FC, was given an official police warning at half time in a match against Unibond League rivals FC United of Manchester at Gigg Lane, Bury, on December 20.

While taking a corner at the end of the ground in which most of the 2,122 spectators were gathered, Mr Lawless was seen to wave his arms to make an aeroplane gesture in an apparent reference to the Munich air disaster in 1958.

The crash killed eight players of Manchester United - the sister club of FC United. Three Manchester United staff and eight journalists also died.

Mr Lawless’s taunt led to uproar in the stadium and stewards had to prevent several fans from going onto the pitch.

At half-time, officers from Greater Manchester Police told Mr Lawless and his teammate Shaun Tuck, who was also seen to make the gesture, that they would be arrested if they continued to offend supporters.

After the game, it came to light that Mr Lawless was a member of social networking website Facebook and his profile showed he was a member of an interest group called Munich 58 Was The Best Thing Ever. He has since left the group.

Referee John Corkhill included the incident in his match report, which prompted Unibond League officials to report the matter to the Football Association (FA).

Football intelligence officer, PC Tony Brown, said: “Offensive behaviour will not be tolerated and it is testimony to the swift actions of the officers at the match that this situation was dealt with quickly and without any further incidents.”

On Tuesday, a Marine FC spokesman said: "Marine FC announces that contract player John Lawless has today left the club and his contract has been cancelled by agreement of both parties."

The club's chairman, Paul Leary, added: “We have received a written enquiry from the FA regarding allegations. The club has responded to the FA in writing and has also spoken to the players regarding the complaints.

“The two players have also been written to by the FA and they too have responded in writing. Both the club and the players are cooperating fully with the enquiry by an officer of the FA."

FC United general manager Andy Walsh said: “We will have to see what the outcome of that investigation is.

“I would like to praise the professional approach of the matchday stewards and police who moved quickly to deal with the incident in a responsible way so problems were kept to a minimum and I want to say ‘thanks’ to FC United fans who did not rise to the bait.”

The matter is likely to come before the FA’s regulatory commission, which will consider the referee’s report and decide if a charge should be brought. Mr Lawless would then have about one week to respond to any charge.

Fun runners dig deep for children's charity

10:21am Tuesday 13th January 2009

By Dale Haslam

FOOTBALL fans from community-run club FC United have put their best foot to raise cash for a Prestwich-based children’s charity.

More than 100 of the Bury-based team’s supporters took part in a 5.8km family fun run in October at Chorlton Water Park raising £20,000, which has been split between the club and MedEquip4Kids.

Club staff will present the cheque to MedEquip4Kids deputy director Ghazala Baig before their league match against Prescot Cables on Saturday, January 17.

The ‘minithon’ event was the latest in a series of partnerships between FC United and the charity.

It was started by paralympian Matt Walker, of Marple, who won five medals at the Beijing Olympics last summer.

Afterwards, the hardy runners rested their tired feet in a fun day at Chorlton Irish Club, with all proceeds from that event added to the total.

MedEquip4Kids is spending the £10,000 on a new ventilator for the North Manchester General Hospital women and children’s unit. It is used to stabalise the breathing of children in the high dependency unit.

Mrs Baig said: “The support we have had from FC fans has been incredible and the amount of money raised has far surpassed our expectations.

“MedEquip4Kids would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the last few months and to know that their hard work is allowing us to ensure children and babies are receiving the best care possible when in hospital."

Late heartbreak for United

12 January 2009

Monday, 9.10am

BOSTON United succumbed to their ninth home league defeat of the campaign as FC Unnited of Manchester's Kyle Wilson slotted home an 85th-minute winner.

The Pilgrims looked as if they had earned themselves a point from this fixture, but Ryan Clarke's wayward cross-field pass allowed to visitors to snatch victory at the death.

Boston had previously seen efforts from Wes Parker and Stewart Talbot blocked on the goal-line.

The game, however, was blighted by a 20-man brawl - sparked by an altercation between Ollie Ryan and his FC United opponent Adam Carden.

Player faces action over death-taunt allegation

12:32pm Monday 12th January 2009

By Dale Haslam

A FOOTBALL player is facing disciplinary action after allegedly taunting fans by mocking the death of 23 people in an air crash.

John Lawless, aged 26, who plays for Merseyside side Marine FC, was given an official police warning at half time in a match against Unibond League rivals FC United of Manchester at Gigg Lane, Bury, on December 20.

While taking a corner at the end of the ground in which most of the 2,122 spectators were gathered, Mr Lawless was seen to wave his arms to make an aeroplane gesture in an apparent reference to the Munich air disaster in 1958.

The crash killed eight players of Manchester United - the sister club of FC United. Three Manchester United staff and eight journalists also died.

Mr Lawless’s taunt led to uproar in the stadium and stewards had to prevent several fans from going onto the pitch.

At half-time, officers from Greater Manchester Police told Mr Lawless and his teammate Shaun Tuck, who was also seen to make the gesture, that they would be arrested if they continued to offend supporters.

After the game, it came to light that Mr Lawless was a member of social networking website Facebook and his profile showed he was a member of an interest group called Munich 58 Was The Best Thing Ever. He has since left the group.

Referee John Corkhill included the incident in his match report, which prompted Unibond League officials to report the matter to the Football Association (FA).

Football intelligence officer, PC Tony Brown, said: “Offensive behaviour will not be tolerated and it is testimony to the swift actions of the officers at the match that this situation was dealt with quickly and without any further incidents.”

An FA spokesman said: “We did receive reports from the match referee and we are investigating.”

FC United general manager Andy Walsh said: “We will have to see what the outcome of that investigation is.

“I would like to praise the professional approach of the matchday stewards and police who moved quickly to deal with the incident in a responsible way so problems were kept to a minimum and I want to say ‘thanks’ to FC United fans who did not rise to the bait.”

Marine FC chairman Paul Leary said: “We have received a written enquiry from the FA regarding allegations made against our players Shaun Tuck and John Lawless with regard to alleged use of gestures at the game of FC Utd of Manchester.

“The club has responded to the FA in writing and has also spoken to the players regarding the complaints.

“The two players have also been written to by the FA and they too have responded in writing.

“Both the club and the players are cooperating fully with the enquiry by an officer of the FA.

“Marine FC is not prepared to further comment upon the matter as it is being dealt with by the FA.”

The matter is likely to come before the FA’s regulatory commission, which will consider the referee’s report and decide if a charge should be brought.

Mr Lawless would then have about one week to respond to any charge.

Battling Boston fall to sucker punch

08:00 - 12 January 2009

Steve Welsh is confident his under pressure Boston United side can turn their season around after they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against FC United of Manchester at York Street on Saturday.

In the only game played in the UniBond League Premier Division at the weekend, the Pilgrims were outdone by a late goal to leave them teetering just a point off the drop zone in 17th place.

Welsh's team fell victim to a Kyle Wilson strike on 85 mintes after Ryan Clarke needlessly gifted the ball to the league's top scorer who sealed the win for Manchester.

Not even new Lincoln City loanee Gary King could save the Pilgrims from another defeat despite the striker having a third-minute effort ruled out for a foul on Manchester goalkeeper Sam Ashton by Pilgrims striker Jon Froggatt.

"I thought we played a lot better than we have recently" insisted Welsh.

"It doesn't take a genius to see that we need to take our chances.

"If we had done that we would have been out of sight.

"The trouble is when you miss those chances they can come back to haunt you and they did on Saturday when they scored late on. They hit us with a real sucker punch.

"At the very least it should have been a draw."

Welsh believes that the Pilgrims have walked a fine line between success and failure in recent weeks.

And the former Lincoln City defender does not believe his team is being outclassed.

"It's not that we're being cut apart, apart from the game against Nantwich the other week when we lost 5-0" said Welsh.

"If you look back at the games we have lost this season and analyse them you will see that there is a small margin by which we have been beaten at times.

"We never looked like being under any threat at the weekend and I felt we posed the bigger threat.

"We had our goal disallowed after three minutes, but these things happen.

Round-up

11/ 1/2009

FC UNITED boss Karl Marginson saluted ace marksman Kyle Wilson after his 24th goal of the season had secured the rebel Reds another three precious points towards their planned promotion assault.

Wilson struck five minutes from time after seizing on a defensive blunder to give United a hugely satisfying 1-0 win at Boston on a day when senior non-League was again hit hard the freezing conditions, with all but a handful of fixtures being postponed.

It was a sweet triumph for Marginson's men as it avenges home defeats by the Lincolnshire side in both the league and FA Trophy.

And, while it wasn't enough to move the visitors up from 11th in the UniBond premier division, victory at York Street means FC are now just four points short of a play-off place and set fair to challenge for a fourth successive promotion.

Marginson said: "It was a tough game and there weren't many clear-cut chances, but Kyle showed you only need one sometimes.

"He brings a lot to our team and results like this when hardly anyone else played really help our push for the play-offs."

WHITMAN JOINS FC UNITED

09/01/2009

UniBond League Premier Division club FC United of Manchester have signed experienced striker Tristram Whitman on loan from league rivals Eastwood Town.

Whitman (pictured), 29, left Arnold Town to join Doncaster Rovers, then in the Conference, in February 2000, making thirty-two appearances and scoring fifteen goals.

Since then he has flitted amongst several Conference clubs before joining Bradford Park Avenue on loan from Farsley Celtic.

At Park Avenue he was instrumental in firing the Stans into the UniBond Premier, contributing nine goals in eleven league games.

Manager Karl Marginson said: "We are glad to have Tristram on board, especially with the busy run of games heading our way. It is great to have his experience in the squad, especially his experience within this league and I hope he enjoys his time with us."

Meanwhile, Chris Baguley will be taking a break from FC United and travelling to Cyprus to continue his playing career overseas.

Marginson added: "I think this is a good decision Chris has made. It will be a better environment for him and away from distractions. We wish him all the best in Cyprus."

Defender Liam Foster has been released by the club. In a short-term measure to aid him in returning to full fitness, he has signed for UniBond Division One North side Salford City.

United in fine form

8/ 1/2009

FC UNITED make the long journey to Boston on Saturday, January 10, kick-off 3pm, hoping to continue the fine form that they showed in their 3-0 win over Worksop Town at the weekend.

Striker Tommy Turner furthered his impressive start to life at FC with a brace of strikes and Simon Carden added the other goal as the reds eased to victory in Nottinghamshire to set themselves up nicely for the longest away trip of the season.

FC lie 11th in the UniBond Premier League and manager Karl Marginson remains confident that his side can claim a promotion place come May.

He said: "Looking at the table, I think we have an excellent chance of going up. There’s not many points separating the top sides and everyone is beating everyone. So, if we keep playing our best, we will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season."

United also beat Salford City 3-2 in a behind closed doors friendly in midweek and they will fancy their chances against 17th-placed Boston.

Admission to the game costs £12 for adults, £8 for concessions and £4 for under-16s in the stands. The respective prices on the terraces are £10, £7 and £3.

Weather wreaks havoc with games

1:50am Monday 5th January 2009

By Staff Sports Reporter

FROZEN pitches forced a spate of postponements that decimated Saturday’s Vodkat North West Counties League programme.

In the Premier Division Atherton Collieries’ home game against Runcorn Linnets and Atherton LR’s game at Maine Road were lost and Daisy Hill’s First Division fixture at Chadderton was also hit.

In the Unibond League Challenge Cup Leigh Genesis were again hit by the weather and hope their game at Ashton United will go ahead next Monday, while Radcliffe Borough’s First Division game at home to Bamber Bridge was also called off.

In the Unibond Premier Division Tommy Turner fired a second-half double in FC United’s convincing 3-0 victory at struggling Worksop Town.

The former Bacup striker struck twice in eight minutes to wrap up the points in the UniBond Premier League clash.

Simon Carden had put the Rebels in front on 38 minutes after unselfish work from Kyle Wilson.

The league's top scorer was involved again when he set-up Turner's first on 68 minutes.

And the Reds hitman completed the win with a well-taken finish after beating the offside trap.

Mixed start to new year for Tigers

Published Date: 05 January 2009

By Guardian Sport

WORKSOP Town have climbed out of the relegation zone, after a mixed start to 2009.

An impressive 3-0 win away at Frickley Athletic on New Year's Day was followed by a defeat by the same scoreline, at home on Saturday.

FC United of Manchester were the visitors at the weekend, when 443 watched the Lancashire side sealed their ninth win of the season.

Tigers lie 15th in the UniBond Premier, thanks to the victory on New Year's Day, when Chris Adam, Matt Glass and Gary Townsend were on target.

Peter Rinkcavage's men have no game on Wednesday night, after the Buxton and Matlock Town League Cup fixture was postponed on Saturday.

Tigers are due to face the winner.

Non-league round up

5/ 1/2009

BOSS Karl Marginson insisted it's not beyond FC United to achieve a fourth successive promotion in 2009 after seeing them kick off the New Year in style.

Two Tommy Turner goals plus Simon Carden's simple tap-in gave the rebel Reds a comfortable 3-0 win at Worksop on a day when most local non-League fixtures were again frozen off.

Although FC remain 11th in the UniBond premier division, victory in Nottinghamshire means they're now just seven points short of a play-off place with at least one game in hand on many of the teams above them.

Marginson said: "We've a lot to do, but we firmly believe promotion to Blue Square North remains a realistic target."

Carden opened the scoring seven minutes before the break after Simon Garner and Kyle Wilson had combined to provide him with the simplest of chances.

Turner then struck twice in eight minutes midway through the second-half as lowly Worksop were sunk without trace.

(SWE) Manchesters fans i skilda världar

Automatic Google Translation: http://tinyurl.com/9qgkub

Source: Dagens Nyheter, Sweden


Manchesters fans i skilda världar
Hos United gjorde fansen revolt mot den nye stenrike ägaren. Hos City välkomnas en arabisk mångmiljardär med öppna armar. Supportrarnas reaktion på kommersialiseringen av den engelska fotbollen tar sig olika uttryck i Manchester.

/content/1/c6/87/01/01/arabcity153.jpg
Foto: Jon Super/AP
Manchester Citys ägare från Förenade Arabemiraten hyllas på läktarna.

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Spårvagnen stånkar norrut från Manchester Piccadilly och når Bury en halv timme senare. Utanför den lokala puben är inför-matchen-snacket i full gång och här umgås fans från både hemma- och bortalaget. På vägen ner till Gigg Lane tätnar leden av röda tröjor. Här märks en och annan som vill visa sin sympati med Manchester United, men de flesta tröjorna är, även om de starkt påminner om storklubbens, fria från sponsortryck. Det är en tydlig markering från FC United och dess fans.

Hela klubbens existens är en protestaktion mot den utveckling deras älskade Manchester United genomgått. De känner sig rånade på sin klubb och beslutade sig för att starta en egen.

- Hur lång tid har du? svarar Phil Busby på frågan om varför han har kommit för att se mötet mellan FC United och Worksop Town i The Unibond League Premier Division.

Kvaliteten på fotbollen är fjärran från den som spelas på Old Trafford, men Phil Busby, som hade säsongsbiljett hos Manchester United i 36 år, säger att han har roligare på lördagarna här.

- Det roliga försvann på Old Trafford och det blev bara värre och värre. Det här är United för mig numera, säger Busby, som inte har något nära släktskap med den legendariske Unitedmanagern Matt Busby.

Liksom för så många andra av kärnsupportrarna blev Malcolm Glazers övertagande av Manchester United 2005 droppen som fick tålamodsbägaren att rinna över.

Utvecklingen där fansen kände sig utnyttjade av en klubb som mer och mer liknade ett globalt företag hade pågått sedan 90-talet, men en amerikansk affärsman som ägare för den engelska klubb de vigt stora delar av sitt liv åt blev för mycket för gänget på den klassiska läktaren Stratford End. De bildade en egen klubb för att försöka återskapa alla de ideal och ingredienser som gjort engelsk fotboll till vad den är.

- Det finns unga människor i dag som tror att engelsk fotboll började 1992, när Premier League skapades, säger Busby, som är en av drygt 2.000 åskådare denna lördag.

Han har sin tonårige son Peter vid sin sida och berättar att hans far brukade ta med honom till Old Trafford och att hans avsikt var att föra traditionen vidare med sin son, men de ständigt stigande biljettpriserna och svårigheterna att komma över säsongskort fick honom att ge upp. Det pussel han tvingades lägga för att han och Peter skulle kunna sitta tillsammans på Old Trafford var tidskrävande och kostade honom cirka 2.500 kronor per match.

Det kostar 80 kronor att sitta på långsidan på FC Uniteds matcher. Ungdomar under 18 betalar 25 kronor. För det får man, som Phil Busby uttrycker det, ingen Cristiano Ronaldo, men däremot sång och klassiska ramsor i drygt 90 minuter. Många av dem som sjöng på Stratford End har fortsatt karriären på Gigg Lane. Karl Marginson sjunger inte så mycket längre, för han har spelet att koncentrera sig på. Han är den klassiska Unitedsupportern som fått äran att vara manager för FC United och 37-åringen säger att det känns helt fantastiskt att representera Uniteds fans.

Matchen mot Worksop slutar 0-0 och Marginson konstaterar missnöjt att det var för många, långa bollar in mot ett storväxt försvar.

Annars kan de första fyra säsongerna för klubben, med tre uppflyttningar, inte beskrivas som något annat än en succé.

Marginson, som själv spelade för Macclesfield Town, har satt ihop ett lag som skulle kunna vara hämtat ur serietidningen Buster. Här finns allt från murare till folk som arbetar på revisionsbyrå och de tjänar en tusenlapp i veckan på sin fotboll.

Managern skakar på huvudet när brasilianaren Robinhos påstådda veckolön på 150.000 pund (drygt 1,6 miljoner) förs på tal.

- Hur kan en fotbollsspelare ha så mycket betalt? Det är helt verklighetsfrämmande. Här sysslar vi inte med underhållningsindustri, vi är en fotbollsklubb, säger Marginson.

I FC United råder total demokrati. Fansen äger klubben och röstar om alla viktiga beslut.

Enligt stadgarna ska man undvika ekonomisk exploatering så mycket som möjligt och försöka främja unga, lokala talangers fotbollsspelande.

- Titta på United på 90-talet. Unga, lokala killar som Giggs, Scholes och bröderna Neville fick chansen. Nu köps det bara in utländska stjärnor, säger Marginson.

Tröjtryckandet går på högvarv i klubbshopen vid Manchester City Stadium. R-O-B-I-N-H-O är bokstäverna som de allra flesta vill ha tryckta på de ljusblå tröjorna. Om det funnits arabiska kläder och huvudbonader till salu hade de förmodligen sålt bra de också.

Manchester Citys fans svävar på moln sedan det blev klart att klubben köpts av Shejk Sulaiman al-Fahim och hans Abu Dhabi Group. Över en i fansens ögon förtrollad natt blev City klubben i världen med de starkaste ekonomiska musklerna. För att markera den nya världsordningen såg al-Fahim till att det - för 350 miljoner kronor - stod Manchester och inte London på den flygbiljett som Robinho använde när han lämnade Madrid.

Resultaten har under hösten inte motsvarat förhoppningarna, men under transferfönstret i januari öppnas möjligheter att förstärka laget.

Under lång tid har Citys fans avundats ärkerivalerna Manchester Uniteds framgångar, men redan i fjol började de ljusblå vädra morgonluft. Klubben köptes av den före detta thailändske premiärministern Thaksin Shinawatra och in kom svenske managern Sven-Göran Eriksson och förde laget till en slutlig plats på övre halvan i Premier League efter bland annat två segrar över United. Även om det inte var gott nog för en ägare med osedvanligt lite tålamod.

Fans verkar inte bekymrade över att City fått sin tredje ägare på 15 månader. Och det spelar ingen roll att Shinawatra anklagats för korruption i sitt hemland.

- Så länge vi vinner med 6-0 får vem som helst äga klubben, säger David, en supporter som DN träffar strax efter en segermatch för City.

Mannen som styr Manchester Citys utveckling är Gary Cook, en före detta direktör på Nike, som anställdes redan under Shinawatratiden för att locka Nikespelaren Ronaldinho till City. Trots att han inte lyckades har Cook blivit kvar och i ett 83-sidigt dokument drar han upp riktlinjerna för Citys framtid, främst den som framgångsrikt företag. För om klubbledningen i FC United motsätter sig utvecklingen av fotbollen som en kommersiell produkt försöker Cook utveckla till den ett varumärke. Målet är att Manchester City i framtiden ska kunna erbjuda både varor och tjänster med sitt namn på: Citybilen, telefonkortet City, Cityburgare hos snabbmatskedjan med samma namn.

- Vi måste tänka globalt. Det är något som inte känns rätt när man ser oss i Peking, Bangkok eller Tokyo och ser "Fred Smith's rörmokare, ring 0161..." , sade Cook vid en presskonferens när ägarskiftet i klubben stod klart.

Han vill se den engelska fotbollen ta efter sättet som amerikansk idrott drivs på.

- Premier League ligger tio år efter när det gäller försäljning. Manchester United har bara skrapat på ytan, enligt Cook.

David Conn är journalist och författare. Han har bland annat skrivit böckerna "The beautiful game?" och "The football business", som båda betraktar vad som hänt med engelsk fotboll sedan Premier League startades, sedan tv-bolagen började pumpa in miljarder och klubbarna blev aktiebolag. Conn beskriver hur klubbägarna blivit rika och hur många av världens bästa spelare hamnat i Premier League, men menar att det många gånger skett på bekostnad av fans som inte har råd att gå på matcherna, mindre klubbar vars existens hotas och på gräsrotsfotbollen, som inte får tillräcklig del av det överskott som Premier League skapar.

Conn säger att kontrasterna mellan det som händer i Manchester är slående och att Citys nya ägare i princip använder en engelsk fotbollsklubb för att göra reklam för Abu Dhabi.

- Förmodligen kommer vi att få se fler ägare från Mellanöstern och Asien, säger Conn, som inte tror att Premier League behöver påverkas lika mycket som andra branscher av finanskrisen.

David Conn välkomnar kulturministern Andy Burnhams uttalande nyligen, där han bad FA och Premier League se över hur man bäst ska vårda fotbollen i landet i framtiden.

Liksom ministern är David Conn orolig för att kommersialiseringen av sporten gör att den riskerar att förlora kontakten med de supportrar som Conn menar skapat dess historia och gjort den till vad den är.

Jens Littorin, DN:s korrespondent