FC United joins co-operative movement

Source: Crain's Manchester Business

Football Club United of Manchester, which is controlled though a supporters’ trust, has become a member of Co-operatives UK.

The UniBond League club, set up by disaffected and disenfranchised Manchester United fans after the Glazer takeover, has been an Industrial and Provident Society since it was first set up in July 2005.

Club members elect the board, decide ticket prices and membership fees on a one-member, one-vote basis.

Andy Walsh, General Manager at FC United says: “We are proud to be an Industrial and Provident Society and it felt like a natural progression to join Co-operatives UK.

“The whole ethos of the club is to let the people who really matter in football – the fans – have a vital role in the way the club is run.”

FC United were placed sixth after Saturday’s matches, just outside the play-off places.

This season has been a good one for supporter-owned clubs. Brentford won the League Two championship with Exeter and Bury vying to join them in being promoted. FC Wimbledon have clinched promotion to the Blue Square Premier League.