Rebels launch Marsh bid

February 12, 2009

FC UNITED are hoping to sign former Manchester United youngster Phil Marsh in time for him to make his debut against Leigh Genesis at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

Marsh, 22, has been playing for UniBond premier bottom club Genesis but Rebels boss Karl Marginson put in seven days' notice on the striker last week and is now awaiting an answer from the player.

The St Helens-born player was a product of United's youth system, but almost had his career ended as a 17-year-old when he was the innocent victim of a car crash which saw team-mates Calum Flanagan and Mads Timm sent to a young offenders' institute.

Marsh recovered to become a right back in the reserves and made his only first-team appearance in a Carling Cup tie at Crewe in 2006.

After being released by United in 2007, he drifted to Blackpool - where he failed to play in the first team - and has since been in non-League.

This season he was at Northwich and Hyde before signing for Leigh, for whom he has scored three goals in nine games.

Marsh may be needed to replace top scorer Kyle Wilson, who faces a consultation tomorrow on a knee injury which could keep him out for up to six weeks.

The Rebels have already added to their firepower this week, bringing in 27-year-old Hyde front man Carl Lomax.

"He's a big, strong lad who can play with his back to goal but also has an eye for goal - he has scored against us in the past for Ramsbottom and Rossendale," says Marginson.

With skipper Dave Chadwick over a niggle, Marginson faces a tough decision for his centre back pairing as Leigh - without a win in ten games - visit Gigg.