FC United plan a winter warmer

Source: Manchester Evening News

Sam Williams

December 30, 2009

FORGET New Year’s Day - January 1st is known as ‘Big Coat Day’ at FC United.

The Rebels are appealing to supporters to bring unwanted winter clothing along with them to Friday’s game against Ossett Town at Gigg Lane (3pm) for the benefit of Manchester’s homeless community.

All coats, hats, scarves and gloves will be collected outside the ground by the Salvation Army and the Boaz Trust before being redistributed to homeless people across the city.

FC ran a similar scheme in 2006 which resulted in fans donating 300 sacks of warm clothing, but the club are hopeful of beating that total this time around.

“Big Coat Day may have started as a bit of fun to show we had reached our first Christmas and it still is fun,” said FC general manager Andy Walsh.

“But now it has come to represent even more, with supporters doing something for those in Manchester who need our help.

“Please bring along whatever warm clothing you can spare - it will be put to good use.”

The campaign also has the backing of actors John Henshaw and Justin Moorhouse, who starred in the Ken Loach film ‘Looking for Eric’.

“I really appreciate having a big coat to hand when the weather gets cold - I hope everyone gets behind this and brings a donation,” said Moorhouse.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, 18th-placed FC will be hoping to gain a vital three points against fellow strugglers Ossett, who sit just one place below them in the table.