May 29, 2009
FC UNITED of Manchester Youth completed a trophy treble last weekend when they defeated Middleton Colts in the final of the Manchester County Cup.
United, a team of players mainly based in north Manchester, had previously won the North West Premier Trophy and the North West Youth Cup.
Only Colts stood between them and another record-breaking season when they stepped onto the pitch at Ayreshire Road in Salford.
United had the majority of possession in a tense first half. They created a number of chances but were wasteful in front of goal.
Jamie Mack, Nick Swirad, Tony Iloba and Jack Lyons could have scored, but at the turn round it was still goal-less.
The second half was only two minutes old when Barry Davies picked up the ball at the back and fed Shaun Williams. He easily beat his marker and squared the ball to Toby Iloba who smashed it into the roof of the net.
That calmed nerves, and the Reds then dominated.
Shaun Williams again skinned his marker and squared the ball to Jamie Mack who hammered it home.
United goalkeeper Grant Shenton was a spectator for long periods, but he was called into action when Billy Sutcliffe let fly with a shot saved low down.
It became 3-0 when Williams crossed for Jack Lyons to tap in.
With seconds left Billy Sutcliffe scored a consolation goal for Colts.
Mack picked up the cup for the third time in three years, something that had never been done before.
The win was tinged with sadness, as this team will now be broken up, with most of the players over age next season.
From under 14s level to now they have won 17 trophies, at home and abroad.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Macc for Kyle
Tony Howard
May 28, 2009
FC UNITED’S top striker Kyle Wilson has left the club to turn professional at Macclesfield Town.
For the second season in succession the reds have lost the services of their main hit man, following Rory Patterson’s move to Bradford Park Avenue last year.
Wilson was the UniBond Premier League’s third top scorer with 21 goals, despite missing the last quarter of the season with a knee injury.
His absence hampered United as they missed out on a play-off place in the very last minute of the season as results went against them.
But, despite his disappointment, manager Karl Marginson believes he still has the squad in place to mount a challenge for the title next season.
Marginson, himself a former player with the Silkmen, said: "Kyle was exceptional for us last season and, despite missing a big chunk through injury, he was still up at the top of the scorers charts at the end.
"He is a good player who can easily succeed at a higher level and we are happy to have played a part in him getting a chance to prove it.
"He drifted out of the game before we managed to coax him back and I think being at FC helped relight his love for football.
"He certainly excelled on the pitch and had he been available all season, then we may have made the play-offs.
"We have said from the very start of the club that we will do our best to help players live out their ambitions and if that means playing at a higher level then so be it.
"I won’t stand in the way of a lad who wants to achieve his dream of becoming a professional footballer and we always wish our players good luck when they leave. So Kyle goes with our best wishes and our thanks for the service and goals he gave us."
As for next season, Margy said: "Myself and our staff have spoken to all the players from last season’s squad and they have all indicated their wishes to stay at FC United.
"It’s great news for us because I honestly feel that if the current squad had been together from the very start of the season then we would have been challenging for the title, nevermind the play-offs.
"It’s the best set of lads that we have had at the club and in Phil Marsh we have a high quality striker who will hopefully fill the gap left by Kyle.
"Phil was released by Manchester United, so his quality is evident. Now he has settled at the club we are expecting big things of him next season."
FC travelled to Sweden to face Djurgarden IF in Stockholm’s Olympic stadium on Friday night, beating an all star team 3-1 thanks to goals from Nicky Platt (2) and Jamie Baguley.
Margy, who turned out as a second half substitute, said: "It was a fantastic opportunity for the players and fans to have an adventure into Scandanavia and everyone enjoyed it. I was mint."
Meanwhile, FC are still offering supporters the chance to ‘pay what you can’ for next year’s season tickets at Gigg Lane.
As long as fans pledge £90 or more to the club, they can pay any amount that they can afford.
So far over £43,000 has been pledged. For details visit website: www.fc-utd.co.uk. Or call the FC United office on: 0161 273 8950.
May 28, 2009
FC UNITED’S top striker Kyle Wilson has left the club to turn professional at Macclesfield Town.
For the second season in succession the reds have lost the services of their main hit man, following Rory Patterson’s move to Bradford Park Avenue last year.
Wilson was the UniBond Premier League’s third top scorer with 21 goals, despite missing the last quarter of the season with a knee injury.
His absence hampered United as they missed out on a play-off place in the very last minute of the season as results went against them.
But, despite his disappointment, manager Karl Marginson believes he still has the squad in place to mount a challenge for the title next season.
Marginson, himself a former player with the Silkmen, said: "Kyle was exceptional for us last season and, despite missing a big chunk through injury, he was still up at the top of the scorers charts at the end.
"He is a good player who can easily succeed at a higher level and we are happy to have played a part in him getting a chance to prove it.
"He drifted out of the game before we managed to coax him back and I think being at FC helped relight his love for football.
"He certainly excelled on the pitch and had he been available all season, then we may have made the play-offs.
"We have said from the very start of the club that we will do our best to help players live out their ambitions and if that means playing at a higher level then so be it.
"I won’t stand in the way of a lad who wants to achieve his dream of becoming a professional footballer and we always wish our players good luck when they leave. So Kyle goes with our best wishes and our thanks for the service and goals he gave us."
As for next season, Margy said: "Myself and our staff have spoken to all the players from last season’s squad and they have all indicated their wishes to stay at FC United.
"It’s great news for us because I honestly feel that if the current squad had been together from the very start of the season then we would have been challenging for the title, nevermind the play-offs.
"It’s the best set of lads that we have had at the club and in Phil Marsh we have a high quality striker who will hopefully fill the gap left by Kyle.
"Phil was released by Manchester United, so his quality is evident. Now he has settled at the club we are expecting big things of him next season."
FC travelled to Sweden to face Djurgarden IF in Stockholm’s Olympic stadium on Friday night, beating an all star team 3-1 thanks to goals from Nicky Platt (2) and Jamie Baguley.
Margy, who turned out as a second half substitute, said: "It was a fantastic opportunity for the players and fans to have an adventure into Scandanavia and everyone enjoyed it. I was mint."
Meanwhile, FC are still offering supporters the chance to ‘pay what you can’ for next year’s season tickets at Gigg Lane.
As long as fans pledge £90 or more to the club, they can pay any amount that they can afford.
So far over £43,000 has been pledged. For details visit website: www.fc-utd.co.uk. Or call the FC United office on: 0161 273 8950.
FC’s pledges hits 30,500 mark
May 21, 2009
FC UNITED have received more than £30,500 of pledges in the first few days of their groundbreaking season ticket deal.
The reds have allowed their fans to name their own price for tickets for next season in the UniBond Premier Division, having set a minimum of £90, which is £50 less than last season’s price.
A club spokesman stated that FC are delighted by the ‘fantastic response’.
He said: "We still have a long way to go to hit our £125,000 target. But the signs are encouraging and it is clear from the amounts being pledged that everyone is taking our collective responsibility seriously."
Supporters have voted goal scoring midfielder Simon Carden as the player of the year following his 12 goals in 43 appearances. The players picked out namesake Adam Carden as their top performer over a season in which FC missed out on a play-off place on the final day while manager Karl Marginson’s award went to goalkeeper Sam Ashton.
Meanwhile, FC have sent a squad to Sweden to take on an all star team from Djurgardens IF in Stockholm.
Djurgardens are one of Sweden’s premier sides and they play in the country’s top division at Stockholm’s Olympiastadion.
A collection of past and present players will star in the exhibition game against FC tomorrow night, Friday, May 22.
FC UNITED have received more than £30,500 of pledges in the first few days of their groundbreaking season ticket deal.
The reds have allowed their fans to name their own price for tickets for next season in the UniBond Premier Division, having set a minimum of £90, which is £50 less than last season’s price.
A club spokesman stated that FC are delighted by the ‘fantastic response’.
He said: "We still have a long way to go to hit our £125,000 target. But the signs are encouraging and it is clear from the amounts being pledged that everyone is taking our collective responsibility seriously."
Supporters have voted goal scoring midfielder Simon Carden as the player of the year following his 12 goals in 43 appearances. The players picked out namesake Adam Carden as their top performer over a season in which FC missed out on a play-off place on the final day while manager Karl Marginson’s award went to goalkeeper Sam Ashton.
Meanwhile, FC have sent a squad to Sweden to take on an all star team from Djurgardens IF in Stockholm.
Djurgardens are one of Sweden’s premier sides and they play in the country’s top division at Stockholm’s Olympiastadion.
A collection of past and present players will star in the exhibition game against FC tomorrow night, Friday, May 22.
Silkmen take a chance on Wilson
Source: Eurosport
Thu 28 May, 11:01 AM
Macclesfield boss Keith Alexander admits new acquisition Kyle Wilson is "desperate" to showcase his talents at Moss Rose after joining the club on a one-year deal.
The 23-year-old striker has signed for the Silkmen from FC United, having notched 24 goals in 32 games last term.
Wilson, a graduate of Crewe`s youth system, was in fine form for FC United before he sustained a knee injury in January which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Alexander told the club`s official website: "I have watched him play on several occasions and believe he has the ability to make the step up.
"More importantly, he is desperate to show he can hold his own in the Football League. Every now and again you have to take a gamble on someone from the lower leagues. Scoring goals was our problem last season and in Kyle we have signed an exciting young talent with a proven eye for goal.
"Now fully fit, he will be flying when he arrives for pre-season training and we will have a great chance to have a good look at him and see how he does."
Thu 28 May, 11:01 AM
Macclesfield boss Keith Alexander admits new acquisition Kyle Wilson is "desperate" to showcase his talents at Moss Rose after joining the club on a one-year deal.
The 23-year-old striker has signed for the Silkmen from FC United, having notched 24 goals in 32 games last term.
Wilson, a graduate of Crewe`s youth system, was in fine form for FC United before he sustained a knee injury in January which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Alexander told the club`s official website: "I have watched him play on several occasions and believe he has the ability to make the step up.
"More importantly, he is desperate to show he can hold his own in the Football League. Every now and again you have to take a gamble on someone from the lower leagues. Scoring goals was our problem last season and in Kyle we have signed an exciting young talent with a proven eye for goal.
"Now fully fit, he will be flying when he arrives for pre-season training and we will have a great chance to have a good look at him and see how he does."
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Bay say 'goodbye Dean, hello Carlsberg' as build-up goes on
Published Date: 27 May 2009
By Roy Jones
A TOP Seagull has flown, bringing Colwyn Bay FC a four figure sum to begin strengthening the squad in time for the new season.
Fans' favourite Dean Canning, who scored 15 goals for the Bay after signing from Ashton United earlier in the season, will join fellow Unibond Division 1 North club Curzon Ashton.
Although sorry to lose him, Bay boss Neil Young was upbeat about the transfer.
He explained: "It's a very good deal for the club, and will allow me to strengthen the team in other areas, particularly an out and out centre forward to play alongside Rob Hopley."
Meanwhile, FC United are among the visitors already penned in for friendly matches as the 2009-10 build-up continues.
The successful Unibond Premier side will provide a good test for Colwyn Bay when they come to Llanelian Road on Saturday August 8 (3pm kick-off).
Blue Square premier side Altrincham will visit the Bay on Saturday, July 18 , followed by Blue Square North side Stalybridge on Sunday July 26 (both 3pm).
Top Clubs Rhyl and Bangor City have confirmed their interest in a trip to Llanelian Road on dates to be fixed.
Colwyn Bay have signed a major five figure deal with Carlsberg UK as the "official beer supplier of Colwyn Bay FC.
The deal, which is believed to be one of the biggest in club history, includes pouring rights, ground signage and club lounge branding.
It excludes branding of club kits, which leaves Colwyn Bay free to negotiate with potential sponsors.
Management are said to be delighted with the deal, which complements the club's five year strategy, enabling them to develop their customer fan base and ensure increased use of the club's facilities by the local community.
Last Updated: 27 May 2009 10:21 AM
By Roy Jones
A TOP Seagull has flown, bringing Colwyn Bay FC a four figure sum to begin strengthening the squad in time for the new season.
Fans' favourite Dean Canning, who scored 15 goals for the Bay after signing from Ashton United earlier in the season, will join fellow Unibond Division 1 North club Curzon Ashton.
Although sorry to lose him, Bay boss Neil Young was upbeat about the transfer.
He explained: "It's a very good deal for the club, and will allow me to strengthen the team in other areas, particularly an out and out centre forward to play alongside Rob Hopley."
Meanwhile, FC United are among the visitors already penned in for friendly matches as the 2009-10 build-up continues.
The successful Unibond Premier side will provide a good test for Colwyn Bay when they come to Llanelian Road on Saturday August 8 (3pm kick-off).
Blue Square premier side Altrincham will visit the Bay on Saturday, July 18 , followed by Blue Square North side Stalybridge on Sunday July 26 (both 3pm).
Top Clubs Rhyl and Bangor City have confirmed their interest in a trip to Llanelian Road on dates to be fixed.
Colwyn Bay have signed a major five figure deal with Carlsberg UK as the "official beer supplier of Colwyn Bay FC.
The deal, which is believed to be one of the biggest in club history, includes pouring rights, ground signage and club lounge branding.
It excludes branding of club kits, which leaves Colwyn Bay free to negotiate with potential sponsors.
Management are said to be delighted with the deal, which complements the club's five year strategy, enabling them to develop their customer fan base and ensure increased use of the club's facilities by the local community.
Last Updated: 27 May 2009 10:21 AM
FC United striker signs for Macclesfield
Source: Bury Times
4:29pm Wednesday 27th May 2009
By Marc Higginson
FC United manager Karl Marginson has paid tribute to striker Kyle Wilson after he signed for League Two side Macclesfield Town.
The 23-year-old scored 24 goals in all competitions last season and attracted the attention of a number of Football League clubs.
And the hitman leaves the rebel club with words of praise ringing in his ears.
“We are happy for Kyle because he is a very good player who drifted out the game for a while until we coaxed him back.” said Marginson. “He deserves the chance to make it as a professional player and we’re pleased to have played our part in making that dream possible.
“Kyle was unlucky with injury last season and had he been fully fit towards the end, he may have made a difference during the final few games. But it wasn’t to be and now we must wish him luck as he moves on.
“We will never stand in the way if players wish to make a living playing football — in fact we will help them do that. So we say goodbye to another very good player, but there will be more to come.”
Meanwhile, Marginson is confident that the rest of the squad will be at Gigg Lane next season. “We’ve spoken with all the lads and they have all said they want to be here next season and keep what I believe is our best ever squad together,” the manager said.
“There are a few negotiations to be done, but we’re looking forward to having a good crack at the title next season.”
4:29pm Wednesday 27th May 2009
By Marc Higginson
FC United manager Karl Marginson has paid tribute to striker Kyle Wilson after he signed for League Two side Macclesfield Town.
The 23-year-old scored 24 goals in all competitions last season and attracted the attention of a number of Football League clubs.
And the hitman leaves the rebel club with words of praise ringing in his ears.
“We are happy for Kyle because he is a very good player who drifted out the game for a while until we coaxed him back.” said Marginson. “He deserves the chance to make it as a professional player and we’re pleased to have played our part in making that dream possible.
“Kyle was unlucky with injury last season and had he been fully fit towards the end, he may have made a difference during the final few games. But it wasn’t to be and now we must wish him luck as he moves on.
“We will never stand in the way if players wish to make a living playing football — in fact we will help them do that. So we say goodbye to another very good player, but there will be more to come.”
Meanwhile, Marginson is confident that the rest of the squad will be at Gigg Lane next season. “We’ve spoken with all the lads and they have all said they want to be here next season and keep what I believe is our best ever squad together,” the manager said.
“There are a few negotiations to be done, but we’re looking forward to having a good crack at the title next season.”
What would you pay to watch a game if Premier League clubs followed FC United's lead?
Source: Daily Mail
By Mark Lawford
Last updated at 7:59 AM on 15th May 2009
'I've paid good money to watch this tripe and I won't come back ever again - not even if you pay me,' bellowed the disillusioned Newcastle fan as his season-ticket fluttered down in a hail of confetti on the back of the bloke in front of him.
Familiar words, uttered by many an ardent football supporter in their darkest moments, rash promises miraculously forgotten with the next win as the now taped-back-together ticket regains pride of place in the wallet.
But as a season of misery and unfulfilled dreams draws to a close, the 'tomorrow will be better' billboard zooms into view and, threatened with a couple of months with just cricket and tennis to keep them company, solace is gained by buying another ten months of gloom and despair in one easy payment while charting pre-season friendlies.
With prices varying from £250 to £1,825 depending on whether you want to watch Wigan or Arsenal, the price range for Premier League season tickets for 2009-10 is enormous.
And with the recession in mind some clubs have actually dropped prices for next season, most have frozen them and only a couple - Aston Villa and Manchester United - have made marginal increases.
But fans of FC United, the club set up in 2005 in protest at the Glazers buying the Old Trafford club, have gone one step further.
Following their failure to gain promotion from the UniBond League, their elected board have decided to ask all fans to pay only what they can afford next season.
Board member Jules Spencer said: 'We do not feel unilateral price increases are the way forward so we hope the Your Season Ticket, Your Choice campaign will offer a lower season ticket price for those who cannot £140 and get supporters who can afford a bit more can choose to donate as much as they wish.
'This is about empowerment, of collective responsibility, of us all pulling together to ensure the club’s future in a way that reflects our founding principles.'
This got Sportsmail thinking...given the chance, what would YOU be willing to pay for a season ticket to watch your club? How much 'empowerment' would you enforce? How strict are your 'principles'?
You can make suggestions below, but in the meantime here are a few to get you going.
ARSENAL
It costs a lot to maintain The Emirates while Arsene Wenger's precocious side sidestep trophy after trophy in cavalier manner.
But Gunners fans are very loyal, despite the fact that only the Amazing Mr Memory Man can remember the last time they actually won anything, 60,000 cramming in every week to watch them finish out of the medals once again.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £855 - £1,825.
What fans should offer: Their soul if it brings a trophy, the souls of their entire family if it wins the Premier League, £100 if it's results based, £1,000 if it keeps Fabregas, £10,000 if it gets rid of Adebayor, £1m to make sure you're not next to Rory McGrath.
ASTON VILLA
The top club in the second city faded from Champions League hopefuls to Europa League certainties as manager Martin O'Neill 'tried the kids' to no avail.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £295 - £510
What fans should offer: As much as they can afford in a bid to plug the financial black holes caused by the Bosko Balaban and Juan Pablo Angel shambles, £1000 to keep Doug Ellis out, £2000 to ensure victories over Birmingham and Wolves next season, £2.75 if it's achievement based, £5 if Nigel Kennedy is played over the tannoy.
BLACKBURN
Barring a cataclysmic series of results, Rovers will be in the Premier League next season and then we'll see the best of Sam Allardyce, the manager who makes unfashionable successful.
He'll lose a few of his better players though, Roque Santa Cruz set to leave but no doubt he'll bring in a few foreigners nobody's heard of and make a serious challenge for mid-table mediocrity.
Current prices: £249-£439. Next season prices TBC
What fans should offer: The cost of a neck brace so they can watch Rovers' passing game in comfort, £500 to foot the unlucky Steven Reid's medical bills, £1,000 to fund the sharp drop in income for MP and 'celebrity' fan Jack 'Justice Minister' Straw.
BOLTON
Gary Megson's hate-hate relationship with the Trotters' fans is well known but he's kept them up for another season so it's job done. Another of football's 'long ball merchants', Bolton
Current prices: £299-£449. Next season TBC
What fans should offer: £10 deed poll so they change their name to 'Kay' to emulate famous fans Peter Kay and Vernon Kay (no relation), £299 plus an extra £5 to buy a little gift for Megson to bring a smile to his face, £500 to spend on elbow-sharpening tools for the players, £1000 to sponsor Kevin Davies' pre-match meal.
CHELSEA
With only the FA Cup for comfort now, Stamford Bridge is a cold and lonely place. The harsh reality is that they are third best domestically despite somehow making it to the last four of the Champions League. Minor trophies mean nothing to Russian billionaires - expect the wind of change to bite deep down the King's Road.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £635 - £1,125
What fans should offer: £1,000 to keep the ageing squad in warm milk and slippers, £2,000 if it means they can find out where THAT Norwegian ref lives, £5,000 if it helps them find a legal loophole to force UEFA to replay THAT semi-final, anything because they can afford it and they all drive 4x4s.
EVERTON
It's hard being Liverpool's second strongest team but at least they have reached a final this season which is more than the Red half of the city has. David Moyes continues to deliver the goods against the odds despite the continued celebrity support of Claire Sweeney, Freddie Starr and Tom O'Connor.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £399-£586
What fans should offer: £500 just to see Tim Cahill, £750 to keep Marouane Fellaini at the club, £1,000 to speed up Mikel Arteta and Phil Jageilka's recoveries, £2,000 to keep hold of Moyes, £5,000 to do a double over Liverpool, £10,000 if it gets Rick Parry back at Anfield.
FULHAM
They escaped relegation on the final day last season and now they stand on the verge of European qualification. All hail the avuncular Roy Hodgson and his Craven Cottage marvels. Right on the Thames, Fulham's ground is a great place to watch a game.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £285-£799
What fans should offer: £10 because they have an American called Clint and he's not THAT American call Clint, £300 plus a £50 surcharge to leave every match by punt, £500 to keep paying the debt to Chelsea for taking David Mellor off their hands, £1,000 in the hope you might get a seat next to celebrity fans Hugh Grand or Pierce Brosnan.
HULL
It's been a roller-coaster season for 'Champions League hopefuls' Hull but winning just two matches this year has rather put a crimp in it.
The Tigers are falling faster than the interest rate and look doomed - but you never know.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £380-£450
What fans should offer: An extra £5 per game as a Rugby League tax, £500 to make sure David Lloyd stays away, £1,000 so they get a free house with every season ticket.
LIVERPOOL
It'll be 20 years without a title come 2010 and even though Rafa Benitez has made Liverpool far more competitive in the Premier League, the great sides of the 70s and 80s hated being second best.
Current prices: £650 - £750. Next season TBC
What fans should offer: Nothing - they were beaten in Europe by Chelsea, knocked out of the FA Cup by Everton, lost in the League Cup to Tottenham and were held at home in the Premier League by Stoke, Fulham and Manchester City, £500 if it means ITV will tape over the goal that knocked them out of the FA Cup with adverts, £1,000 to seal the door to Rick Parry's office forever, £10000 if it gets rid of the feuding American owners.
MANCHESTER CITY
The Blue half of Manchester is basking in mid-table safety, hardly the stuff of dreams for a club so wealthy.
Last season's Sven footballing fiesta , a double over United and Benjani's 25-mile-wide smile have been replaced by the Robinho sideshow, two losses to Fergie and a miserable away record.
Current prices: £388 - £626. Next season TBC
What fans should offer: Nothing - they're the world's richest club and should get in for free until they actually win something worth paying for.
MANCHESTER UNITED
The team that could have won the Quintuple might have to made do with a Quadruple instead. No shame there. Yes, we all love to hate Ronaldo, yes we all love to scoff at Fergie's rubbish goal celebrations, yes they're London's favourite club, but Manchester United will equal Liverpool's League titles total this season and could move to within one European Cup as well. Simply awesome.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £513-£931
What fans should offer: The price of a ticket minus the cost of the train fare from London, £1,000 to keep Ronaldo, £2,000 to keep Ronaldo and Tevez, £3,000 to keep Fergie's smirk at the expense of a ranting Rafa.
MIDDLESBROUGH
Boro's number looks up - just 26 League goals all season has seen to that - but at least in Steve GIbson they have a wily chairman who won't be pressing the detonate button on manager Gareth Southgate just yet. They are always going to be the most unfashionable North-East club no matter how hard they try but at least Steve McClaren's gone.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £370-£525
What fans should offer: £500 to buy 20 goals before the season starts, goals that can used at any time of the season to convert draws to wins, etc, £1,000 to implant bionics into Bernie Slaven and get him leading the line again, all their worldly goods and possessions to get Afonso Alves away from Teesside.
NEWCASTLE
The Fog on the Tyne has been a real pea-souper this season and the manager's door at St James' Park has been of the revolving kind. The fact that Hull and Boro are so poor will keep the Magpies up, not footballing excellence, and surely 50,000 week-in, week-out Toon diehards deserve far better than that.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £300-£598
What fans should offer: Nothing - remember Dennis Wise?, £150m to buy out Mike Ashley, get some pride back in the city and wipe the smile off Sunderland faces.
PORTSMOUTH
From FA Cup Winners to the Championship in one easy step? Possibly but unlikely as Pompey's wobble on the pedestal continues. Staying up will compound the joy felt by Southampton's relegation to the third tier, something not even Terry Fenwick could emulate while at Fratton Park despite his best efforts - but is it really enough just to laugh at Saints' misfortune? Yes, it is...
Actual 2009-10 prices: £500-£900
What fans should offer: £1,000 to help fund a huge billboard outside Southampton's ground, bearing Pompey's next home match 'Manchester United' with Saints clash against Yeovil alongside, and the phrase 'just one division above Burton Albion' across the top.
STOKE
The long-throw merchants have survived in the top flight by making The Britannia Stadium a fortress. Hooray for Nick Hancock, boo to Robbie Williams and all cheer Tony Pulis for keeping a proper football club up where they belong.
Current prices: £334 - £499. Next season TBC
What fans should offer: £5 tax to fund local rivals Crewe and Port Vale in their basement mini-league, £500 to make sure Rory Delap's throwing arms never get tired, £1,000 to ensure the remote-controlled balls he launches continue to find their way into the six-yard box.
SUNDERLAND
Still on the cusp of relegation, the Black Cats need three points to exorcise the ghost of Roy Keane forever. It's not been pretty at the Stadium of Light and if they do stay up, big Mick McCarthy's Wolves will be gunning for them next season with a point to prove, but finishing above Newcastle and Middlesbrough to be the North East's premier club is hardly the stuff of legend.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £350-£465
What fans should offer: Nothing. Over 40,000 fans have endured a season of gloom and despondency and they deserve a freebie - and throw in a stripey shirt and a picture of Bob Stokoe.
SPURS
Football was fun with Spurs bottom of the Premier League and breaking records for awfulness with every passing week.
Then Daniel Levy spoiled things by sacking Juande Ramos and bringing in Harry Redknapp.
Now in the hunt for a European spot, Tottenham also reached the League Cup Final.
Harry has got them playing and get ready for a huge prima-donna flushing out in the summer.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £622-£1,640
What fans should offer: Nothing if David Bentley still has a squad number, £100 if Gilberto and Dos Santos are still there, £1,000 to seal a double over Arsenal, £25,000 to claim a Champions League place at the Gunners' expense.
WEST BROM
Manager Tony Mowbray has won a lot of friends this season for refusing to abandon his footballing principles in the
pursuit of Premier League points. Sadly, the Championship looms large now but at least they are still with a chance of staying up with two games to go. It's hard to hate the Baggies even though celebrity fan Adrian Chiles does present The One Show.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £299-£399
What fans should offer: Whatever the club wants to ensure the prudent Throstles get back to the top flight where they belong - remember how great Cyrille Regis and Laurie Cunningham were? And it would be great to see the West Midlands have four teams in the Premier League.
WEST HAM
They may be forever blowing bubbles but at least Hammers fans do have something to be rabid about at last. Gianfranco Zola has conquered the Upton Park Chelsea haters by producing a hard-to-beat attractive side who are a only a couple of players away from being a genuine force in the Premier League. Or a called-in debt away from a ten-point deduction and life in the second tier. You decide...
Actual 2009-10 prices: £570-£810
What fans should offer: £800 if it keeps the Academy going, £1,000 if it keeps Millwall two divisions below them, £2,500 because of Sir Trev, £5,000 to ensure the Bobby Moore Statue outside the ground stays in pristine condition
WIGAN
The pie capital of Europe has been transformed from a Rugby League stronghold to a footballing hotbed. Steve Bruce has performed another miracle. And they said it would never happen. The Latics have not been touted as relegation fodder once this season despite a recent wretched run of form. Dave Whelan deserves all the plaudits for what he's done to a club he bought in the fourth tier 14 years ago.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £250-£295
What fans should offer: £250 as long as they get their weight in pies every match, £500 if the half-time entertainment is Mido v Zaki, £1000 if it clinches a League win against one of the Big Four, £2,000 to help restore the Pier.
By Mark Lawford
Last updated at 7:59 AM on 15th May 2009
'I've paid good money to watch this tripe and I won't come back ever again - not even if you pay me,' bellowed the disillusioned Newcastle fan as his season-ticket fluttered down in a hail of confetti on the back of the bloke in front of him.
Familiar words, uttered by many an ardent football supporter in their darkest moments, rash promises miraculously forgotten with the next win as the now taped-back-together ticket regains pride of place in the wallet.
But as a season of misery and unfulfilled dreams draws to a close, the 'tomorrow will be better' billboard zooms into view and, threatened with a couple of months with just cricket and tennis to keep them company, solace is gained by buying another ten months of gloom and despair in one easy payment while charting pre-season friendlies.
With prices varying from £250 to £1,825 depending on whether you want to watch Wigan or Arsenal, the price range for Premier League season tickets for 2009-10 is enormous.
And with the recession in mind some clubs have actually dropped prices for next season, most have frozen them and only a couple - Aston Villa and Manchester United - have made marginal increases.
But fans of FC United, the club set up in 2005 in protest at the Glazers buying the Old Trafford club, have gone one step further.
Following their failure to gain promotion from the UniBond League, their elected board have decided to ask all fans to pay only what they can afford next season.
Board member Jules Spencer said: 'We do not feel unilateral price increases are the way forward so we hope the Your Season Ticket, Your Choice campaign will offer a lower season ticket price for those who cannot £140 and get supporters who can afford a bit more can choose to donate as much as they wish.
'This is about empowerment, of collective responsibility, of us all pulling together to ensure the club’s future in a way that reflects our founding principles.'
This got Sportsmail thinking...given the chance, what would YOU be willing to pay for a season ticket to watch your club? How much 'empowerment' would you enforce? How strict are your 'principles'?
You can make suggestions below, but in the meantime here are a few to get you going.
ARSENAL
It costs a lot to maintain The Emirates while Arsene Wenger's precocious side sidestep trophy after trophy in cavalier manner.
But Gunners fans are very loyal, despite the fact that only the Amazing Mr Memory Man can remember the last time they actually won anything, 60,000 cramming in every week to watch them finish out of the medals once again.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £855 - £1,825.
What fans should offer: Their soul if it brings a trophy, the souls of their entire family if it wins the Premier League, £100 if it's results based, £1,000 if it keeps Fabregas, £10,000 if it gets rid of Adebayor, £1m to make sure you're not next to Rory McGrath.
ASTON VILLA
The top club in the second city faded from Champions League hopefuls to Europa League certainties as manager Martin O'Neill 'tried the kids' to no avail.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £295 - £510
What fans should offer: As much as they can afford in a bid to plug the financial black holes caused by the Bosko Balaban and Juan Pablo Angel shambles, £1000 to keep Doug Ellis out, £2000 to ensure victories over Birmingham and Wolves next season, £2.75 if it's achievement based, £5 if Nigel Kennedy is played over the tannoy.
BLACKBURN
Barring a cataclysmic series of results, Rovers will be in the Premier League next season and then we'll see the best of Sam Allardyce, the manager who makes unfashionable successful.
He'll lose a few of his better players though, Roque Santa Cruz set to leave but no doubt he'll bring in a few foreigners nobody's heard of and make a serious challenge for mid-table mediocrity.
Current prices: £249-£439. Next season prices TBC
What fans should offer: The cost of a neck brace so they can watch Rovers' passing game in comfort, £500 to foot the unlucky Steven Reid's medical bills, £1,000 to fund the sharp drop in income for MP and 'celebrity' fan Jack 'Justice Minister' Straw.
BOLTON
Gary Megson's hate-hate relationship with the Trotters' fans is well known but he's kept them up for another season so it's job done. Another of football's 'long ball merchants', Bolton
Current prices: £299-£449. Next season TBC
What fans should offer: £10 deed poll so they change their name to 'Kay' to emulate famous fans Peter Kay and Vernon Kay (no relation), £299 plus an extra £5 to buy a little gift for Megson to bring a smile to his face, £500 to spend on elbow-sharpening tools for the players, £1000 to sponsor Kevin Davies' pre-match meal.
CHELSEA
With only the FA Cup for comfort now, Stamford Bridge is a cold and lonely place. The harsh reality is that they are third best domestically despite somehow making it to the last four of the Champions League. Minor trophies mean nothing to Russian billionaires - expect the wind of change to bite deep down the King's Road.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £635 - £1,125
What fans should offer: £1,000 to keep the ageing squad in warm milk and slippers, £2,000 if it means they can find out where THAT Norwegian ref lives, £5,000 if it helps them find a legal loophole to force UEFA to replay THAT semi-final, anything because they can afford it and they all drive 4x4s.
EVERTON
It's hard being Liverpool's second strongest team but at least they have reached a final this season which is more than the Red half of the city has. David Moyes continues to deliver the goods against the odds despite the continued celebrity support of Claire Sweeney, Freddie Starr and Tom O'Connor.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £399-£586
What fans should offer: £500 just to see Tim Cahill, £750 to keep Marouane Fellaini at the club, £1,000 to speed up Mikel Arteta and Phil Jageilka's recoveries, £2,000 to keep hold of Moyes, £5,000 to do a double over Liverpool, £10,000 if it gets Rick Parry back at Anfield.
FULHAM
They escaped relegation on the final day last season and now they stand on the verge of European qualification. All hail the avuncular Roy Hodgson and his Craven Cottage marvels. Right on the Thames, Fulham's ground is a great place to watch a game.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £285-£799
What fans should offer: £10 because they have an American called Clint and he's not THAT American call Clint, £300 plus a £50 surcharge to leave every match by punt, £500 to keep paying the debt to Chelsea for taking David Mellor off their hands, £1,000 in the hope you might get a seat next to celebrity fans Hugh Grand or Pierce Brosnan.
HULL
It's been a roller-coaster season for 'Champions League hopefuls' Hull but winning just two matches this year has rather put a crimp in it.
The Tigers are falling faster than the interest rate and look doomed - but you never know.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £380-£450
What fans should offer: An extra £5 per game as a Rugby League tax, £500 to make sure David Lloyd stays away, £1,000 so they get a free house with every season ticket.
LIVERPOOL
It'll be 20 years without a title come 2010 and even though Rafa Benitez has made Liverpool far more competitive in the Premier League, the great sides of the 70s and 80s hated being second best.
Current prices: £650 - £750. Next season TBC
What fans should offer: Nothing - they were beaten in Europe by Chelsea, knocked out of the FA Cup by Everton, lost in the League Cup to Tottenham and were held at home in the Premier League by Stoke, Fulham and Manchester City, £500 if it means ITV will tape over the goal that knocked them out of the FA Cup with adverts, £1,000 to seal the door to Rick Parry's office forever, £10000 if it gets rid of the feuding American owners.
MANCHESTER CITY
The Blue half of Manchester is basking in mid-table safety, hardly the stuff of dreams for a club so wealthy.
Last season's Sven footballing fiesta , a double over United and Benjani's 25-mile-wide smile have been replaced by the Robinho sideshow, two losses to Fergie and a miserable away record.
Current prices: £388 - £626. Next season TBC
What fans should offer: Nothing - they're the world's richest club and should get in for free until they actually win something worth paying for.
MANCHESTER UNITED
The team that could have won the Quintuple might have to made do with a Quadruple instead. No shame there. Yes, we all love to hate Ronaldo, yes we all love to scoff at Fergie's rubbish goal celebrations, yes they're London's favourite club, but Manchester United will equal Liverpool's League titles total this season and could move to within one European Cup as well. Simply awesome.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £513-£931
What fans should offer: The price of a ticket minus the cost of the train fare from London, £1,000 to keep Ronaldo, £2,000 to keep Ronaldo and Tevez, £3,000 to keep Fergie's smirk at the expense of a ranting Rafa.
MIDDLESBROUGH
Boro's number looks up - just 26 League goals all season has seen to that - but at least in Steve GIbson they have a wily chairman who won't be pressing the detonate button on manager Gareth Southgate just yet. They are always going to be the most unfashionable North-East club no matter how hard they try but at least Steve McClaren's gone.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £370-£525
What fans should offer: £500 to buy 20 goals before the season starts, goals that can used at any time of the season to convert draws to wins, etc, £1,000 to implant bionics into Bernie Slaven and get him leading the line again, all their worldly goods and possessions to get Afonso Alves away from Teesside.
NEWCASTLE
The Fog on the Tyne has been a real pea-souper this season and the manager's door at St James' Park has been of the revolving kind. The fact that Hull and Boro are so poor will keep the Magpies up, not footballing excellence, and surely 50,000 week-in, week-out Toon diehards deserve far better than that.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £300-£598
What fans should offer: Nothing - remember Dennis Wise?, £150m to buy out Mike Ashley, get some pride back in the city and wipe the smile off Sunderland faces.
PORTSMOUTH
From FA Cup Winners to the Championship in one easy step? Possibly but unlikely as Pompey's wobble on the pedestal continues. Staying up will compound the joy felt by Southampton's relegation to the third tier, something not even Terry Fenwick could emulate while at Fratton Park despite his best efforts - but is it really enough just to laugh at Saints' misfortune? Yes, it is...
Actual 2009-10 prices: £500-£900
What fans should offer: £1,000 to help fund a huge billboard outside Southampton's ground, bearing Pompey's next home match 'Manchester United' with Saints clash against Yeovil alongside, and the phrase 'just one division above Burton Albion' across the top.
STOKE
The long-throw merchants have survived in the top flight by making The Britannia Stadium a fortress. Hooray for Nick Hancock, boo to Robbie Williams and all cheer Tony Pulis for keeping a proper football club up where they belong.
Current prices: £334 - £499. Next season TBC
What fans should offer: £5 tax to fund local rivals Crewe and Port Vale in their basement mini-league, £500 to make sure Rory Delap's throwing arms never get tired, £1,000 to ensure the remote-controlled balls he launches continue to find their way into the six-yard box.
SUNDERLAND
Still on the cusp of relegation, the Black Cats need three points to exorcise the ghost of Roy Keane forever. It's not been pretty at the Stadium of Light and if they do stay up, big Mick McCarthy's Wolves will be gunning for them next season with a point to prove, but finishing above Newcastle and Middlesbrough to be the North East's premier club is hardly the stuff of legend.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £350-£465
What fans should offer: Nothing. Over 40,000 fans have endured a season of gloom and despondency and they deserve a freebie - and throw in a stripey shirt and a picture of Bob Stokoe.
SPURS
Football was fun with Spurs bottom of the Premier League and breaking records for awfulness with every passing week.
Then Daniel Levy spoiled things by sacking Juande Ramos and bringing in Harry Redknapp.
Now in the hunt for a European spot, Tottenham also reached the League Cup Final.
Harry has got them playing and get ready for a huge prima-donna flushing out in the summer.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £622-£1,640
What fans should offer: Nothing if David Bentley still has a squad number, £100 if Gilberto and Dos Santos are still there, £1,000 to seal a double over Arsenal, £25,000 to claim a Champions League place at the Gunners' expense.
WEST BROM
Manager Tony Mowbray has won a lot of friends this season for refusing to abandon his footballing principles in the
pursuit of Premier League points. Sadly, the Championship looms large now but at least they are still with a chance of staying up with two games to go. It's hard to hate the Baggies even though celebrity fan Adrian Chiles does present The One Show.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £299-£399
What fans should offer: Whatever the club wants to ensure the prudent Throstles get back to the top flight where they belong - remember how great Cyrille Regis and Laurie Cunningham were? And it would be great to see the West Midlands have four teams in the Premier League.
WEST HAM
They may be forever blowing bubbles but at least Hammers fans do have something to be rabid about at last. Gianfranco Zola has conquered the Upton Park Chelsea haters by producing a hard-to-beat attractive side who are a only a couple of players away from being a genuine force in the Premier League. Or a called-in debt away from a ten-point deduction and life in the second tier. You decide...
Actual 2009-10 prices: £570-£810
What fans should offer: £800 if it keeps the Academy going, £1,000 if it keeps Millwall two divisions below them, £2,500 because of Sir Trev, £5,000 to ensure the Bobby Moore Statue outside the ground stays in pristine condition
WIGAN
The pie capital of Europe has been transformed from a Rugby League stronghold to a footballing hotbed. Steve Bruce has performed another miracle. And they said it would never happen. The Latics have not been touted as relegation fodder once this season despite a recent wretched run of form. Dave Whelan deserves all the plaudits for what he's done to a club he bought in the fourth tier 14 years ago.
Actual 2009-10 prices: £250-£295
What fans should offer: £250 as long as they get their weight in pies every match, £500 if the half-time entertainment is Mido v Zaki, £1000 if it clinches a League win against one of the Big Four, £2,000 to help restore the Pier.
Macclesfield sign FC United star
Source: BBC
Macclesfield Town have signed FC United of Manchester top scorer Kyle Wilson on a one-year deal.
The 23-year-old ex-Crewe, Witton, Altrincham and Droylsden striker scored 24 goals in 32 games last season.
Silkmen boss Keith Alexander said: "I have watched him play on several occasions and believe he has the ability to make the step up.
"He is desperate to show he can hold his own in the Football League. Scoring goals was our problem last season."
Silkmen clinch striker swoop
Source: SkySports
Alexander expecting Wilson to make an impact in League Two
Macclesfield Town have snapped up Kyle Wilson on a one-year contract from FC United of Manchester.
The striker had impressed in the non-league ranks this season and has secured a move back into the Football League.
Silkmen boss Keith Alexander is confident the former Crewe Alexandra youngster can make an impact in League Two next season.
"I've watched him play on several occasions and believe he has the ability to make the step up," Alexander told the club's official website.
"He'll have had a good grounding during his time with Crewe's highly successful youth set-up and will have benefited from his time last season with FC United, who are a very good club.
"More importantly he is desperate to show he can hold his own in the Football League. Every now and again you have to take a gamble on someone from the lower leagues.
"Scoring goals was our problem last season and in Kyle we have signed an exciting young talent with a proven eye for goal."
Alexander expecting Wilson to make an impact in League Two
Macclesfield Town have snapped up Kyle Wilson on a one-year contract from FC United of Manchester.
The striker had impressed in the non-league ranks this season and has secured a move back into the Football League.
Silkmen boss Keith Alexander is confident the former Crewe Alexandra youngster can make an impact in League Two next season.
"I've watched him play on several occasions and believe he has the ability to make the step up," Alexander told the club's official website.
"He'll have had a good grounding during his time with Crewe's highly successful youth set-up and will have benefited from his time last season with FC United, who are a very good club.
"More importantly he is desperate to show he can hold his own in the Football League. Every now and again you have to take a gamble on someone from the lower leagues.
"Scoring goals was our problem last season and in Kyle we have signed an exciting young talent with a proven eye for goal."
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Le FC United of Manchester, parent pauvre de Man U
Source: Libération, France
Google Translation
26/05/2009
Barcelone-Manchester, J-1 . Dans la ville, un autre club se veut le garant des certaines valeurs du football.
Par SONIA DELASALLE-STOLPER LONDRES, de notre correspondante
Les masques à l’effigie d’Eric Cantona distribués lors du dernier match de la saison, une opération publicitaire pour le film de Ken Loach Looking for Eric, présenté au festival de Cannes, n’auront pas porté bonheur à FC United of Manchester. Pour la première fois en quatre saisons d’existence, le club semi-professionnel n’a pas été promu. Il jouera toujours la saison prochaine dans la Northern Premier League Premier Division, la septième division du foot anglais. A des années lumières de la finale de la Ligue des champions que Manchester United jouera demain contre Barcelone.
FC United vs Manchester United, l’histoire a de quoi exciter plus d’un scénariste. Le pitch : la lutte des purs du jeu contre les durs du foot business. Le coup d’envoi : l’OPA réussie sur Manchester United, en mai 2005, par le magnat américain Malcolm Glazer, qui ne cache pas son intention de «faire du profit grâce à cette franchise». «Le dernier clou dans le cercueil du foot que nous aimons», réagit un fan de Man U. Pour certains supporters, déjà dégoûtés par la hausse vertigineuse des prix des billets les années précédentes, la pilule se révèle trop grosse à avaler. Le 14 juin 2005, une poignée d’entre eux crée le FC United of Manchester, sur le principe d’un membre-une voix.
Rêveurs. Les Red Rebels, les rebelles rouges, une référence aux Red Devils de Manchester United, démarrent au plus bas de l’échelle du foot anglais. Dans la «constitution» du club, ces rêveurs expliquent vouloir rendre une âme au football et le football au peuple ; cela dans une région où le ballon rond se respire à chaque coin de rue, où l’on trouve la plus grande concentration de clubs de foot au monde, dont quatre (Manchester City, Manchester United, Bolton et Wigan) évoluent en Premiere League.
L’histoire du FC United n’est pas toujours aussi rose qu’il y paraît. Les premières années, le nouveau club attire des gangs de jeunes désœuvrés, hooligans en puissance. En développant le travail social avec les communautés locales, le problème semble avoir été enrayé. Le sponsoring, admis mais banni jusqu’à présent de toute apparition sur les maillots, devrait devenir prochainement plus visible. Quant aux liens entre les supporters de Man U et ceux du FC United, ils sont loin d’être rompus. Red Issue, le magazine des supporteurs de Man U, ne rate jamais une occase de parler, en bien, du FC United. Dont les membres seront scotchés devant leur télé demain soir pour assister au dénouement de l’une des plus belles saisons de Manchester, déjà vainqueur de la Coupe du monde des clubs, du championnat et de la Coupe de la Ligue anglaise.
Pelouse. Question public, le FC United se débrouille plutôt bien. «Pour un club parti de rien, il attire une moyenne de 2 000 à 3 000 spectateurs par match, avec des pointes à 5 000, plus que la plupart des équipes du même niveau», confie Peter Spencer, qui couvre le FC United pour le Manchester Evening News. Pas mal, d’autant que le club ne possède même pas de terrain et qu’il doit jouer à Bury, dont l’équipe lui prête sa pelouse. «En fait, les horaires des rencontres sont bien pensés et certains supporters peuvent aller au stade voir le FC United en live,avant de partir au pub regarder Manchester United à la télévision.»
A la télévision, car pour le supporter de base de Manchester United, l’abonnement à Old Trafford est salé. 680 euros minimum pour la saison, auxquels s’ajoute l’achat obligatoire de tickets pour tous les matches (40 euros chacun). Et malgré la récession, le club d’Alex Ferguson est le seul d’Angleterre à ne pas avoir annoncé de gel du prix des billets. Le supporter du FC United, lui, paiera désormais son abonnement annuel ce qu’il peut, ou ce qu’il veut. Une initiative inédite lancé par le club pour la saison prochaine, avec un minimum demandé de 100 euros, contre un prix fixe de 150 euros cette saison. En un mois, le club a recueilli environ 40 000 euros de promesse de fonds, sur l’objectif fixé de 142 000 euros avant le début de la prochaine saison, histoire de financer, d’ici 2011, son propre terrain. A des siècles lumières des 325 millions d’euros de budget annuel qu’affiche Manchester United.
Google Translation
26/05/2009
Barcelone-Manchester, J-1 . Dans la ville, un autre club se veut le garant des certaines valeurs du football.
Par SONIA DELASALLE-STOLPER LONDRES, de notre correspondante
Les masques à l’effigie d’Eric Cantona distribués lors du dernier match de la saison, une opération publicitaire pour le film de Ken Loach Looking for Eric, présenté au festival de Cannes, n’auront pas porté bonheur à FC United of Manchester. Pour la première fois en quatre saisons d’existence, le club semi-professionnel n’a pas été promu. Il jouera toujours la saison prochaine dans la Northern Premier League Premier Division, la septième division du foot anglais. A des années lumières de la finale de la Ligue des champions que Manchester United jouera demain contre Barcelone.
FC United vs Manchester United, l’histoire a de quoi exciter plus d’un scénariste. Le pitch : la lutte des purs du jeu contre les durs du foot business. Le coup d’envoi : l’OPA réussie sur Manchester United, en mai 2005, par le magnat américain Malcolm Glazer, qui ne cache pas son intention de «faire du profit grâce à cette franchise». «Le dernier clou dans le cercueil du foot que nous aimons», réagit un fan de Man U. Pour certains supporters, déjà dégoûtés par la hausse vertigineuse des prix des billets les années précédentes, la pilule se révèle trop grosse à avaler. Le 14 juin 2005, une poignée d’entre eux crée le FC United of Manchester, sur le principe d’un membre-une voix.
Rêveurs. Les Red Rebels, les rebelles rouges, une référence aux Red Devils de Manchester United, démarrent au plus bas de l’échelle du foot anglais. Dans la «constitution» du club, ces rêveurs expliquent vouloir rendre une âme au football et le football au peuple ; cela dans une région où le ballon rond se respire à chaque coin de rue, où l’on trouve la plus grande concentration de clubs de foot au monde, dont quatre (Manchester City, Manchester United, Bolton et Wigan) évoluent en Premiere League.
L’histoire du FC United n’est pas toujours aussi rose qu’il y paraît. Les premières années, le nouveau club attire des gangs de jeunes désœuvrés, hooligans en puissance. En développant le travail social avec les communautés locales, le problème semble avoir été enrayé. Le sponsoring, admis mais banni jusqu’à présent de toute apparition sur les maillots, devrait devenir prochainement plus visible. Quant aux liens entre les supporters de Man U et ceux du FC United, ils sont loin d’être rompus. Red Issue, le magazine des supporteurs de Man U, ne rate jamais une occase de parler, en bien, du FC United. Dont les membres seront scotchés devant leur télé demain soir pour assister au dénouement de l’une des plus belles saisons de Manchester, déjà vainqueur de la Coupe du monde des clubs, du championnat et de la Coupe de la Ligue anglaise.
Pelouse. Question public, le FC United se débrouille plutôt bien. «Pour un club parti de rien, il attire une moyenne de 2 000 à 3 000 spectateurs par match, avec des pointes à 5 000, plus que la plupart des équipes du même niveau», confie Peter Spencer, qui couvre le FC United pour le Manchester Evening News. Pas mal, d’autant que le club ne possède même pas de terrain et qu’il doit jouer à Bury, dont l’équipe lui prête sa pelouse. «En fait, les horaires des rencontres sont bien pensés et certains supporters peuvent aller au stade voir le FC United en live,avant de partir au pub regarder Manchester United à la télévision.»
A la télévision, car pour le supporter de base de Manchester United, l’abonnement à Old Trafford est salé. 680 euros minimum pour la saison, auxquels s’ajoute l’achat obligatoire de tickets pour tous les matches (40 euros chacun). Et malgré la récession, le club d’Alex Ferguson est le seul d’Angleterre à ne pas avoir annoncé de gel du prix des billets. Le supporter du FC United, lui, paiera désormais son abonnement annuel ce qu’il peut, ou ce qu’il veut. Une initiative inédite lancé par le club pour la saison prochaine, avec un minimum demandé de 100 euros, contre un prix fixe de 150 euros cette saison. En un mois, le club a recueilli environ 40 000 euros de promesse de fonds, sur l’objectif fixé de 142 000 euros avant le début de la prochaine saison, histoire de financer, d’ici 2011, son propre terrain. A des siècles lumières des 325 millions d’euros de budget annuel qu’affiche Manchester United.
anti-Manchester? l'Fc United Dal 2005 in lotta contro Glazer
Source: La Repubblica, Italy
Google Translation
CALCIO
L'Fc United of Manchester nasce nel 2005 come risposta all'acquisto della società da parte dei Glazer. Ogni anno ha ottenuto una promozione, ora gioca in settima divisione. E i suoi giovani sognano il Treble... di DANIELE MELONI
MANCHESTER- C'erano una volta le due metà della Manchester calcistica. Quella dei Red Devils, il nobile Manchester United dei Busby Babes e delle vittorie nelle coppe e nei campionati, e quella dei bianco-azzurri del Manchester City, i cosiddetti "Citizens", squadra della Manchester popolare, talmente sfortunata e perdente che un suo tifoso, Colin Schindler, scrisse un libro accusando i più blasonati rivali di avergli "rovinato la vita".
C'era una volta dunque. Perché dal 2005 le metà di Manchester sono diventate...tre. E' di quell'anno infatti la nascita dell'FC United of Manchester, formazione che milita attualmente nella Northern Football League, settima serie del calcio inglese. A fondarla fu un gruppo di tifosi dissidenti del Manchester United, gente che - comprensibilmente - non gradiva l'acquisto, e il conseguente indebitamento, del Manchester United da parte dei fratelli Glazer. L'idea era semplice: fare ritornare il calcio nella comunità locale, in contrapposizione al nuovo corporate football nato in Inghilterra con la Premier League e l'arrivo dei nuovi magnati stranieri, gente estranea alle città inglesi e senza alcun legame con le loro squadre.
Finora la pur breve storia dell'Fc United è stata ricca di successi. Sia sul campo che fuori. Ogni stagione una promozione e l'invidiabile record di essere l'unica squadra tra quelle non professionistiche ad entrare nelle 100 squadre più tifate del Regno Unito. E se certamente il minuscolo stadio "Gigg Lane" nella periferia di Manchester non ha nulla dell'aristocratica grandeur dell'Old Trafford, anch'esso un piccolo record lo detiene. Quello del maggior numero di presenze per una partita di dilettanti con il ragguardevole numero 6023 spettatori per la partita contro il Great Harwood Town del 22 aprile 2006.
Quest'anno sembrava essere quello buono per un'altra promozione, quella in sesta divisione, ma l'Fc è caduto in maniera rocambolesca nei play-off contro il Bradford,con due gol subiti in casa negli ultimi minuti. Si possono comunque consolare i supporters dello United pensando alla loro squadra giovanile in corsa per un prestigioso Treble, un pò come il Manchester di Sir Alex. Vuoi mettere vincere la coppa giovanile della città di Manchester, la Neil Thomason Memorial Cup e il play-off della Youth Alliance Premiership con la Premier League, la Carling Cup e - forse - la Champions League.
Su quest'ultima partita il forum dei tifosi dell'Fc non ha dubbi: "Non ce ne frega niente. E se il Manchester Usa - non Utd - dovesse perdere, meglio". Sul sito il topic più affollato è quello dove si discute del contributo volontario "a seconda delle disponibilità economiche" per andare a vedere la squadra allo stadio. Altro che Sky-box o biglietti da 70 sterline per vedere una squadra che di Manchester, ormai, ha soltanto il nome.
26 maggio 2009
Across the Pond — Loving the Lower Leagues
Source: Bleacher Report
by Joe Guarr (Senior Writer)
Opinion
May 25, 2009
Across the Pond is a series that offers this Yank's take on major events in sports from Europe and the rest of the world. For the last installment, click here.
How many among us can say that we have a smaller club to support?
Take a moment to imagine a world without Arsenal, Barcelona, Manchester United, Celtic or Juventus. In the absence of those giants, who would you support?
Our own Yoosof Farah is a rabid Gillingham FC supporter. There also seems to be an abundance of Hull City support as well.
This article is inspired by their passion, and the passion of the supporters of small clubs everywhere.
The Big Four in England garner the majority of the media attention and have legions of supporters at their disposal, but the small clubs have all the romance.
At times, a big club can seem like a distant, faceless behemoth, while a smaller club could be comprised of talent from your own neighborhood.
The quality of play might not be the same as we witness at Old Trafford and Anfield every week, but the passion of the supporters and players are the same at The New Meadow as they are at the big stadia.
There's a certain allure to following a club from the lower leagues and these short vignettes are designed to distract interest from the rich clubs and bring football fans back to their roots, if only for a short while.
This is Spinal Tap
I've seen the classic mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap too many times to count. I'd easily place the number above 30, maybe even closer to 50.
In the airport scene, look at the shirt worn by bassist Derek Smalls. It's a Shrewsbury Town kit from the 1980-1981 season.
It's also worth noting that Smalls donned a West Ham cap at various points in the film.
For me, that piqued an interest in smaller and lower league clubs. If these entertainers can pay homage to small clubs, they definitely seemed like something worth looking into.
Garforth Town and...Brazil?
Deep in the English football pyramid lies an outpost of Brazilian footballing flair. Garforth Town AFC sits mid-table in the Northern Premier League Division One North, a mere seven steps below the Premier League. They are a club filled with ambition, aiming for promotion to the Premier League by 2025.
Owner and manager Simon Clifford has long been an admirer of the Brazilian style of play, opening his first Brazilian Soccer School in 1996. His schools across Britain are now teaching 850,000 children, and he has branched out to the US and Australia as well.
Clifford can count Manchester City's Micah Richards as one of the graduates of his schools, and plans on achieving promotion with a complete squad trained in the Brazilian techniques.
But don't think that the infatuation with Brazil ends with merely copying a playing style. No, Socrates and Careca have each turned out for Garforth Town in recent years after being inked to short-term deals by Clifford.
The club has also been linked to Zico, Cafu, Romario and Bebeto.
It doesn't hurt that Clifford managed to convince Lee Sharpe to play for Garforth in 2004, either.
This is all great publicity that could help this club achieve its ultimate goal.
Burnley treats their fans right
This is perhaps the best story I've heard in recent times, a fantastic example of a club putting its fans first.
Before the start of the 2008-2009 season, Burnley offered a unique incentive to their supporters: Purchase a season ticket by Aug. 8, and get a free-season ticket for the next campaign if Burnley were to gain promotion to the Premier League.
Well, Burnley capped off their season with a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United at Wembley, securing promotion to the Premiership.
It's refreshing to see about a club that isn't worried about losing the estimated £2 million that this plan will cost. Can you imagine one of the Big Four offering a deal like that?
Didn't think so.
Thanks to a fan-centric attitude from Burnley, 7,000 season ticket holders will be taking in Premiership football at the Turf Moor for free during the 2009-2010 campaign.
The Giant Killers
The greatest thing about Cup football is the ever-present potential for an upset hanging over the fixtures like a storm.
The single-elimination format of domestic cups has led to some legendary upsets, with the environment comparable to March Madness in the States.
Wrexham has taken part in multiple giant-killings, knocking off Newcastle during the 1977-1978 FA Cup and Arsenal in 1992. Both times, Wrexham was in the Third Division while their opponents were in the First.
In more recent competitions, you might remember the spectacular run of Barnsley. They reached the FA Cup semifinals in 2008 after consecutive victories over Liverpool and Chelsea.
Most Premiership clubs would struggle to replicate that feat, but the Championship side made their way to Wembley.
We're not gonna take it
FC United and AFC Wimbledon are easily two of the most intriguing clubs in the world. It's not because they win loads of major trophies or feature rosters full of superstars. The stories of their origins are what should interest you.
The original Wimbledon FC was a club that had spent many years in England's top flight, but were never really in contention for many major trophies aside from the 1988 FA Cup. The owners felt that if the club were to move away from their London home, it would become a more profitable and thus more competitive venture.
On May 28, 2002, the FA granted permission for Wimbledon FC to move to Milton Keynes, becoming the Milton Keynes Dons.
Naturally, fans were quite upset and started boycotting the club. This loss of support crippled the club and forced it into administration.
But what happened to the fans?
They created their own club, AFC Wimbledon. The supporters of Wimbledon FC felt that the club had severed ties with their fan base, so rather than watch the club's final season at Selhurst Park, they began throwing their support behind AFC Wimbledon during its inaugural season.
Since its inception and thanks to some incredible fan support, AFC Wimbledon has risen from the Combined Counties League (step five in the National League System) to the Conference National, just one step below the Football League.
FC United was formed by a group of dissident Manchester United supporters in 2005. The group was unhappy with the takeover of the club by Malcolm Glazer.
Kris Stewart, the founder of AFC Wimbledon, gave the malcontents advice on starting a club, and the group decided that if 1,000 people pledged their financial support, they would go ahead with creating the new club.
By early July of 2005, the club had received monetary pledges from 4,000 people, giving them £100,000 in the bank.
FC United began life in the North West Counties Football League, nine levels below the Premiership. Three successive promotions saw them reach the Northern Premier League Premier Division, a mere six levels below the Premiership.
To make the beginnings of their existence even more impressive, FC United missed out on the playoffs this season by only two points. Just think, two points away from a chance at their fourth successive promotion after being created in the summer of 2005.
Do you FIFA?
Most football lovers have played a game of FIFA at some point in their lives. I'd be willing to wager that a good portion of us are fanatical devotees to the FIFA franchise, eagerly anticipating the release of the next installment.
I'll admit to re-creating the magic of The Invincibles with the Virtual Arsenal squad, but after awhile, winning trophies with a big club isn't challenging. If you want a challenge, you've got to take a small club and build it into a champion.
I selected Nottingham Forest thanks to their historical ties with Arsenal (where do you think that gorgeous Red and White strip originated?) and set out attempting to win the Champions League in a few seasons' time.
It was definitely challenging, especially when it came to the domestic cups. See, unlike actual managers, FIFA doesn't field weakened sides in the Cup. Virtual Forest had to contend with a full-strength Virtual Chelsea and Virtual Manchester United.
What's the point?
With a greater challenge comes greater reward. It's so much more satisfying to taste victory when you're a serious underdog. That's why Giant Killers have become legendary.
That's why Burnley decided to reward the loyalty of their fans upon returning to the top flight for the first time in 33 years.
That's why fans of Wimbledon FC and Manchester United decided to form their own clubs.
That's why Garforth Town is trying to rule England with a squad of home-grown players.
Find yourself a small club to support, it's loads of fun.
by Joe Guarr (Senior Writer)
Opinion
May 25, 2009
Across the Pond is a series that offers this Yank's take on major events in sports from Europe and the rest of the world. For the last installment, click here.
How many among us can say that we have a smaller club to support?
Take a moment to imagine a world without Arsenal, Barcelona, Manchester United, Celtic or Juventus. In the absence of those giants, who would you support?
Our own Yoosof Farah is a rabid Gillingham FC supporter. There also seems to be an abundance of Hull City support as well.
This article is inspired by their passion, and the passion of the supporters of small clubs everywhere.
The Big Four in England garner the majority of the media attention and have legions of supporters at their disposal, but the small clubs have all the romance.
At times, a big club can seem like a distant, faceless behemoth, while a smaller club could be comprised of talent from your own neighborhood.
The quality of play might not be the same as we witness at Old Trafford and Anfield every week, but the passion of the supporters and players are the same at The New Meadow as they are at the big stadia.
There's a certain allure to following a club from the lower leagues and these short vignettes are designed to distract interest from the rich clubs and bring football fans back to their roots, if only for a short while.
This is Spinal Tap
I've seen the classic mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap too many times to count. I'd easily place the number above 30, maybe even closer to 50.
In the airport scene, look at the shirt worn by bassist Derek Smalls. It's a Shrewsbury Town kit from the 1980-1981 season.
It's also worth noting that Smalls donned a West Ham cap at various points in the film.
For me, that piqued an interest in smaller and lower league clubs. If these entertainers can pay homage to small clubs, they definitely seemed like something worth looking into.
Garforth Town and...Brazil?
Deep in the English football pyramid lies an outpost of Brazilian footballing flair. Garforth Town AFC sits mid-table in the Northern Premier League Division One North, a mere seven steps below the Premier League. They are a club filled with ambition, aiming for promotion to the Premier League by 2025.
Owner and manager Simon Clifford has long been an admirer of the Brazilian style of play, opening his first Brazilian Soccer School in 1996. His schools across Britain are now teaching 850,000 children, and he has branched out to the US and Australia as well.
Clifford can count Manchester City's Micah Richards as one of the graduates of his schools, and plans on achieving promotion with a complete squad trained in the Brazilian techniques.
But don't think that the infatuation with Brazil ends with merely copying a playing style. No, Socrates and Careca have each turned out for Garforth Town in recent years after being inked to short-term deals by Clifford.
The club has also been linked to Zico, Cafu, Romario and Bebeto.
It doesn't hurt that Clifford managed to convince Lee Sharpe to play for Garforth in 2004, either.
This is all great publicity that could help this club achieve its ultimate goal.
Burnley treats their fans right
This is perhaps the best story I've heard in recent times, a fantastic example of a club putting its fans first.
Before the start of the 2008-2009 season, Burnley offered a unique incentive to their supporters: Purchase a season ticket by Aug. 8, and get a free-season ticket for the next campaign if Burnley were to gain promotion to the Premier League.
Well, Burnley capped off their season with a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United at Wembley, securing promotion to the Premiership.
It's refreshing to see about a club that isn't worried about losing the estimated £2 million that this plan will cost. Can you imagine one of the Big Four offering a deal like that?
Didn't think so.
Thanks to a fan-centric attitude from Burnley, 7,000 season ticket holders will be taking in Premiership football at the Turf Moor for free during the 2009-2010 campaign.
The Giant Killers
The greatest thing about Cup football is the ever-present potential for an upset hanging over the fixtures like a storm.
The single-elimination format of domestic cups has led to some legendary upsets, with the environment comparable to March Madness in the States.
Wrexham has taken part in multiple giant-killings, knocking off Newcastle during the 1977-1978 FA Cup and Arsenal in 1992. Both times, Wrexham was in the Third Division while their opponents were in the First.
In more recent competitions, you might remember the spectacular run of Barnsley. They reached the FA Cup semifinals in 2008 after consecutive victories over Liverpool and Chelsea.
Most Premiership clubs would struggle to replicate that feat, but the Championship side made their way to Wembley.
We're not gonna take it
FC United and AFC Wimbledon are easily two of the most intriguing clubs in the world. It's not because they win loads of major trophies or feature rosters full of superstars. The stories of their origins are what should interest you.
The original Wimbledon FC was a club that had spent many years in England's top flight, but were never really in contention for many major trophies aside from the 1988 FA Cup. The owners felt that if the club were to move away from their London home, it would become a more profitable and thus more competitive venture.
On May 28, 2002, the FA granted permission for Wimbledon FC to move to Milton Keynes, becoming the Milton Keynes Dons.
Naturally, fans were quite upset and started boycotting the club. This loss of support crippled the club and forced it into administration.
But what happened to the fans?
They created their own club, AFC Wimbledon. The supporters of Wimbledon FC felt that the club had severed ties with their fan base, so rather than watch the club's final season at Selhurst Park, they began throwing their support behind AFC Wimbledon during its inaugural season.
Since its inception and thanks to some incredible fan support, AFC Wimbledon has risen from the Combined Counties League (step five in the National League System) to the Conference National, just one step below the Football League.
FC United was formed by a group of dissident Manchester United supporters in 2005. The group was unhappy with the takeover of the club by Malcolm Glazer.
Kris Stewart, the founder of AFC Wimbledon, gave the malcontents advice on starting a club, and the group decided that if 1,000 people pledged their financial support, they would go ahead with creating the new club.
By early July of 2005, the club had received monetary pledges from 4,000 people, giving them £100,000 in the bank.
FC United began life in the North West Counties Football League, nine levels below the Premiership. Three successive promotions saw them reach the Northern Premier League Premier Division, a mere six levels below the Premiership.
To make the beginnings of their existence even more impressive, FC United missed out on the playoffs this season by only two points. Just think, two points away from a chance at their fourth successive promotion after being created in the summer of 2005.
Do you FIFA?
Most football lovers have played a game of FIFA at some point in their lives. I'd be willing to wager that a good portion of us are fanatical devotees to the FIFA franchise, eagerly anticipating the release of the next installment.
I'll admit to re-creating the magic of The Invincibles with the Virtual Arsenal squad, but after awhile, winning trophies with a big club isn't challenging. If you want a challenge, you've got to take a small club and build it into a champion.
I selected Nottingham Forest thanks to their historical ties with Arsenal (where do you think that gorgeous Red and White strip originated?) and set out attempting to win the Champions League in a few seasons' time.
It was definitely challenging, especially when it came to the domestic cups. See, unlike actual managers, FIFA doesn't field weakened sides in the Cup. Virtual Forest had to contend with a full-strength Virtual Chelsea and Virtual Manchester United.
What's the point?
With a greater challenge comes greater reward. It's so much more satisfying to taste victory when you're a serious underdog. That's why Giant Killers have become legendary.
That's why Burnley decided to reward the loyalty of their fans upon returning to the top flight for the first time in 33 years.
That's why fans of Wimbledon FC and Manchester United decided to form their own clubs.
That's why Garforth Town is trying to rule England with a squad of home-grown players.
Find yourself a small club to support, it's loads of fun.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
FC amused at 'bizarre' Scudamore
May 21, 2009
FC UNITED have laughed off a claim by Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore that it is more expensive to watch them than Bolton.
Scudamore made the bizarre claims in a radio interview on Wednesday night.
When asked about the Premier League clubs’ responsibility to fans during the current recession’ Scudamore claimed that Premier League clubs are hurting too.
Scudamore backed up his claims by referring to discussions he had been involved in that day at the Professional Game board at the FA and cited Bolton as a team that charges less than Unibond premier division outfit FC.
"They are charging for adults and children for matches less than it is costing to go to FC United in the non-league," Scudamore said.
FC United, who have just launched an unprecedented campaign for next season’s season tickets where they are asking supporters to name their own price, were amazed by the claims:
‘We found his comments quite amusing. It costs less than ten pounds for an adult and child to attend together at FC United. I don’t know a Premier League cub where prices come anywhere close’ said Rebels spokesman Jules Spencer.
"Maybe our campaign for fans to name their own season ticket price has struck a nerve. We are making football affordable for ordinary football supporters.
"Many of us can no longer afford to go to Premier League games with our families but we can afford to go and watch FC United where the quality of entertainment on offer in non-league football is real value for money.
"It’s nice to see that we are still on the radar of the powers-that-be. We must be doing something right."
FC UNITED have laughed off a claim by Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore that it is more expensive to watch them than Bolton.
Scudamore made the bizarre claims in a radio interview on Wednesday night.
When asked about the Premier League clubs’ responsibility to fans during the current recession’ Scudamore claimed that Premier League clubs are hurting too.
Scudamore backed up his claims by referring to discussions he had been involved in that day at the Professional Game board at the FA and cited Bolton as a team that charges less than Unibond premier division outfit FC.
"They are charging for adults and children for matches less than it is costing to go to FC United in the non-league," Scudamore said.
FC United, who have just launched an unprecedented campaign for next season’s season tickets where they are asking supporters to name their own price, were amazed by the claims:
‘We found his comments quite amusing. It costs less than ten pounds for an adult and child to attend together at FC United. I don’t know a Premier League cub where prices come anywhere close’ said Rebels spokesman Jules Spencer.
"Maybe our campaign for fans to name their own season ticket price has struck a nerve. We are making football affordable for ordinary football supporters.
"Many of us can no longer afford to go to Premier League games with our families but we can afford to go and watch FC United where the quality of entertainment on offer in non-league football is real value for money.
"It’s nice to see that we are still on the radar of the powers-that-be. We must be doing something right."
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
FC cash boost
Stuart Brennan
May 19, 2009
FC United say they have received more than £25,000 of pledges in the first few days of their ground-breaking season ticket deal.
The Rebels have allowed their fans to name their own price for tickets for next season in the Unibond premier division, having set a minimum of £90, which is £50 less than last season's price.
The club says it is delighted with a "fantastic response", but added: "We still have a long way to go to hit our £125,000 target, but the signs are encouraging and it is clear from the amounts being pledged that everyone is taking our collective responsibility seriously."
Supporters have voted goal-scoring midfielder Simon Carden as Player of the Year after netting 12 times in 43 appearances.
The players picked out namesake Adam Carden as their top performer over a season in which the Rebels missed out on a play-off place on the final day, while manager Karl Marginson's award went to goalkeeper Sam Ashton.
May 19, 2009
FC United say they have received more than £25,000 of pledges in the first few days of their ground-breaking season ticket deal.
The Rebels have allowed their fans to name their own price for tickets for next season in the Unibond premier division, having set a minimum of £90, which is £50 less than last season's price.
The club says it is delighted with a "fantastic response", but added: "We still have a long way to go to hit our £125,000 target, but the signs are encouraging and it is clear from the amounts being pledged that everyone is taking our collective responsibility seriously."
Supporters have voted goal-scoring midfielder Simon Carden as Player of the Year after netting 12 times in 43 appearances.
The players picked out namesake Adam Carden as their top performer over a season in which the Rebels missed out on a play-off place on the final day, while manager Karl Marginson's award went to goalkeeper Sam Ashton.
Friday, May 15, 2009
United victory
May 15, 2009
FC UNITED of Manchester Youth took on the mighty Nantwich Town in the final of the North West Youth Alliance League’s Neil Thomason Memorial Trophy at Woodley Sports Centre.
United applied early pressure, and it paid off after five minutes when a flick on from John Buckley looped over the keeper for Josh Burke to knock into the net.
United stuck to their plan and drove forward in waves.
A superb John Buckley cross from the right was just too high for Jamie Mack, but Jake Haslam read it and nipped in front of his marker only to miss the target from close range.
Nick Swirad had a shot cleared, then a goalbound shot from Jack Lyons hit Jamie Mack on the line, Mack being unable to get out of the way.
It was all United, and keeper Grant Shenton was a virtual spectator until four minutes from half time when he made a top class save. Nantwich hit the bar from the resulting corner.
The second half was a struggle for United as Nantwich stepped up their game.
The pressure told with 12 minutes left, and it was all to play for.
United simply had to get back into the game, and they had a chance when awarded a penalty for handball. Mack took the kick, but the keeper went the right way to save.
Far from being down, United again raised their game, but only one minute was left when Mark Reeves whipped in a freekick to the near post for Jack Lyons to hook the ball into the net.
FC UNITED of Manchester Youth took on the mighty Nantwich Town in the final of the North West Youth Alliance League’s Neil Thomason Memorial Trophy at Woodley Sports Centre.
United applied early pressure, and it paid off after five minutes when a flick on from John Buckley looped over the keeper for Josh Burke to knock into the net.
United stuck to their plan and drove forward in waves.
A superb John Buckley cross from the right was just too high for Jamie Mack, but Jake Haslam read it and nipped in front of his marker only to miss the target from close range.
Nick Swirad had a shot cleared, then a goalbound shot from Jack Lyons hit Jamie Mack on the line, Mack being unable to get out of the way.
It was all United, and keeper Grant Shenton was a virtual spectator until four minutes from half time when he made a top class save. Nantwich hit the bar from the resulting corner.
The second half was a struggle for United as Nantwich stepped up their game.
The pressure told with 12 minutes left, and it was all to play for.
United simply had to get back into the game, and they had a chance when awarded a penalty for handball. Mack took the kick, but the keeper went the right way to save.
Far from being down, United again raised their game, but only one minute was left when Mark Reeves whipped in a freekick to the near post for Jack Lyons to hook the ball into the net.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Why it is time to nationalise the Premier League
Dear Gordon Brown, it's time to stop the strip-mining of football. Please take it out of private hands immediately
It was odd being a foreign socialist living in America during the recent sports draft season. Every night the TV news produced more evidence that the Republicans have completely lost it, milling around in Fox News herded fake mobs, wearing Dick Turpin hats, waving tea bags and making insane claims that Obama has turned America into the Soviet Archipelago with strip malls.
And then you changed channels to watch, say, the NFL draft, where the crappest teams gets first pick of the best players — part of a system designed to make sure that all the assets don't end up in the hands of a greedy few. And you realise there's a name for such a system: socialism.
The fact is that teabaggers and the rest of the crazy (and getting ever crazier) right wing Obamaphobic freakshow are an isolated rump. Obama is more popular than cake. He could, if he wanted, introduce legislation to nationalise the NFL, and maybe even get that legislation passed. But then again, why would he want to? Given that, as Chuck Klosterman has pointed out, the NFL is the most socialist sports league in America, and the most successful. (And also the world's richest.)
Gordon Brown, on the other hand, isn't quite as popular as Mr Obama. But the crazy right-wing policies of the Thatcher-Reagan years — like letting jargon-gibbbering private spivbots run hospitals and railroads and regulate their own industries — are no more popular in the UK than they are in the US. And the Premier League is just screaming out to be nationalised.
Right now, given the utter collapse and total failure of the Friedmanite free market model, the nationalisation of the Premier League (and the stupidly named leagues below it) would face almost no serious ideological opposition, and would probably prove massively popular with the vast majority of football fans, particularly those who are fans of clubs that — under the present system — have no realistic chance of ever again winning anything meaningful. Even Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, admits it's time to reassess the Premier League's relationship with money.
Of course, realistically any such nationalisation would have to be Europe-wide, but given the EU's much vaunted cultural remit, would that really be a problem?
Football is integral to European culture. Easily as important as food or art. Leaving it in the hands of unregulated capital makes no more sense than letting entirely profit-motivated private companies run the environment, the arts, transport, broadcasting, banking, the mortgage industry or architecture. They will strip-mine it, pollute it, dilute it, debase it, rape its corpse and then sell its bones for cigar money. That's what they do. Hell, that's what they're doing.
Drawing on Europe's social democratic traditions (and German and Spanish football's experiences with collective ownership), we should seize the moment and nationalise all of Europe's top leagues, with or without shareholder and/or ownership compensation. By which, of course, I mean without.
What happens next is open to debate. The current model (the winner takes all forever and ever while everybody else hangs around in a short skirt, stockings and crotchless panties, trying to catch the eye of a passing billionaire) is unsustainable, culturally damaging, boring, futile and, in the long term, entirely poisonous. But the alternative American model is probably culturally unsuitable and non-transferable (are we really going to ditch promotion and relegation and make all our young footballers go to university?)
I would instead suggest turning the clubs over to trusts formed of local government, the local PFA, the local FA, local small business and supporters' associations. But then again I bored myself just typing that last sentence, while there are, of course, already fan-owned clubs in existence — Stockport County, Exeter City, Brentford, Notts County — and further non-league teams including Ebbsfleet (sort off). Perhaps FC United's 'pay what you like' season-ticket scheme is the answer.
The European experience of fan ownership (Real Madrid and Barcelona being the best known, while fans own at least 51% of all Bundesliga clubs) could perhaps be best described as messy, imperfect, unpredictable and occasionally chaotic. But isn't that what football should be like? At the moment the Premier League resembles a video game where four posh boys got their daddies to buy them the cheat code. (And yes I know the La Liga duopoly proves that the shareholder/super-spiv dilettante model isn't the only roadblock on the shining path to an anyone-can-win-it soccertopia).
Folk singer, punk poet and Brighton and Hove Albion fan-activist Attila the Stockbroker once told me that "football is a microcosm of capitalism". He was of course, correct (he isn't always, that same night he also said: "I hate Crystal Palace more than I hate the BNP," which is just daft.) But even a silly old unreconstructed Stalinist like Stockbroker would presumably agree that there are versions of capitalism that suck (like, say, the Swedish model) and versions that really, really suck. Like, say the USA in 1890 where all the toys ended up in the hands of just a few very greedy, ruthless and nasty chaps in top hats and opera capes. And of course the oligopoly currently sucking the life out of English football.
Even going back to the old collaboration between blazered FA bureaucrats and locally based, over-grown, fan-boy, small business spivs would be preferable to the current system. At least under the blazer/micro-spiv regime there was some control over the game that wasn't entirely profit motivated, and also a great deal more social mobility between clubs. Jesus, Manchester United got relegated. Twice.
But whatever model replaces the current one trick, four pony show, the benefits of nationalisation are manifold and obvious, including:
• The elimination and reversal of dumb-ass anti-fan cultural practices (generally but erroneously knows as Americanisation).
• The reintroduction of genuinely competitive leagues and a genuinely competitive league system.
• The regrassrootisation of football.
• The enforced and equitable sharing of TV moneys.
• The self-proclaimed socialist Sir Alex Ferguson no longer having to live under a perpetual cloud of self-loathing and embarrassment.
• The immediate execution by firing squad of anybody who refers to fans as customers.
The alternative of course, is an ever cheaper and tackier continuation of the current drearily predictable circus — the strip-malling of soccer. Every league in every country essentially the same, season after season after season, while the 'small' clubs gradually wither away and football, as a vibrant cultural institution, rots at the roots and dies.
Daisy Hill meet FC United in friendly
10:20pm Wednesday 13th May 2009
By Staff Sports Reporter
Daisy Hill are expected to field a strong side when they take on FC United at New Sirs on Saturday, kick off 3pm.
Manager Craig Thomas will select from a squad of first team players, reserves and youth teamers for the end-of-season friendly.
By Staff Sports Reporter
Daisy Hill are expected to field a strong side when they take on FC United at New Sirs on Saturday, kick off 3pm.
Manager Craig Thomas will select from a squad of first team players, reserves and youth teamers for the end-of-season friendly.
Pay what you can afford to watch FC United
4:50am Thursday 14th May 2009
By Liam Chronnell
FC United will ask supporters to decide how much to pay for their own season ticket based on what they can afford.
The decision has been taken by the breakaway club’s elected board in recognition of the current financial climate and to maintain their policy of providing affordable football.
The UniBond Premier side, who missed out on a record-equalling fourth successive promotion, hope fans who are not feeling the pinch as much will be able to donate more.
FC board member Jules Spencer said: “We believe we’re the first football club to ask each supporter to choose what they pay for their own season ticket.
“FC United like all clubs need to raise revenue and we will feel the pinch in the coming months just as any other club will in this economic climate. But given our philosophy of providing affordable football, we do not feel unilateral price increases are the way forward.
“So we hope the ‘Your Season Ticket, Your Choice’ campaign will do two things. First, it will offer a lower season ticket price for those supporters who cannot now afford last year’s price, which was around £140.
“Secondly, it means those supporters who can afford a bit more can choose to donate as much as they wish to help fund the club’s operating costs.
“It is an ambitious campaign but we have raised similar amounts of money in the past so we hope we can do so again.
“This is about empowerment, of collective responsibility, of us all pulling together to ensure the club’s future in a way that reflects our founding principles.
“We have been asked if we’re being foolhardy but why shouldn’t a football club trust its own supporters? FC United is after all a member-owned club, so everyone has a vested interest in making this a success.”
Season tickets for under-18s will remain at the equivalent of £1 per game.
By Liam Chronnell
FC United will ask supporters to decide how much to pay for their own season ticket based on what they can afford.
The decision has been taken by the breakaway club’s elected board in recognition of the current financial climate and to maintain their policy of providing affordable football.
The UniBond Premier side, who missed out on a record-equalling fourth successive promotion, hope fans who are not feeling the pinch as much will be able to donate more.
FC board member Jules Spencer said: “We believe we’re the first football club to ask each supporter to choose what they pay for their own season ticket.
“FC United like all clubs need to raise revenue and we will feel the pinch in the coming months just as any other club will in this economic climate. But given our philosophy of providing affordable football, we do not feel unilateral price increases are the way forward.
“So we hope the ‘Your Season Ticket, Your Choice’ campaign will do two things. First, it will offer a lower season ticket price for those supporters who cannot now afford last year’s price, which was around £140.
“Secondly, it means those supporters who can afford a bit more can choose to donate as much as they wish to help fund the club’s operating costs.
“It is an ambitious campaign but we have raised similar amounts of money in the past so we hope we can do so again.
“This is about empowerment, of collective responsibility, of us all pulling together to ensure the club’s future in a way that reflects our founding principles.
“We have been asked if we’re being foolhardy but why shouldn’t a football club trust its own supporters? FC United is after all a member-owned club, so everyone has a vested interest in making this a success.”
Season tickets for under-18s will remain at the equivalent of £1 per game.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Pay what you want at FC United
Source: Eurosport
Eurosport - Wed, 13 May 15:48:00 2009
A revolutionary new ticketing scheme has been introduced by a non-league football club in a bid to stave off the effects of the worldwide financial downturn.
FC United of Manchester, a club set up in 2005 by Manchester United supporters in protest at the Glazer takeover, have asked fans to decide how much they want to pay for next year's season tickets.
The move comes not only in recognition of the current economic climate, which has hit football fans hard, but also to maintain the Unibond League Premier Division club's policy of providing affordable entertainment.
The club, which is wholly owned by supporters and works as a co-operative, has been operating at a loss for the past two years but has been able to stay afloat thanks to a combination of good-sized crowds, donations and original pledges.
But with plans afoot to move out of their current rented accommodation - League Two outfit Bury's Gigg Lane - and into a stadium of their own, the club have recognised the need for increased revenue.
And given FC United's reluctance to impose across-the-board ticket price increases, the innovative new ticketing scheme, on the face of it, offers a feasible solution.
The aim is to raise £125,000 from the season ticket campaign, a figure significantly higher than revenue from last season's sales, with fans invited to pay a minimum of £90 to watch 21 league games, although £140 is suggested as a barometer of affordability.
Board member Jules Spencer told the club's website: "We believe this is unprecedented in football, a club saying to its supporters 'pay what you can afford'. Some may question whether we're being foolhardy, but why shouldn't we trust supporters?
"FC United like all clubs need to raise revenue and we will feel the pinch in the coming months just as any other club will in this economic climate. But given our philosophy of providing affordable football, we do not feel unilateral price increases are the way forward.
"So we hope the Your Season Ticket, Your Choice campaign will do two things. First, it will offer a lower season ticket price for those supporters who cannot now afford last year's price, which was around £140.
"Secondly, it means those supporters who can afford a bit more can choose to donate as much as they wish to help fund the club's operating costs.
"It is an ambitious campaign but we have raised similar amounts of money in the past so we hope we can do so again.
"This is about empowerment, of collective responsibility, of us all pulling together to ensure the club's future in a way that reflects our founding principles.
"We have been asked if we're being foolhardy but why shouldn't a football club trust its own supporters? FC United is after all a member owned club, so everyone has a vested interest in making this a success."
Since the club's inception, FC United have won three successive promotions to the Unibond Premier, where they narrowly missed out on a play-off spot in April this year.
Mike Hytner / Eurosport
FC United Season Ticket Offer
by Andy White
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
FC UNITED have announced an original initiative to counter the credit crunch and encourage more fans to buy season tickets.
The Rebels are introducing a 'pay what you can afford' scheme that will see pay anything upwards of £90 for a season ticket.
Last season the club made a financial loss selling season tickets at an average price of £140 but hope this scheme can raise an ambitious cash target of £125,000.
Rebels spokesman Jules Spencer commented: "We believe this is unprecedented in football.
"Some may question whether we're being foolhardy, but why shouldn't we trust supporters?
"This is about empowerment, of collective responsibility, of us all pulling together to ensure the club's future. It's about recognising some may not be able to afford last season's prices, but some will be able to afford more."
The club will monitor the sales of tickets over the next month before deciding whether or not to continue with the scheme.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
FC UNITED have announced an original initiative to counter the credit crunch and encourage more fans to buy season tickets.
The Rebels are introducing a 'pay what you can afford' scheme that will see pay anything upwards of £90 for a season ticket.
Last season the club made a financial loss selling season tickets at an average price of £140 but hope this scheme can raise an ambitious cash target of £125,000.
Rebels spokesman Jules Spencer commented: "We believe this is unprecedented in football.
"Some may question whether we're being foolhardy, but why shouldn't we trust supporters?
"This is about empowerment, of collective responsibility, of us all pulling together to ensure the club's future. It's about recognising some may not be able to afford last season's prices, but some will be able to afford more."
The club will monitor the sales of tickets over the next month before deciding whether or not to continue with the scheme.
FC United let fans name their own season ticket price
Published Date: 13 May 2009
Unibond League outfit FC United have come up with a novel way of ensuring they do not lose fans during the current recession - by getting them to name their own season ticket price.
The club, launched in 2005 as a protest at Malcolm Glazer's takeover of Manchester United, missed out on the play-offs to reach Conference North this season, the first time they have not been promoted.
Yet they still remain committed to the principle of a supporters' trust, the basis on which they were founded and, taking the idea of Radiohead, who got fans to name their own price to download their music off the internet, the club have come up with a novel scheme of their own, named 'Your season ticket, your choice'.
And, while some people might look upon the latest move as slightly bizarre, particularly as the cash still needs to be found for the present ground-sharing agreement with Bury, FC United officials are confident fans with extra cash will make up the shortfall.
FC United board member Jules Spencer said: "We hope the 'Your season ticket, your choice' campaign will do two things. First, it will offer a lower season ticket price for those who cannot afford last year's price.
"Secondly, it means those supporters who can afford a bit more can choose to donate as much as they wish."
Unibond League outfit FC United have come up with a novel way of ensuring they do not lose fans during the current recession - by getting them to name their own season ticket price.
The club, launched in 2005 as a protest at Malcolm Glazer's takeover of Manchester United, missed out on the play-offs to reach Conference North this season, the first time they have not been promoted.
Yet they still remain committed to the principle of a supporters' trust, the basis on which they were founded and, taking the idea of Radiohead, who got fans to name their own price to download their music off the internet, the club have come up with a novel scheme of their own, named 'Your season ticket, your choice'.
And, while some people might look upon the latest move as slightly bizarre, particularly as the cash still needs to be found for the present ground-sharing agreement with Bury, FC United officials are confident fans with extra cash will make up the shortfall.
FC United board member Jules Spencer said: "We hope the 'Your season ticket, your choice' campaign will do two things. First, it will offer a lower season ticket price for those who cannot afford last year's price.
"Secondly, it means those supporters who can afford a bit more can choose to donate as much as they wish."
Rebels tell fans to name their price
Source: Manchester Evening News
Stuart Brennan
May 13, 2009
FC UNITED have come up with a novel way of beating the recession - by allowing their supporters to name their own price for a season ticket!
The Rebels, who play in the Unibond League, are the first football club to use the scheme, which relies on the goodwill of their fans to beat the credit crunch.
The club - owned by its own supporters - has set a minimum of £90 for the tickets, £50 lower than prices from last season.
Board member Jules Spencer said: "FC United, like all clubs need to raise revenue and we will feel the pinch in the coming months just as any other club will in this economic climate. But given our philosophy of providing affordable football, we do not feel unilateral price increases are the way forward.
"So we hope the `Your Season Ticket, Your Choice' campaign will do two things. Firstly, it will offer a lower season ticket price for those supporters who cannot now afford last year's price, which was around £140.
"Secondly, it means those supporters who can afford a bit more can choose to donate as much as they wish to help fund the club's operating costs.
"It is an ambitious campaign but we have raised similar amounts of money in the past so we hope we can do so again."
The move, designed to raise £125,000 to run the club next season comes as clubs at all levels of football have frozen or even reduced ticket prices for next season, the notable exception being Manchester United, who have put their prices up by an average five per cent.
FC United have made an operating loss for the last two seasons, crippled by the costs of ground-sharing with Bury. They recently signed a two-year extension to their tenancy, which costs the club around £80,000 a season, and hope to move into their own stadium in Manchester after that.
The scheme, which will also peg season ticket prices for under-18s at £21, has brought a favourable response from fans.
"I think most people value the club enough not to take the mickey," said one.
"It needs supporters who can afford it to think that £140, which we paid last year, is the minimum, but if we get a few new fans who pay £90 each, and keep hold of a few who are finding times a bit tough, all well and good. It really needs those who can afford it to pay a bit more."
Spencer agreed that the club's board has faith in its own supporters.
"This is about empowerment, of collective responsibility, of us all pulling together to ensure the club's future in a way that reflects our founding principles," he said.
"We have been asked if we're being foolhardy but why shouldn't a football club trust its own supporters? FC United is after all a member owned club, so everyone has a vested interest in making this a success."
Stuart Brennan
May 13, 2009
FC UNITED have come up with a novel way of beating the recession - by allowing their supporters to name their own price for a season ticket!
The Rebels, who play in the Unibond League, are the first football club to use the scheme, which relies on the goodwill of their fans to beat the credit crunch.
The club - owned by its own supporters - has set a minimum of £90 for the tickets, £50 lower than prices from last season.
Board member Jules Spencer said: "FC United, like all clubs need to raise revenue and we will feel the pinch in the coming months just as any other club will in this economic climate. But given our philosophy of providing affordable football, we do not feel unilateral price increases are the way forward.
"So we hope the `Your Season Ticket, Your Choice' campaign will do two things. Firstly, it will offer a lower season ticket price for those supporters who cannot now afford last year's price, which was around £140.
"Secondly, it means those supporters who can afford a bit more can choose to donate as much as they wish to help fund the club's operating costs.
"It is an ambitious campaign but we have raised similar amounts of money in the past so we hope we can do so again."
The move, designed to raise £125,000 to run the club next season comes as clubs at all levels of football have frozen or even reduced ticket prices for next season, the notable exception being Manchester United, who have put their prices up by an average five per cent.
FC United have made an operating loss for the last two seasons, crippled by the costs of ground-sharing with Bury. They recently signed a two-year extension to their tenancy, which costs the club around £80,000 a season, and hope to move into their own stadium in Manchester after that.
The scheme, which will also peg season ticket prices for under-18s at £21, has brought a favourable response from fans.
"I think most people value the club enough not to take the mickey," said one.
"It needs supporters who can afford it to think that £140, which we paid last year, is the minimum, but if we get a few new fans who pay £90 each, and keep hold of a few who are finding times a bit tough, all well and good. It really needs those who can afford it to pay a bit more."
Spencer agreed that the club's board has faith in its own supporters.
"This is about empowerment, of collective responsibility, of us all pulling together to ensure the club's future in a way that reflects our founding principles," he said.
"We have been asked if we're being foolhardy but why shouldn't a football club trust its own supporters? FC United is after all a member owned club, so everyone has a vested interest in making this a success."
Manchester's FC United 'do a Radiohead' over ticket prices
Source: Telegraph
Unibond League side FC United have come up with a novel way of ensuring they do not lose fans during the current recession - by getting them to name their own season ticket price.
By Richard Bright
Last Updated: 11:58AM BST 13 May 2009
The club, launched in 2005 as a protest at Malcolm Glazer's takeover of Manchester United, missed out on the play-offs to reach Conference North this season, the first time they have not been promoted.
Yet they still remain committed to the principle of a supporters' trust, the basis on which they were founded and, taking the idea of Radiohead, who got fans to name their own price to download their music off the internet, the club have come up with a novel scheme of their own, named 'Your season ticket, your choice'.
And, while some people might look upon the latest move as slightly bizarre, particularly as the cash still needs to be found for the present ground-sharing agreement with Bury, FC United officials are confident fans with extra cash will make up the shortfall.
FC United board member Jules Spencer said: "We hope the 'Your season ticket, your choice' campaign will do two things. First, it will offer a lower season ticket price for those who cannot afford last year's price.
"Secondly, it means those supporters who can afford a bit more can choose to donate as much as they wish."
FC United recently revealed that they hope to move into their own ground within the next two years.
The club signed an extension with Bury over their ground-share contract which runs out in 2011. FC United averaged 2,152 this season.
FC United they stand
Source: Daily Mirror
By Oliver Holt 13/05/2009
Fc United of Manchester was set up in the summer of 2005 by Manchester United supporters who could not stomach the takeover of their club by the Glazer family.
The sternest challenge was always going to be how the new club avoided turning into the commercially driven beast its fans had rebelled against as it rose through the league pyramid.
All the signs are that it's coping very well.
After three successive promotions, FC United are now in the Unibond Premier League but they are refusing to put up prices.
In fact, this summer the club will ask supporters to decide how much to pay for their season ticket based on what they can afford.
That is probably a first. If a few Premier League clubs had a fraction of this respect for their supporters, English football would have a lot more friends.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
FC United launches 'pay what you like' season-ticket scheme
- Rebel non-league club 'does a Radiohead' with fans naming the price
- £90 minimum suggested but plan will be reviewed after month's trial
Owen Gibson
guardian.co.uk
Tuesday 12 May 2009 18.24 BST
From Hoddle and Waddle on Top of the Pops to the dubious D-list appeal of Celebrity Soccer Sixes, football taking inspiration from the music industry has not always ended happily. But non-league FC United, the club born of opposition to Malcolm Glazer's takeover of Manchester United, is hoping to buck the trend by replicating Radiohead's ground-breaking "pay what you like" business model in a new way forward for the game.
The club, which recently narrowly missed out on securing their fourth successive promotion, will become the first to offer fans the chance to set their own price for their season ticket. In doing so, the board hope to boost revenues without raising ticket prices across the board.
The club's general manager, Andy Walsh, said the decision to launch the scheme, with a target of raising £125,000 in revenue, was in keeping with the ethos of the club. For 2008-09, during which the club played in the Northern Premier League Premier Division (three tiers beneath the Football League), season tickets cost £140. The hope is that those who can afford to do so will choose to pay more, subsidising those who pay less.
"The Premier League clubs have put up prices regardless of the ability of people to pay," said Walsh. "Those that can afford to pay continue to pay and those that can't fall off the end. Ultimately that will undermine the game of football, which has always been about inclusivity, not exclusivity."
Walsh added: "For many people, when prices go up there is no alternative. We've demonstrated there is an alternative model that puts the supporter at the very heart of the football club rather than on the fringes."
FC United has maintained average attendances of more than 2,500 throughout the four years of its existence, far higher than is usual at that level of football. The club is not quite going as far as Radiohead, who offered fans the option of downloading In Rainbows for nothing, by recommending £90 as a minimum. But those behind the scheme said that if fans felt unable to make even that level of financial commitment, they would be free to contact the club. Everyone else will be asked to use last season's price of £140 as a benchmark and to bear in mind that the club still made a loss.
"We believe this is unprecedented in football, a club saying to its supporters 'Pay what you can afford'. Some may question whether we're being foolhardy, but why shouldn't we trust supporters?" said Jules Stenson, an FC United board member.
Walsh said he wanted the initiative, which will be evaluated after a month-long trial, to help put the club on a sustainable financial footing. The club hopes to be able to reveal plans for its own stadium before the end of the month, following positive meetings with the council. Until now, FC United have been tenants at Bury's Gigg Lane.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Charity helps new children’s units
8:20am Saturday 9th May 2009
FUNDRAISERS from the borough have played a key role in getting new children’s healthcare services up and running.
On June 3, North Manchester General Hospital in Crumpsall will open a children’s unit and a paediatric accident and emergency department as part of a £32 million project.
Hundreds of Bury residents have raised cash for Prestwich-based charity MedEquip4Kids, which will supply £250,000 worth of life-saving machinery to the hospital.
Currently, children and their families have to travel to Booth Hall Children’s Hospital in Manchester, but that is being wound down, so Bury youngsters in need of treatment will have a shorter distance to travel when the Crumpsall facility opens.
The new children’s unit will have 12 paediatric consultants with support from junior staff, while the A&E department will be staffed with doctors and nurses who have been trained in the care of children.
Paediatric consultant Dr Andrew Bradley said: “We will be providing a first-class service delivered in the heart of the community.
“Our staff will provide a comprehensive general paediatric service including an in-patient medical ward, day-care surgery and outpatient clinics.”
He added: “Many of the general paediatricians and nurses have been working at Booth Hall and will be bringing their skills, experience and local knowledge to the department.”
Among those raising cash for MedEquip4Kids in recent months were fans of Bury-based football club FC United, who brought in £15,000 from a sponsored walk.
Slattery chocolatier, in Whitefield, raised £4,000 at chocolate extravaganza and pupils from Park View and Ribble Drive primary schools, in Whitefield, raised £570 at a carol concert.
MedEquip4Kids community fundraiser Lindsay Southall said: “Thanks to an overwhelming response from the public, MedEquip4Kids is within touching distance of its target and appealing for one last push to help achieve it.
“We still need support from the community and would urge anyone who is interested in taking part in one of our sponsored events or organising their own, to contact us and we will help make sure it is as successful as possible.”
For more details, call 0161 798 1600 or email info@medequip 4kids.org.uk
FUNDRAISERS from the borough have played a key role in getting new children’s healthcare services up and running.
On June 3, North Manchester General Hospital in Crumpsall will open a children’s unit and a paediatric accident and emergency department as part of a £32 million project.
Hundreds of Bury residents have raised cash for Prestwich-based charity MedEquip4Kids, which will supply £250,000 worth of life-saving machinery to the hospital.
Currently, children and their families have to travel to Booth Hall Children’s Hospital in Manchester, but that is being wound down, so Bury youngsters in need of treatment will have a shorter distance to travel when the Crumpsall facility opens.
The new children’s unit will have 12 paediatric consultants with support from junior staff, while the A&E department will be staffed with doctors and nurses who have been trained in the care of children.
Paediatric consultant Dr Andrew Bradley said: “We will be providing a first-class service delivered in the heart of the community.
“Our staff will provide a comprehensive general paediatric service including an in-patient medical ward, day-care surgery and outpatient clinics.”
He added: “Many of the general paediatricians and nurses have been working at Booth Hall and will be bringing their skills, experience and local knowledge to the department.”
Among those raising cash for MedEquip4Kids in recent months were fans of Bury-based football club FC United, who brought in £15,000 from a sponsored walk.
Slattery chocolatier, in Whitefield, raised £4,000 at chocolate extravaganza and pupils from Park View and Ribble Drive primary schools, in Whitefield, raised £570 at a carol concert.
MedEquip4Kids community fundraiser Lindsay Southall said: “Thanks to an overwhelming response from the public, MedEquip4Kids is within touching distance of its target and appealing for one last push to help achieve it.
“We still need support from the community and would urge anyone who is interested in taking part in one of our sponsored events or organising their own, to contact us and we will help make sure it is as successful as possible.”
For more details, call 0161 798 1600 or email info@medequip 4kids.org.uk
Friday, May 01, 2009
Avenue almost achieve surprise play-off berth
10:07am Friday 1st May 2009
By Ian Whiting
Avenue’s UniBond League Premier Division promotion bid ground to an agonising end in front of almost 4,000 spectators at Bury FC’s Gigg Lane last Saturday but manager Lee Sinnott had nothing but praise for his squad and their performance.
The Bradford club and their opponents FC United of Manchester were both long-running favourites to feature in the play-offs.
As the pair slugged out a draw, Kendal Town beat Buxton 3-2 to sneak past them both.
It was a very bitter pill to swallow - it almost felt like a relegation - but Sinnott insists positives will come from it.
He said: “It was very frustrating but things can be learned from it.
“The players who will still be with us next season will not want a repeat of the feelings they endured last weekend. That experience will make them stronger and more determined to succeed.”
The Bradford boss added that building for the next assault on promotion to the Blue Square North effectively began as soon as the final whistle went at Gigg Lane.
Sinnott led neighbours Farsley Celtic all the way to the Conference League and is very keen to take Avenue even further by reaching the Football League.
Avenue only just missed out on the play-offs. As it turned out had they won their penultimate fixture - at already-relegated Leigh Genesis - they would have been involved.
“A week last Tuesday (Leigh) was our first defeat in 12 games, so it was just that it came at the worst possible time for us,” added the Bradford boss.
“The players have done fantastically well and this is very much phase one of the building process. John Deacey arrived before me and we have worked closely since I rejoined him for the first time since our days at Farsley.
“Going back to January when John started the job, in the 21 league games since, Avenue have lost just three.
"That is a very good record, and if that form had been replicated in the first half of the season the club would have been promoted.
“It was always going to be difficult for us (Sinnott and Deacey) to gain that because we had half a season to assemble the squad and turn the form around.
“We were playing catch-up but with a close season and full pre-season ahead of us we have a very good opportunity to do the coaching and make the changes required to raise the bar that bit higher.”
By Ian Whiting
Avenue’s UniBond League Premier Division promotion bid ground to an agonising end in front of almost 4,000 spectators at Bury FC’s Gigg Lane last Saturday but manager Lee Sinnott had nothing but praise for his squad and their performance.
The Bradford club and their opponents FC United of Manchester were both long-running favourites to feature in the play-offs.
As the pair slugged out a draw, Kendal Town beat Buxton 3-2 to sneak past them both.
It was a very bitter pill to swallow - it almost felt like a relegation - but Sinnott insists positives will come from it.
He said: “It was very frustrating but things can be learned from it.
“The players who will still be with us next season will not want a repeat of the feelings they endured last weekend. That experience will make them stronger and more determined to succeed.”
The Bradford boss added that building for the next assault on promotion to the Blue Square North effectively began as soon as the final whistle went at Gigg Lane.
Sinnott led neighbours Farsley Celtic all the way to the Conference League and is very keen to take Avenue even further by reaching the Football League.
Avenue only just missed out on the play-offs. As it turned out had they won their penultimate fixture - at already-relegated Leigh Genesis - they would have been involved.
“A week last Tuesday (Leigh) was our first defeat in 12 games, so it was just that it came at the worst possible time for us,” added the Bradford boss.
“The players have done fantastically well and this is very much phase one of the building process. John Deacey arrived before me and we have worked closely since I rejoined him for the first time since our days at Farsley.
“Going back to January when John started the job, in the 21 league games since, Avenue have lost just three.
"That is a very good record, and if that form had been replicated in the first half of the season the club would have been promoted.
“It was always going to be difficult for us (Sinnott and Deacey) to gain that because we had half a season to assemble the squad and turn the form around.
“We were playing catch-up but with a close season and full pre-season ahead of us we have a very good opportunity to do the coaching and make the changes required to raise the bar that bit higher.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
