Ashton v FC United clash postponed

Source: Manchester Evening News

Sam Williams

December 26, 2009

FC United's Unibond Premier League fixture at Ashton has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

The Rebels return to action when they host Ossett Town on New Years Day (3pm).

Meanwhile, new goalkeeping coach Joe Paladino has only been at FC United a matter of weeks - but already sees himself staying for years to come.

The former Everton and Wigan reserve keeper joined the Rebels’ coaching staff recently and is enjoying every minute of his time at the club.

“This is a fantastic club with unbelievable fans. It's like being at a professional club and I love it here," said Paladino.

"For the next three or four years I’ll be staying whatever happens - the only way I’ll leave is if the club don’t want me anymore.”

Italian-born Paladino, who is also an ex-professional heavyweight boxer, had been out of football since 2005 but has now set his sights on coaching in the football league in the future.

However, he insists he won’t necessarily have to leave FC to fulfil this ambition.

“I run an amateur boxing club but football is my first love, so when Karl (Marginson) got in touch I had no hesitation in coming here.

“I’ll be 50 in six years and my plan is to be coaching in the football league by then, but who says that can’t be here?”

“This club is geared up for the football league and I don’t see any reason why we can’t get there. I don’t think getting to League Two in the next five years is an impossibility.”

Paladino has been working closely with FC’s number one Sam Ashton and has been hugely impressed by the 23-year-old.

“I’ve got the easiest job in non-league football because Sam’s immense,” he said.

“I don’t want to build him up too much but he’s in the Shay Given mould. He’s not the biggest but he’s got everything, and he’s still young so he can get better.”