'We look forward to fans being at the heart of the game'

Source: The Guardian

Interested parties give their reaction to Labour's plans to give fans more influence in the way football clubs are governed

o Owen Gibson
o guardian.co.uk, Monday 29 March 2010 21.25 BST


Andy Walsh, general manager of FC United of Manchester, said he welcomes the debate about club ownership going mainstream. Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Dave Boyle Chief executive Supporters Direct

"If you have got both parties – one of whom will be the government next time round – saying we want to put fans in a much more entrenched position within the clubs, then that's brilliant. It's great news for the trust movement and long-overdue recognition that clubs aren't businesses like any other. We look forward to the next government – whoever it is – putting fans at the heart of the game and we will work with them to make it happen. If it's a line in the manifesto, then that's great. This feels like a change in tone and pitch. I'd like to think it's both parties realising the power of football supporters but it's also a recognition that on the back of what has happened at Manchester United and what has happened at Portsmouth there's a need to act. It's not a minority issue any more. It's great to see it rising up the political agenda but it will come down to how good the proposal is and how strong the will is. We can help with the former but the latter is very much down to the government"

Michel Platini Uefa president

"Personally, I think it is a great idea ... that the supporters invest in a club because they, at the end of the day, defend the club's identity. They are always there. They are always watching the games. There are clubs now where the president is not a national of the country, the coach is not a national of the country and the players are not nationals of the country. The only ones to have any kind of identity are the supporters"

Hugh Robertson Conservative shadow sports minister

"I believe there is widespread consensus that action needs to be taken but it is important to understand the full implications for insolvency law and target this precisely. One concern is that giving supporters a 'right to buy' some or all of the club may not always be the best solution, because it can screen out better-funded local businessmen with community backing. You could logically forgo the first stage by giving fans direct involvement in the first place"

Don Foster Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesman

"Supporter ownership is a nice idea but will be nothing more than a pipe dream for most fans. We urgently need a radical overhaul of the FA to better represent supporters and act in the interests of the game. Ministers need to promise to look at other issues of desperate importance to fans, like ticket prices, safe standing and facilities for disabled supporters"

Andy Walsh General manager FC United of Manchester

"I know they have been in discussions over it for the last few months. We welcome this debate going mainstream. We have been campaigning on these issues for a number of years. Last month we had a rally in which we said that, if the FA don't feel they can move on legislating on ownership, the government should intervene. People can be cynical about the motives and, looking back to what was said at the end of the Football Task Force, you can see why some people are cynical. But something needs to be done. You can't impose the German model on England but there are strong lessons to be learned from it. We would support a regulatory requirement of ownership to be held in trust for the good of the football club"

Lord Ouseley Chairman Kick It Out

"I'm not sure the government's interference has been helpful [in terms of reforming the Football Association]. My worry is that government interference has not helped this process, although clearly it tried to help for all the right reasons. The Burns report [Lord Burns's 2005 proposal of how to restructure the FA] was very important in detailing how a modern body like that should be constructed. It should go ahead and implement Burns fully. But I just get the feeling that people in the FA will stick two fingers up at the government and say 'what the hell are you playing at?' The Premier League will say they are running a very successful competition and why should government stick their noses in? I do agree with what is being suggested, that fans should have a greater role and be better represented, and clearly I believe the FA board should have greater inclusivity. But my main concern is that government pressure is counterproductive"

The Premier League, the Football Association and the Football League declined to comment on the government's proposals

Slideshow: Guiseley FC v FC United of Manchester

Source: Yorkshire Evening Post

Click on the green button to watch a picture slideshow of match action.

Published Date: 29 March 2010

Check out a picture slideshow of match action from the clash between Guiseley and FC United of Manchester

PICTURES: Bruce Rollinson

FC United's new ground boost

Source: Manchester Evening News

March 29, 2010

Jubliant FC United fans are revelling in the news that the dream of having their own ground has become reality.

It was revealed last week that Manchester’s city council has provisionally given the go-ahead for the 5,000 capacity stadium to be built in Newton Heath.

And that decision has been greeted with resounding support from the Rebels’ followers, according to FCUM Radio commentator Keith ‘Keg’ Johnston.

“The feeling among fans I’ve spoken to is one of euphoric giddiness,” said Johnston.

“It’s been a long time coming - a lot of work has gone in up to now but there’s still a lot left to sort out as well.”

Johnston believes that the ground could provide FC with the platform to become a Football League club, and reckons a base of their own will complete the club.

“You’re only really half a club without your own home and this gives everyone involved with the club a focus going forward,” he said.

“To get towards the automatic promotion places in this league, you need a larger playing budget than we’ve got.

“But the ground gives us financial and timescale targets and will open up revenue streams, like match-day catering, that aren’t available at the moment.”

The fact that the ground is to be at Ten Acres Lane is also popular with FC fans, and Johnston is optimistic that the local community will welcome the move.

“There are so many connections and we’ve got roots there already,” he said.

“Hopefully, the community will see the benefits to having FC United based in their area.”

Meanwhile, title contenders Guiseley proved too strong for FC United as they eased to a 2-0 win at Nethermoor Park on Saturday.

The in-form Lions produced an efficient display in blustery conditions to condemn the Rebels to a fifth defeat in their last six games.

“The better team on the day won - they’re a strong side and we found it difficult to match their physicality,” said FC manager Karl Marginson.

Search goes on for testimonial side

Source: Worcester News

11:10am Saturday 27th March 2010

By Steve Carley

A NEW team is being sought for Danny McDonnell’s testimonial after plans to play FC United of Man-chester fell through.

It had been hoped the Unibond Premier Division side would visit St George’s Lane in the summer for a match to raise money for the former Worcester City keeper.

However, the Lancashire outfit wanted a 50 per cent cut of the gate receipts and that was not acceptable to either the organisers or McDonnell.

They are now in talks with a number of clubs in an effort to secure an opponent for the showpiece event of the keeper’s testimonial.

Steve Goode, chairman of the organising committee, said: “The match against FC United won’t be played because they want half the gate receipts.

“The options were to increase the price which would cover what we would lose but Danny doesn’t want to rip off the Worcester public and wants to charge as little as possible.

“He could quite easily cash in on it but he’s not like that, he’s one of those true gents in football when it’s not about money. He wants to enjoy his benefit and let the supporters enjoy it as well.”

McDonnell, 37, played more than 350 games for City over nine years and is having his service honoured by the Blue Square South club.

There are many events planned, one of which is a golf day at Upper Sapey Golf Club on Friday, July 16. It costs £125 for a team of four, to include food.

Next Friday sees Worcester City fan Niels Eiriksson cycle from St George’s Lane to Staines for Worcester’s Blue Square South match.

Eiriksson is pedalling the 125 miles to raise money for the club’s supporters’ trust and he is continuing to gather sponsorship.

To donate, email wcfctrust@btinternet.com or call 01684-569641 after 6pm.

FC United Coming Home?

Source: Twohundred Percent

Posted by Chris on Mar 26, 2010 in Latest, Non-League

Someone in FC United’s offices at Hope Mill in Manchester is very good at burying bad news. On Wednesday night the team suffered their heaviest ever defeat, 1-5, handed out by rivals, league leaders, and all round terrible bastards Bradford Park Avenue. Supporters could be forgiven for waking up Thursday morning and feeling a little bit glum.

But instead of long faces, hangdog expressions, and a forum full of idiots clogging the place up with their ill-targeted rants, there was a collective expulsion of noise, a primal belch that sounded a lot like “OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD!”

Rumours had been flying for a long time over the proposed location of FC United’s new ground. According to cabbies and internet railway enthusiasts, the club would eventually find itself playing in Newton Heath, the spiritual and original home of Manchester United. Each new rumour sent fans scurrying on to Google maps, surveying the area for available land. But due to the nature of these things, no official announcement could be made.

Until Thursday morning.

It was a joyous morning. The sort of morning that can clear your fuzzy head and make you forget what a considerable beating you got the night before. In my inbox sat an email from ‘the FC United good news dept.’ with the subject ‘FCUM ANNOUNCE LOCATION OF PROPOSED STADIUM’. Just like that. It was in uppercase as it’s not the sort of news you can say quietly. I tried saying it quietly to the girlfriend but ended up bellowing it full blast in to her face. She somehow maintained her sang froid and asked me if I wanted owt from the shops. I didn’t.

It turns out the cabbies and internet railway enthusiasts were right all along. The proposed site is set to be in Newton Heath, less than half a mile away from Bank Street, Manchester United (then Newton Heath LYR)’s first ever ground. The site is a council owned sports centre on Ten Acres Lane. And while the links to the history of Manchester United are romantic for a team primarily run for and by Manchester United fans, it’s all just a beautiful coincidence.

According to FC United General Manager Andy Walsh, the primary concern was to have a ground within three miles of the city centre. Not only to make the prospect of attending a game more inviting to local people, but to ensure the club has a community to support. It’s a core belief of the club, locked in to the club constitution: “The club will develop strong links with the local community and strive to be accessible to all, discriminating against none.” At the same time that FC United fans were receiving the good news, leaflets were being posted through letterboxes in the Ten Acres Lane area letting the population know that this was as much for them, as it was for us.

The ground itself is to be a 5000 capacity, with seven to eight hundred seats, costing in the region of £3.5million. It’s a modest size, but a realistic one. Should FC United ever reach Conference National level or above, it doesn’t take a Roald Dahl-like imagination to see the place full. In the Northern Premier League, stuck out in Bury, crowds have leveled out at the 2000 mark. But the record attendance remains the 6023 that saw the North West Counties League division 2 trophy presented to the team in 2006. Aside from the ground, there are to be sports facilities for the local area, an all weather 3G pitch, changing rooms, sports and community hall, and whatever else it is felt is needed. Walsh was keen to stress that this side of things was a blank page, and that local residents had as much a say in what they want there as anyone else.

The giddiness was temporarily punctuated by the reality that this is only a proposed site. That planning permission and the consent of the locals is still required to make this a goer. But when have football fans ever let fact get in the way of a good goon? Regardless of future politicking, this is the first important step to building FC United a new home. Now there’s just the small case of raising the £3.5 million needed to complete the dream.

Has the Man United green and gold campaign become little more than a fashion statement?

Source: Daily Mirror

By Simon Mullock

Published 12:30 26/03/10

Manchester-united-green-and-gold cropped

There have been some pretty powerful images generated by the green and gold campaign undertook by Manchester United fans to show their opposition to the Glazer family’s continuing ownership of the club.

We’ve seen the Stretford End transformed from is usual sea of red; there was the impressive unified show of dissent at Wembley.

But you have to wonder whether the scarfs being worn around Old Trafford during match-day have become a fashion statement rather than a genuine sign of support for regime change.

Why else do you see so many United fans around Manchester wearing a green and gold scarf over a Nike-manufactured replica shirt with AIG splashed across the chest?

Surely that defeats the whole object of the exercise.

I always though that wearing the colours of United’s founding club Newton Heath was to show support for the team without pouring money into the coffers of the American family who are pillaging the club.

That it was about paying your dues at the turnstile but refusing to pay into the other revenue streams which enable the Glazers to service the debt. Things like official club merchandise and even food and drink.

Last weekend, after the game against Liverpool, I saw a couple walking through town sporting their anti-Glazer colours.

The man was clutching a Manchester United megastore carrier bag.

He obviously didn’t see the contradiction.

A couple of months ago I met Andy Walsh, the man who refused to step foot inside Old Trafford the day the Glazers took over and hasn’t been back since.

In fact, he was so disillusioned that he helped to establish a new club, FC United of Manchester.

Walsh had been instrumental in the campaign to keep the Glazers out of Old Trafford in 2005.

He had seen the future – and it prompted him to turn his back on the club he had supported all his life.

Walsh has been impressed by the green and gold campaign orchestrated by the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust.

But he told me that the only thing the Glazers understand is money.

Walsh still believes that fans – and not just United supporters – can force a change of club ownership by following his example.

He knows from his own experience that boycotting matches is the ultimate sacrifice for a football fan.

MUST have said they are going to step up their campaign against the Glazers and talk of fans giving up season tickets is rife.

There’s little chance of that happening when many supporters can’t even bring themselves to lay down their replica shirts.

Meanwhile, back in Florida, you can be sure that the Glazers will be stepping up their plans to launch a range of merchandising in green and gold.

After all, it’s the must-have colour amongst United fashionistas at the moment.

UniBond League round-up

Source: The Bolton News

10:40am Friday 26th March 2010

By David Magilton »

FOOTBALL: FC United are to develop a football ground in Newton Heath — the birthplace of Manchester United.

The supporter-owned club, which was established when the Glazer family took over Manchester United in May 2005, is proposing to include new and renovated community sports facilities and a multi-function community space at the 5,000-capacity stadium.

FC United hope to secure the finance for the £3.5m development, which will be at the Ten Acres Lane sports centre owned by Manchester City Council, which will be ready in two to three years, by a public appeal for donations, a Community Shares issue and grant funding.

The team return to action tomorrow in the Unibond Premier Division looking to get back to winning ways after a recent horrendous spell which has seen them lose four of their last five games.

They have to travel to Guisley, however, who are riding high in second spot and one of the favourites for promotion.

Radcliffe Borough go for their third consecutive win when they travel to arch-rivals Chorley tomorrow.

Boro have climbed up to the fringes of the Division One North promotion play-offs, and director of football Gerry Luczka — a former Chorley manager — reckons the Stainton Park outfit could be the dark horses of the campaign.

They beat promotion candidates Skelmersdale United 2-1 in their last league outing after defeating Bamber Bridge.

With 10 games remaining, Luczka said: “There is still a lot to play for. It just needs someone to come with a late run and they could squeeze into contention.

“There is no reason why it can’t be us.”

Boro are currently in eighth place in the table, eight points off the play-offs, but have games in hand over most of their rivals.

Leigh Genesis have had a remarkable resurgence in Division One North despite the loss of their financial backer and have won four and drawn one of their last five games.

They are just one place outside the play-off zone and they hope to continue their impressive run of results tomorrow when they make the trip over the Pennines to face Garforth Town, a mid-table side with little to play for other than pride.

The Glazers made us do this

Source: The Sun

By CHARLIE WYETT

Published: Today

THE colours of Newton Heath being worn by disillusioned fans at Old Trafford has been one of the enduring images of the 2009-10 season.

As the anger towards the Glazer family has increased, so has the number of green and gold scarves appearing in the crowd at Manchester United matches.

In a desperate attempt to appease the supporters who feel they are being royally ripped off by the Americans, the club have announced a freeze on season-ticket prices.

Yet yesterday, a far more significant announcement was made in one of the world's most famous footballing cities.

FC United of Manchester, the protest club set up following the arrival of the Glazers here in 2005, revealed it is moving to the place where it all started in 1878.

After five years sharing with Bury at Gigg Lane, and getting better crowds that some League Two teams, the club affectionately known by its fans as FC is not only looking to relocate to Manchester. It is set to move to Newton Heath.

Providing they get planning consent and approval from residents, this will be a momentous occasion for FC's general manager Andy Walsh, the man who led the mass walk-out from the Old Trafford terraces when the Glazers rolled into town.

Walsh helped set up a fan-owned club which now has more than 2,000 members.

They pride themselves on not having shirt sponsors and, for the current campaign, season-ticket holders were told to pay what they can afford.

Yet after promotions in their first three seasons, they are currently mid-table in the UniBond League Premier Division and desperately need their own ground.

Walsh said: "There is historical significance with the area but it is not just about that. It is about us building for the future and we are all very excited. It's about two miles north of the city centre so it is a lot closer than Bury.

"We need to raise about half of the £3.5million it will cost to move, but if we can do it, we could be in our new home by 2012.

"It would be a massive thing for us and it would help the club progress.

"We've always said that FC United is a positive alternative. We are all Manchester United fans, all of us.

"It has been quite a rollercoaster of a journey and a very steep learning curve. There have been more ups than downs.

"When we first started this, we said we'd be happy with a 1,000 people.

"In the first season, we were getting crowds of over 3,000. Now, we are getting crowds of over 2,000.

"Inevitably, there would be a settling down period but to still be getting League Two crowds is a real achievement. It is down to the loyalty of the supporters and what we are doing.

"They believe there is a different way of running football clubs.

"We have also enjoyed a lot of support from other clubs, particularly AFC Wimbledon who found themselves in a similar situation.

"We have a lot of people who stopped going to Old Trafford in 2005 but also a lot of people who have stopped going since then.

"Manchester United have repeatedly increased their prices and taken advantage of the fans' loyalty. We knew this would happen when the Glazers arrived.

"Last year, as we were in a recession, the board had a discussion on how we could do something different so we told the fans to pay what they could afford. We gave £90 as a guideline.

"The interesting thing was the year before, the average price paid was £140. When we said pay what you can afford, it went up to £160.

"We had one guy contact us and said he could not afford £90. But at the other end, people gave us over £700 as that was the price of their season ticket at Old Trafford.

"As the Glazers increased their prices, perversely, it's benefited us."

FC United are looking to rebuild and renovate the Ten Acres Lane sports centre in Newton Heath.

The capacity of the ground will be 5,000 yet if FC United end up in the Conference, which seems likely, they could easily fill that.

FC United had a league game on Wednesday and ironically, ahead of their big announcement, they suffered their heaviest ever defeat, losing 5-1 to Bradford Park Avenue.


Yet the atmosphere was hardly like your average non-league match and it was noisier than some home matches at Old Trafford.

There were plenty of anti-Glazer songs, along with those aimed at Liverpool, Manchester City and Leeds.

Speaking to fans afterwards, none have regretted tearing up their Old Trafford season tickets even though it was initially a tough decision, particularly as many United supporters labelled them with the 'Judas' tag.

Like many football followers, they were simply sick to the back teeth of being squeezed dry for cash.

Admittedly, you can still buy FC United souvenirs for a few quid. But whereas Manchester United can boast a megastore, FC United have a mega-cabin.

Now the question is whether boss Karl Marginson, who has been at the club from day one, can get the club into Conference North.

But the £5,000 it costs to stage a game at Gigg Lane is a heavy drain on resources, despite their support.

Walsh added: "Our top earner is on £150 and the average is £90.

"We want players to come and play for the club without money being a major factor."

Walsh smiles when asked about one day facing Manchester United in a first-team game, potentially in the Carling Cup in a few years.

But he has not ruled out the chance of the club establishing a link with Old Trafford if a supporters' trust takes over.

Walsh said: "It would be good if there was a relationship, if United became fan-owned. But as long as the Glazers are there, it will not happen."

From Telegraph

Edited from: Telegraph (Sport, page 4. 26th March 2010. No online content)

...
FC United, the club formed by disaffected Manchester United supporters following the takeover of the club by the Glazer family in 2005, are planning to build a new stadium in Newton Heath — the original base of the Old Trafford club.

Talks are under way to secure £3.5million funding for a 5,000-seat stadium that would enable FC United to vacate their current base, Gigg Lane, the home of League Two club Bury.

FC United general manager Andy Walsh said: “The significance of this location is historical while it will also showcase a new model of facility development, based on supporter ownership and community involvement.”

FC United plan Newton Heath move

Source: The Independent

By Robin Scott-Elliot

Friday, 26 March 2010

As the number of green and gold scarves around Old Trafford grows, FC United, the club founded in protest at the Glazers' management, have announced plans to return to where it all began and establish a new home in Newton Heath.

It was in the east of Manchester that the original club was formed by workers from the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway 132 years ago. It was five years ago that a group of disgruntled fans formed FC United, who now compete in the Unibond Premier League. They currently play at Bury's Gigg Lane but aim to move to a new ground in Newton Heath by 2012.

The fledgling club are working with Manchester City Council to develop a £3.5m 5,000-capacity stadium on the site of the council-owned Ten Acres Lane Sports Centre. Mike Amesbury, of Manchester City Council, said: "We feel that this will have significant local community benefits and bring an iconic supporter-owned club to Manchester."

FC United attract an average attendance of just under 2,000 at Bury. The club have made steady progress through the non-league system since being set up. "You can't get away from the emotion of the location but this is as much about our future as the past and we are a club laying down our roots," said Jules Spencer, a board member of FC United. "The ironic thing is the decision [to found the club] was made at a time of United's greatest successes, but there is a general malaise about the game, not just about what the Glazers have done.

"We are trying to create a positive alternative for ordinary fans, we are not trying to claim the moral high ground. The vast majority of people watch their football through the television and that is something we want to change."

The Glazer regime is currently the focus of a number of protest groups, marshalled under the banner of the Manchester United Supporters Trust. They have so far attracted over 145,000 fans to their campaign, which has clearly struck a chord. On match days at Old Trafford the original green and gold colours of Newton Heath are becoming ever more apparent.

Meanwhile, the Red Knights, a diverse collection of bankers and financiers led by Jim O'Neill, the chief economist at global investment banking and securities firm Goldman Sachs, are attempting to raise funds for a takeover. Manchester United have debts of £716.5m, which led to interest payments of £67m last year. On Wednesday, the club announced that they were to freeze season-ticket prices, having been heavily criticised for rises over previous years.

Fans of 'real' United plan stadium in giant's heartland

Source: Reuters

13:09 GMT, Thu 25 Mar 2010

By Miles Evans

LONDON, March 25 (Reuters) - A local club born out of disillusionment with the running of Manchester United are seeking to build a new stadium in the suburb where the 18-times English champions were founded.

FC United, a semi-pro team established in 2005 after the American Glazer family took over the Old Trafford club, took a step closer this week to its dream of a ground in Newton Heath, where the Premier League behemoth first came to being over 140 years ago.

FC United passed the first stage en route to the new 3.5 million-pound stadium in the Manchester suburb when the local council approved its business plan on Monday.

Manchester United, with home crowds of around 75,000 and a brand estimated to be worth around 1.5 billion pounds ($2.25 billion), were formed as Newton Heath in 1878 before joining the Football League in 1892.

"You can't get away from the emotion of the location but this is as much about our future as the past and we are a club laying down our roots," FC United board member Jules Spencer told Reuters.

FC United play in front of an average of gate of 2,000 at Bury's Gigg Lane ground in the seventh tier of English football and Spencer said the ethos was to provide affordable matches and an antidote to the rampant commercialisation of the game.

"The ironic thing is the decision (to form the club) was made at a time of United's greatest successes, but there is a general malaise about the game not just about what the Glazers have done.

"We are trying to create a positive alternative for ordinary fans, we are not trying to claim the moral high ground.

"The vast majority of people watch their football through the television and that is something we want to change."

The funding for the new ground will be raised through a community share issue, Spencer said, and the new 5,000 capacity ground has a 2012-2013 completion date.

The original green and gold colours of the Newton Heath club are being used as part of a separate fan campaign by Manchester United supporters to protest at the Glazers' ownership. A group of wealthy supporters known as the Red Knights have recently been linked with a takeover of the club, whose 2009 accounts showed it to be 507 million pounds in debt.

Five-star display puts Avenue in the clear

Source: Telegraph and Argus

10:53pm Wednesday 24th March 2010

By Ian Whiting »


FC United of Manchester 1, Bradford Park Avenue 5

Bradford Park Avenue pulled clear of second-placed Guiseley at the top of the UniBond League Premier Division with a comprehensive victory over FC United of Manchester at Bury FC’s Gigg Lane tonight.

The race for the title heated up significantly last night when Guiseley drew level on points with their neighbours and rivals thanks to a good win at Stocksbridge PS.

Avenue proved that whatever the Lions could do they could do better as they beat United with a five-star display.

It was far from straightforward for Avenue but they led 2-0 at the interval, somewhat against the run of play.

Skipper Simon Baldry headed them into the lead in the 33rd minute, converting a Martin Drury corner.

Drury was also credited with the assist for the second when his free-kick just over a minute before the break was met with an equally powerful header by Mark Hume.

FC United started the second half as well as they started the game, and this time they had more success as they reduced the arrears in the 48th minute.

A shot from striker Phil Marsh embarrassed Avenue keeper Steve Dickinson as it squirmed under him.

The contest was alive and, while Avenue hit a post through a Drury free-kick, the home side also struck the woodwork following a testing cross just before the hour.

Dickinson was also instrumental in keeping the visitors in front with some fine saves.

Avenue came back to hit a purple patch which saw them to a fine win.

Hume had a shot blocked following a Stephen Downes corner but headed in the rebound, and he completed his hat-trick when he tucked the ball home at the far post from an Aiden Savory cross.

Savory netted the fifth himself following a good move involving Jamie Price and Matty James.

United ended with ten men because Ben Deegan was sent off, for the first time this season, when he picked up a second yellow card.

It was not to be the home side’s evening because they also missed a last-minute penalty, Marsh firing wide after Downes had committed a foul in the area.

V Manchestri vyrastie nový štadión

Source: Profutbal, Slovakia

Anglický futbalový klub FC United, ktorý vznikol ako výsledok protestu po prevzatí slávnejšieho Manchestru United rodinou Glazerovcov pred piatimi rokmi, chce postaviť v rodisku "červených diablov" v Newton Heath nový štadión. S projektom nového stánku súčasného účastníka Unibond League Premier Division, čo je siedma najvyššia anglická súťaž, už podľa Manchester Evening News súhlasila aj mestská rada. Kapacita nového štadióna by mala byť okolo 5000 divákov a postaviť by ho mali do roku 2013. FC United v súčasnosti hráva na Bury´s Gigg Lane, ale prenájom 3000 libier za každý zápas je pre klub veľkou záťažou.

FC United, echipa suporterilor lui Man U, va avea un stadion de 4 milioane de euro

Source: ProSport, Romania


Articol publicat in Campionate Externe | 25.03.2010 | 19:20


Clubul înfiinţat de suporterii formaţiei Manchester United, FC United, ca răspuns al manifestărilor împotriva familiei Glazer, care o deţine pe campioana Angliei, va beneficia de un stadion ale cărui costuri de construire se vor ridica la patru milioane de euro, informează Manchester Evening News.

FC United este un club semiprofesionist, înfiinţat în urmă cu cinci ani. Noul stadion va fi construit la Newton Heath, locul unde a fost înfiinţat Manchester United.

Proprietarii clubului au primit acordul consiliului oraşului Manchester pentru realizarea construcţiei. Aceştia speră ca noua arenă să fie gata până în 2013.

FC United speră să construiască arena de 5.000 de locuri pe terenul deţinut de consiliul local la Ten Acres Lane, iar designul prevede renovarea actualului complex sportiv, dar şi a terenurilor cu gazon artificial.

Stadionul va dispune de facilităţi care îi va încuraja pe localnicii tineri să practice sportul şi va oferi asistenţă educaţională, socială şi de sănătate.

FC United a evoluat în primele cinci sezoane alături de alte echipe, pe baza sportivă Bury's Gigg Lane, însă închirierea acesteia pentru 3.000 de lire sterline (aproximativ 3.300 de euro) a secat gruparea de resurse financiare, ceea ce i-a făcut pe proprietarii clubului să caute un teren pentru a-şi construi propriul stadion.

Planul de amenajare a stadionului face parte dintr-un proiect amplu de refacere a zonei de est a oraşului Manchester, care va costa un miliard de lire sterline (1,1 miliarde de euro). În acest plan este inclusă refacerea stadionului echipei Manchester City, precum şi împrejurimile din Eastlands.

FC United wraca do korzeni

Source: DevilPage, Poland

25 marca 2010, 23:22 Mathe0, TeamTalk.com
FC United wraca do korzeni

» W Newton Heath ma powstać stadion FC United of Manchester

FC United of Manchester chce wbudować klubowy stadion w Newton Heath, gdzie mieściła się pierwotna siedziba Manchesteru United. Obiekt może być gotowy na sezon 2012/2013.

FC United, klub założony przez kibiców „Czerwonych Diabłów” sprzeciwiających się Malcolmowi Glazerowi, przedstawił plan budowy stadionu na Ten Acres Lane. Obiekt ma pomieścić pięć tysięcy kibiców.

Biznesplan działaczy FC United zyskał akceptację Rady Miejskiej Manchesteru, która jest właścicielem gruntu. Teraz nad projektem będą debatować mieszkańcy.

Działacze FC United na budowę stadionu muszą uzyskać gwarancje finansowe w wysokości 3,5 miliona funtów.

– Jesteśmy zachwyceni, że możemy podzielić się tą nowiną. Rozmowy z ratuszem na dzień dzisiejszy przebiegają bardzo dobrze – mówi Andy Walsh, menadżer generalny FC United.

FC United obecnie swoje mecze rozgrywa na stadionie w Bury. Mecze na Gigg Lane obserwuje średnio 1941 kibiców.

Anti-Glazer protest club FC United of Manchester announce move to green and gold birthplace Newton Heath Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/

Source: Daily Mail

By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 11:46 AM on 25th March 2010

FC United of Manchester are set to move to the birthplace of Manchester United after announcing plans for a new ground in Newton Heath.

The Unibond Premier League club, formed by United fans angered by the controversial Glazer takeover in 2005, have drawn up plans for a 5,000-capacity stadium at the Ten Acres Lane sports centre.

The scheme has the backing of Manchester City Council, which owns the site, and will now be put to local residents and community groups.

The club must also secure backing for the £3.5 million project.

Club general manager Andy Walsh said: 'We are delighted to be able to make this announcement and discussions with the council have been very positive to date.

'The significance of this location is historical while it will also showcase a new model of facility development, based on football supporter ownership and community involvement.'

FC United currently play their home games at Bury's Gigg Lane ground, and top the Unibond Premier attendance tables with an average of 1,941 fans.

The new stadium could be ready for the start of the 2012-13 season if it gets the go-ahead.

Rebels' return comes too late

Source: Bury Times

3:00pm Thursday 25th March 2010

By Liam Chronnell »


FC United returned to winning ways against Hucknall Town but it has come to late to reignite their play-off hopes.

The Rebels ended a run of three straight defeats to seal a 2-0 victory at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

But FC’s promotion bid looks to be over with Karl Marginson’s side 10 points off the top-five places going into Wednesday night’s home game with UniBond Premier League leaders, Bradford Park Avenue.

Still smarting from their shock defeat to bottom club Durham City the week before, Carlos Roca headed United into a 10th-minute lead before captain Dave Chadwick added a second with 14 minutes left to wrap up the points.

The Gigg Lane tenants travel to second-placed Guiseley on Saturday, kick-off 12 noon.

FC United to build £3.5m new stadium

Source: Manchester Evening News

March 25, 2010
FC United are hoping to build their new £3.5m stadium in Newton Heath, the birthplace of Manchester United.

The semi-professional club, born out of the anti-Glazer movement at United five years ago, has been given the amber light by Manchester City Council to press ahead with their new home.

They hope to have moved in to their new base by 2013 but the timescale depends on the length of the planning and building process.

FC United hope to build the community stadium, with a capacity of 5,000, on council land off Ten Acres Lane, and the design is expected to include a renovation of an existing sports centre and artificial football pitches.

It is also hoped to include community facilities which will be in use seven days a week but the nature of those facilities would only be determined after the club talks to residents. The stadium would incorporate facilities aimed at encouraging local youngsters to take part in sports, and could offer educational, social and even health services.

The club was today starting consultation with residents and the outline plans will go before the council next month.

Depending on the length of the planning process, FC hope to move into their new home in 2012 or 2013. The club has been sharing Bury's Gigg Lane ground for the first five seasons of their existence but the £3,000-a-match rental has drained their resources and the search for their own stadium has been underway since its formation in the summer of 2005.

The plan is intended to form part of the regeneration of east Manchester, which also includes the proposed £1billion redevelopment of Manchester City's stadium and surrounds at Eastlands.

Rebels go back to where it all started

Source: Manchester Evening News

Stuart Brennan

March 25, 2010
FC United's proposed move to Manchester would bring an "iconic" supporter-owned club to the city.

That is the claim of a councillor who has helped to devise plans for the Unibond League outfit to move into a new 5,000-capacity stadium in Newton Heath.

The club has been working closely with Manchester City Council for two years to try to pinpoint land for a new home within the boundaries.

FC United's move has been welcomed by Manchester's spokesman for culture and leisure Coun Mike Amesbury, who said: "We've been working with the club for around two years to help them realise their ambition of returning to their historic home in Newton Heath.

"Giving them this land is great for the club which is fairly unique in the way it is so strongly rooted in the community. It will also help us realise much-needed investment in that particular area."

The stadium plan also got the backing of Newton Heath councillor John Flanagan, who said: "I welcome this great news both for the club and residents in the area.

"FC United do a lot of work at grass roots in the community and local schools, not just for the boys and girls who play football but in a supporting capacity as well. This is great for the local economy and ongoing regeneration of Newton Heath."

And the selection of Ten Acres Lane has symbolic significance to FC United supporters, most of whom remain Manchester United fans. United were born as Newton Heath Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in 1878, and their first two grounds were at North Street (now Northampton Street in Monsall) and Bank Street in Clayton - both less than half a mile from FC United's proposed home.

The early history of Newton Heath as a football club is shrouded in mystery - and there is even a suggestion that their first game was actually played on Ten Acres Lane.

The club's green and gold colours have recently been adopted by United fans protesting at the Glazer family's ownership of United.

But the proposed siting of the new ground in that area is a happy coincidence, and more to do with the council's ongoing regeneration of east Manchester than any historical significance. The supporter-owned club, which attracts an average crowd of around 2,000 in the UniBond League's Premier division, have spent the first five seasons of their existence as tenants at Bury's Gigg Lane, but the rental costs have held the club back from their ambitions to become a community football club for Manchester.

The stadium will be close to the new Newton Heath station to be built on the new Oldham Rochdale loop of the Metrolink, and the club is to explore schemes to encourage their fans to use the trams to get to and from the ground.

Said FC United's general manager Andy Walsh: "As far as the facilities we hope to have at the stadium, and the benefits we will offer, at the moment it is largely a blank sheet of paper - we want to talk to local residents and community groups, as well as our own members, before any decisions are taken.

"We are delighted to be able to make this announcement, and discussions with the council have been very positive to date.

"The significance of this location is historical while it will also showcase a new model of facility development, based on football supporter ownership and community involvement."

Details of the stadium and its facilities will be discussed with local residents and community groups before a final planning application is submitted.

Manchester City Council and the regeneration company New East Manchester are involved in the stadium plan, and the Town Hall's executive member for leisure Coun Amesbury said: "We have been supportive of this development to date and we are pleased to now take it to the next stage.

"While there is a way to go yet we feel that this will have significant local community benefits and bring an iconic supporter-owned club to Manchester."

The stadium will be funded by the club's own development fund, grants from various bodies, plus an innovative "community shares" plan which would give anyone who buys a share a vote in the development, regardless of the size of their investment.

FC United to move to Newton Heath

Source: Manchester Confidential

Breakaway FC United move to where big United were born

Date Published: 24/03/2010

This is very interesting. The breakaway club of FC United are to move back to the old stomping ground of Manchester United.

The latter club, arguably the biggest in the world, began life in 1878 as Newton Heath. They played in green and gold (ok yellow) which is why the anti-Glazer family campaign wears those colours – a reference, perhaps a naïve one, to those simpler days of grass roots football.

This is a provocative proposal, but admissable because it's got poetry too – the wheel come full circle and all that. Shame then that last night FC lost 1-5 to Bradford Park Avenue at their present home of Gigg Lane. Not such a poetic result.

Sir Alex might have a few choice words to say about the move of course. It's also interesting that both the Council Leader and Chief Executive, Sir Richard Leese and Sir Howard Bernstein, are both City fans. Perhaps they want their own United back in the administrative area of Manchester rather than over the border in Trafford.

Confidential anticipates sparks flying at this news.

Anyway here's the official press release.

'FC United of Manchester has announced plans to develop a football ground in Newton Heath, Manchester - the birthplace of Manchester United.

'The supporter-owned club, established when the Glazer family took over Manchester United in May 2005, is proposing to include new and renovated community sports facilities and a multi-function community space at the 5,000-capacity stadium.

'The club wants to provide state of the art facilities that will create new investment in the area and opportunities for local people in sports participation and physical activity, youth inclusion, education, health, employment and a range of other services.



'The site for the development is the existing Ten Acres Lane sports centre, which is owned by Manchester City Council.

'FC United, New East Manchester and Manchester City Council have been working closely over the past two years to develop the plans and consultation will now progress with local residents, community groups and FC United members who own the club.

'FC United is working to secure the finance for the £3.5m development, which will include a public appeal for donations, a Community Shares issue and grant funding.

'Club General Manager Andy Walsh said: “We are delighted to be able to make this announcement and discussions with the council have been very positive to date. The significance of this location is historical while it will also showcase a new model of facility development, based on football supporter ownership and community involvement.”

'Manchester City Council’s Executive member for Leisure, Cllr Mike Amesbury, said: “We have been supportive of this development to date and we are pleased to now take it to the next stage. While there is a way to go yet we feel that this will have significant local community benefits and bring an iconic supporter-owned club to Manchester.”

'Eddie Smith, chief executive of urban regeneration company New East Manchester said: "We are working closely with FC United to help achieve their aspirations of acquiring land in Newton Heath for a new football ground. This is still very early stages but we are supportive of their proposals which would bring further regeneration benefits to east Manchester."

'FC United hopes the development will be completed in the next two to three years, subject to consultation, funding and planning.'

FC United plans new stadium in Newton Heath

Source: Crain's Manchester Business

11:43 am, March 25, 2010

By Simon Binns

Unibond Premier Division club FC United of Manchester is looking to develop its own 5,000-capacity stadium at Newton Heath in north Manchester.

The supporter-owned club, established in May 2005, is proposing to redevelop the existing Ten Acres Lane sports centre, which is owned by Manchester City Council. The club currently plays its games at Bury FC’s Gigg Lane stadium.

The club, the council and regeneration company New East Manchester have been developing plans during the last two years and consultation with local residents and club members is expected to begin shortly.

The club said it was trying to secure funding for the £3.5m development, through a public appeal for donations, a Community Shares issue and grant funding, and hopes the development will be completed in the next two or three years.

Andy Walsh, general manager at the club, said: “The development will showcase a new model of facility development, based on football supporter ownership and community involvement.”

Manchester City Council’s executive member for leisure, Cllr Mike Amesbury, said: “We have been supportive of this development to date and we are pleased to now take it to the next stage. While there is a way to go yet we feel that this will have significant local community benefits and bring a supporter-owned club to Manchester.”

Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester, said: "We are working closely with FC United to help achieve their aspirations of acquiring land in Newton Heath for a new football ground. This is still very early stages but we are supportive of their proposals which would bring further regeneration benefits to east Manchester."

FC United take Anti Glazer protest to the next level

Source: The Busby Way

Posted on Thursday, 25th March 2010 by Chudi Onwuazor

After breaking away from Manchester United in protest at Malcolm Glazer’s takeover of the club in 2005, FC United are set to step up their protest by moving to Newton Heath.

For those who don’t know, Newton Heath, the birthplace of Manchester United, originally wore Green and Gold (the current colours of the Anti-Glazer protest).

FC United who currently compete in the Unibond Premier League and play at Bury’s Gigg Lane have drawn up plans to move into a 5,000-capacity stadium at the Ten Acres Lane sports centre although the club must secure backing for the £3.5m project.

Andy Walsh the club’s general manager said:

“The significance of this location is historical while it will also showcase a new model of facility development, based on football supporter ownership and community involvement.”

If approved the stadium could be ready for the start of the 2012/2013 season.

FC United to move from Bury

Source: Bury Times

9:59am Thursday 25th March 2010

FANS-owned club FC United of Manchester have announced plans to move away from Bury This morning, club officials revealed a proposal for the Red Rebels to build a 5,000-capacity stadium in Newton Heath - the birthplace of FC United's "sister" club Manchester United.

FC United must now raise the £3.5 million needed for the project and gain planning permission from Manchester City Council.

They have not yet revealed a timescale for the scheme, so there is no date set yet for when the club will leave Gigg Lane.

Club general manager Andy Walsh said: “The announcement will be a big boost to the club and we also want the development to be of benefit to Newton Heath.

"The discussions with the council have been very positive and we are grateful for their support.

"The significance of this location is historical while it will also showcase a new model of facility development, based on football supporter ownership and community involvement.”

Manchester City Council’s leisure councillor, Cllr Mike Amesbury, said: “We have been supportive of this development to date and we are pleased to now take it to the next stage.

"While there is a way to go yet we feel that this will have significant local community benefits and bring an iconic supporter-owned club to Manchester.”

Since forming in July 2005, FC have had a rental agreement in place with Bury FC to pay the vast majority of their home games there.

The contract is worth more than £150,000 a year to the Shakers, though some of their fans have voiced concerns the quality of the Gigg Lane surface has suffered in the last few years due to an increase in the amount of matches played on it.

Businesses near to Gigg Lane, like the Pack Horse Hotel, have seen a boost in trade since United began playing there.

FC United of Manchester announce prospective move to Newton Heath

Source: The Guardian

• Supporter club heading for Manchester United's birthplace
• Plans for 5,000-capacity stadium approved by council

guardian.co.uk, Thursday 25 March 2010 15.02 GMT

Newton Heath

A match programme for a game played in 1890 between Newton Heath, later to become Manchester United, and Bolton Wanderers. Photograph: Christopher Thomond

FC United of Manchester are set to move to the birthplace of Manchester United after announcing plans for a new ground in Newton Heath.

Manchester United were formed as Newton Heath in 1878 before joining the Football League in 1892. They changed their name 10 years later. Now the Unibond Premier League club, formed by United fans angered by the controversial Glazer takeover in 2005, have drawn up plans for a £3.5m, 5,000-capacity stadium at the Ten Acres Lane sports centre. The club's business plan was approved by Manchester city council, which owns the site, on Monday, and will now be put to local residents and community groups.

Their general manager, Andy Walsh, told the Press Association: "We are delighted to be able to make this announcement and discussions with the council have been very positive to date. The significance of this location is historical while it will also showcase a new model of facility development, based on football supporter ownership and community involvement."

FC United currently play their home games at Bury's Gigg Lane ground, and top the Unibond Premier attendance tables with an average of 1,941 fans. If the new stadium gets the go-ahead it could be ready for the start of the 2012-13 season.

"You can't get away from the emotion of the location but this is as much about our future as the past and we are a club laying down our roots," Jules Spencer, an FC United board member, told Reuters. "The ironic thing is the decision [to form the club] was made at a time of United's greatest successes, but there is a general malaise about the game not just about what the Glazers have done. We are trying to create a positive alternative for ordinary fans. We are not trying to claim the moral high ground. The vast majority of people watch their football through the television and that is something we want to change."

Fans Of "Real" United Plan Stadium In Giant's Heartland

Source: New York Times


By REUTERS
Published: March 25, 2010

Filed at 9:17 a.m. ET
Reuters

LONDON (Reuters) - A local club born out of disillusionment with the running of Manchester United are seeking to build a new stadium in the suburb where the 18-times English champions were founded.

FC United, a semi-pro team established in 2005 after the American Glazer family took over the Old Trafford club, took a step closer this week to its dream of a ground in Newton Heath, where the Premier League behemoth first came to being over 140 years ago.

FC United passed the first stage en route to the new 3.5 million-pound stadium in the Manchester suburb when the local council approved its business plan Monday.

Manchester United, with home crowds of around 75,000 and a brand estimated to be worth around 1.5 billion pounds, were formed as Newton Heath in 1878 before joining the Football League in 1892.

"You can't get away from the emotion of the location but this is as much about our future as the past and we are a club laying down our roots," FC United board member Jules Spencer told Reuters.

FC United play in front of an average of gate of 2,000 at Bury's Gigg Lane ground in the seventh tier of English football and Spencer said the ethos was to provide affordable matches and an antidote to the rampant commercialisation of the game.

"The ironic thing is the decision (to form the club) was made at a time of United's greatest successes, but there is a general malaise about the game not just about what the Glazers have done.

"We are trying to create a positive alternative for ordinary fans, we are not trying to claim the moral high ground.

"The vast majority of people watch their football through the television and that is something we want to change."

The funding for the new ground will be raised through a community share issue, Spencer said, and the new 5,000 capacity ground has a 2012-2013 completion date.

The original green and gold colours of the Newton Heath club are being used as part of a separate fan campaign by Manchester United supporters to protest at the Glazers' ownership.

A group of wealthy supporters known as the Red Knights have recently been linked with a takeover of the club, whose 2009 accounts showed it to be 507 million pounds in debt.

(Editing by Sonia Oxley)

FC United To Build New Stadium At Birthplace Of Manchester United In Newton Heath

Source: goal.com

New club putting roots down...
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Mar 25, 2010 12:33:00 PM
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FC United of Manchester, the club that grew out of Manchester United fans' protests at the way in which affairs at Old Trafford were being run, look set to begin plans to build a £3.5 million stadium in Newton Heath, the birthplace of the Red Devils.

Manchester City Council have given an 'amber light' to the club's proposals, according to a report from The Manchester Evening News.

FC United were formed five years ago in the wake of the Glazer family's takeover at Old Trafford, and have worked their way up through English football's non-league pyramid since then. They currently play in the Unibond League Premier Division (level seven).

They hope to build the community stadium, with a capacity of 5,000, on council land off Ten Acres Lane. The design is expected to include a renovation of an existing sports centre along with artificial football pitches, and the club hope to move in by 2013 depending on how the planning and building process develops.

The plan will also form part of a more general regeneration of east Manchester that includes the work to be done at the City of Manchester Stadium and the land surrounding it.

FC United have been playing their home games at Bury's Gigg Lane ground, but the £3,000 per match rental has proved a burden on their finances.

The new ground will have a capacity of 5,000, and is set to include facilities that could be used by the wider community seven days a week, including provision for sport, social and even health facilities.

FC United 1 Bradford Park Ave 5

Source: Manchester Evening News

Sam Williams

March 24, 2010

League leaders Bradford Park Avenue claimed a comprehensive 5-1 victory over FC United at Gigg Lane.

Chris Hall headed the visitors into the lead in the 32nd minute and Ben Deegan's own goal doubled their advantage shortly after.

Phil Marsh's 25-yard drive gave the Rebels a glimmer of hope just after the interval, but a quick fire brace from Mark Hume sealed Bradford's win.

The visitors then added a fifth goal before Deegan was dismissed for a second bookable offence and Marsh missed a late penalty.

Rebels crash but point for Genesis

Source: The Bolton News

9:47pm Wednesday 24th March 2010

FC United’s Unibond Premier Division play-off hopes suffered a setback with a 5-1 defeat to leaders Bradford Park Avenue. Phil Marsh redeuced the score to 2-1 but a hat-trick by Mark Hume killed off the Rebels hopes.

In the First Division North Leigh Genesis had to settle for a goalless draw against play-off rivals Curzon Ashton, who hit the post in stoppage time.

Rebels aim to upset leaders

Source: Manchester Evening News

March 23, 2010

Karl Marginson expects Bradford Park Avenue to be in the shake-up for the title at the end of the season - but says FC United can beat them at Gigg Lane tomorrow (7.45pm).

The Rebels boss believes his side can upset the form book against the league leaders with a repeat of their performance against Hucknall last Saturday.

“They’re in pole position but it’s a strange league and there are a few teams who could put a run together and win it,” said the FC manager. “They’re our close rivals because we’ve been competing with them for the last few years and we’ll try to upset their apple cart.

“We’ll give 110 percent and hopefully that will give us a good result.”

Durham perform miracles

Edited from: The Independent

...
It has been an astonishing week for Durham City, who began it with a record of 28 defeats from 28 games in the Unibond Premier League, only to win twice in four days. The club's season had been ruined in advance when the major sponsor and consequently the first-team squad all left after being told they were not eligible for promotion because they have an artificial pitch (Outside the Box, 20 December). Fielding a team of youngsters every week, they finally broke their duck last Saturday by winning 2-1 away to the Manchester United rebel supporters' team, FC United. In front of a crowd of more than 2,000, Durham came from behind and held on as the goalkeeper Rhys Jobling saved a penalty. FC United were so stunned that their website, which lists matches as W, D or L put "D 1-2". Then on Tuesday came an even more extraordinary game at home to Whitby, the FA Vase holders featured here last week after their three floodlight failures this season. Whitby were rabbits in headlights this time, dazzled by conceding three goals in the first seven minutes and eventually beaten 4-3. The two results have left Durham a mere 23 points behind at the bottom of the table on nought points, having been deducted six for fielding an ineligible player; a penalty that their website, presumably in the interests of morale, ignores.

FC United 2 Hucknall 0

Source: Manchester Evening News

Sam Williams

March 20, 2010

Goals from Carlos Roca and David Chadwick gave FC United a well-earned win over Hucknall at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

The Rebels built on their positive midweek performance at Matlock to produce a dominant display that ended their run of three consecutive defeats.

“We’ve had a great response from the players since the Durham game and it was a convincing win,” said FC boss Karl Marginson.

“Even though we lost at Matlock, the lads showed encouraging spirit and drive there and we never doubted their character.

“It was really important to get the three points today, and we repaid the fans’ fantastic support with great work rate and endeavour,” he added.

FC broke the deadlock after nine minutes when Ben Deegan diverted Jerome Wright’s cross back across goal and winger Roca nodded past Daniel Haystead for his 11th goal of the season.

The home side then piled on the pressure in search of the second goal but had to settle for their one goal lead at the break after Haystead had twice denied Simon Carden.

Marginson’s side picked up where they left off in the second period and almost doubled their advantage when Deegan’s goal-bound effort was blocked by Luke Smith.

And the Rebels finally sealed the victory in the 73rd minute as skipper Chadwick buried the close-range rebound after Nick Swirad’s header had been stopped on the line.

Out-of-form Town slip further down table

Source: Hucknall Today

Published Date: 20 March 2010

DISAPPOINTED Hucknall Town's floundering play-off hopes suffered another hefty blow at FC United of Manchester.
A bumper crowd of 2,016 turned out to see two sides who had both lost their last two games in the Premier Division of the Unibond League.

But it was FC United who got back to winning ways courtesy of a 2-0 win, sealed with a goal in each half.

United owed their home supporters a performance at Gigg Lane, the headquarters they share with Coca-Cola League Two outfit Bury.

Not least because they had lost their previous home game to Unibond whipping boys Durham City, who had not won a game all season and had shipped 137 goals in the process.

As for Town, they had gone down 2-1 against Marine and lost by a solitary goal against Guiseley in their previous matches -- the first two league defeats under the management of new boss Danny Bryant.

In this clash, The Yellows found themselves behind as early as the tenth minute as Carlos Rocca opened the scoring.

The points were sealed with just 12 minutes left on the clock as David Chadwick netted the second.

The result leaves Town in the bottom half of the table in 12th position and ten points off the play-off places.

They must now look to Tuesday March 24 when they have a chance to return to winning ways against relegation-threatened Ossett Town at Watnall Road.

FC United lined-up for Danny’s testimonial

Source: Worcester News

9:50am Saturday 20th March 2010

By Steve Carley »

A MATCH against FC United of Manchester is set to be the showpiece event for former Worcester City goalkeeper Danny McDonnell’s testimonial.

McDonnell spent nine years at St George’s Lane, making more than 350 appearances, en route to breaking the club appearance record for keepers, before retiring last August.

He is to have his service, which began back in May 2000, recognised with a series of events throughout the summer.

They will raise money for the 37-year-old who established himself as one of non-league’s best keepers during his time with the club, who host St Albans in Blue Square South today (3pm).

Talks have already taken place to arrange a fixture with FC United, who play in the Unibond Premier Division, as part of City’s pre-season programme this summer.

The events, all of which will be attended by McDonnell, kick-off with a race evening at the Lane on May 8.

A golf day is also being organised by former director Paul Curtis, while there are plans for a sportsman’s evening in September and an auction of promises and sports memorabilia. In addition, a 50/50 draw, to be run by agents for the club’s supergold lottery, will split proceeds between McDonnell and the Blue Square South club.

Supporter Steve Goode is chairman of the organising committee and has urged fans to come out in force to honour the keeper.

“He always stayed loyal to Worcester City and I hope people stay loyal to him,” said Goode, who also hopes to get ex-players along to events.

“He could have left Worcester for another club but stayed with City.

“With Danny in goal, every season it felt like we had a 12-point head start.

“It was very rarely you could say he made a mistake to let a goal in.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring an event or donating items for the auction can contact Goode on 01905-358809 (evenings).

Support the real rebels

Source: Manchester Evening News

Where now for FC United? Saturday marked a low point for FC United. Defeat to Durham City, handing them their first victory and points of the season.

Although the result was bad, just as worrying was the poor attendance of just 1,811 on a Saturday when big United had no game.

FC United are facing at worst a scramble for a few points to avoid a relegation fight or at best a series of meaningless end of season fixtures played in front of decreasing, disinterested crowds.

So how did they get into this position? A few weeks ago when the Glazers revealed the full extent of their scary plans for United’s future, giving birth to the green and gold scarf campaign, FC United might have hoped for a boost in support; but that hasn’t happened.

I haven’t attended Old Trafford for more than five years and nor will I, while the Glazers remain. Back then the atmosphere was very quiet and soulless. Now with a whiff of protest and rebellion in the air, not to mention Rooney scoring goals for fun it probably feels like a very good place to be.

Supporters can assuage any guilt they may feel about putting money in the Glazers’ pockets by merely wearing a different coloured scarf.

Who’d have thought the green and gold campaign would do more damage to FC United than the Glazers?

On Sunday, I saw a young couple stepping out of a car after being driven home form the United v Fulham match.

I knew they’d been because the man was carrying a Megastore bag bursting with goodies – but he was also wearing a green and gold scarf, so that’s alright then.

DPB, Worsley

GETTING FOOTY BECK TO BASICS

NB - clicking the image will also show page 15 - NSFW

Source: Daily Sport (no online content - page 14. 18th March 2010, printed edition)

By James Crips

DAVID Beckham proved that football’s finances is the biggest story of this year’s season.

The ex-England captain donned a green and gold scarf as he walked off the Old Trafford pitch following last week’s Champions League tie between AC Milan and Manchester United.

The green and gold campaign sees supporters wear the colours of Newton Heath, the football club that later became Man U. It’s a protest against their club’s US owner Malcolm Glazer, who’s saddled the Red Devils with £750m of debt.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth are in administration and were yesterday deducted nine points. Cardiff City and Bournemouth face being wound up within a fortnight.

West Ham would be in the same position had David Sullivan and David Gold not rode to the rescue. Liverpool are also saddled with massive debt by their unpopular American owners Gillett and Hicks.

There’s even talk the Manc and Scouse fans will join forces to protest against the way their clubs are run at Sunday’s match.

Chester City, a club that has existed longer than Liverpool and Manchester City, has been put out of business.

It’s no wonder that for the first time ever, football fans are taking a direct interest in the finances of their football clubs. On Saturday I took in a Unibond Premier match between FC United and Durham City at Gigg Lane in Bury. FC is the rebel club set up by United fans after the Glazer take-over in 2005. Back then they warned anyone who would listen about the dangers of debt — five years before the green and gold campaign took off. FC was set up and is run by the fans through a membership scheme — they set the ticket prices (£7.50), shirt design and vote in the board every two years. They’ve had huge crowds — more than 2,000 in a league where 250 is a good turn out — and massive success (three promotions in four seasons). FC are now just three tiers away from the Football League and are not in any danger of going into administration.

The Rebels aren’t totally alone — AFC Wimbledon led the way after their club was moved to Milton Keynes by the owner.

AFC Telford are another “Phoenix Club” and it looks like Chester fans will resurrect their side in the lower leagues too.

And while the football may not hit the heights of the Premier League — there’s still plenty of drama at this level.

Before the match, Durham City, who have lost their main sponsor and all their players, had minus six points, a goal difference of minus 127 and a side made up of kids from local colleges.

They beat FC 2-1, despite losing their previous 28 games.

And they did it in front of a crowd of more than 2,100 singing, standing FC fans — who applauded them off the pitch.

So I can honestly say that I witnessed the shock result of the season. The screwed-up finances of so many football clubs and an afternoon at FC will show anyone that fans can run a club.

Just because he’s in charge doesn’t mean your football chairman has a clue about what he is doing.

YELLOWS PREVIEW: wounded FC United up next

Source: Hucknall Today

Published Date: 19 March 2010

HUCKNALL Town will play in front of their biggest crowd of the season on Saturday (March 20) when they visit FC United of Manchester.
They will also be facing a wounded side who will be desperate to put things right in front of their own fans after they became the first team to lose to the Unibond League, Premier Division's whipping boys, Durham City.

FC United, who attract crowds of more than 2,000 to their games at Gigg Lane, the home of Coca-Cola League Two side Bury, were embarrassed on Saturday March 13 when Durham came away with a 2-1 win.

Prior to the game, the north-east side had lost all of their 28 matches, conceding 137 goals in the process.

FC United followed that defeat with a 4-3 loss at Matlock Town on Tuesday March 16, so The Yellows will have to be on guard for a backlash.

Trevor Hill, who is working alongside Town boss Danny Bryant, said The Yellows would be going to Gigg Lane for the win.

"We had them watched against Matlock," said Hill. "We think they are there for the taking."

Town will be without the suspended trio of Dion Meikle, Cashel Walters and Reuben Wiggins-Thomas. Defenders Adrian Hawes and David Boafo are struggling with knee and calf injuries respectively.

The Yellows are also in Unibond action on Tuesday March 23 at relegation-threatened Ossett Town.

What a day - Through Thick and Thin

Source: Durham Times

10:17am Friday 19th March 2010

By Danny Williamson »

AS we stepped on to the bus, Shippy and I knew it would be a good day. The bus was full of Durham supporters, more than usual, all hopeful of seeing us take our first points.

The ball boys, who had said they'd been working on songs for this game, had all shown up - and I had the face paint with me.

We got painted up and by the time the bus pulled up in front of the ground at Bury we all looked like extras from Braveheart. No sooner had we stepped off the bus than we were being greeted by some of the FCUM faithful and shaking hands.

After sharing some drinks with their supporters, we headed into the away section. There we were, the fans of Durham City at a Football League ground, among 2,167 fans, faces painted and singing songs.

The ball boys had gone to town with new chants. Shippy and I, as well as some of the older faithful were joining in and we were making quite a bit of noise. It made for a terrific atmosphere.

We started brightly but when FC went 1-0 up fairly early in the game, I admit I feared the usual. Boy, was I wrong.

Midway through the first half, the ball came to our captain, Andrew Stephenson, 45 yards out. He looked up, saw the keeper off his line, and lobbed him. We went crazy. One of the best goals I've ever seen at a football match, and we were level.

We ran down the steps waving scarves and going nuts.

By half-time we were dreaming. This could be our day. Not long into the second half, I had to pinch myself as the referee awarded us a penalty and Elliott Cutts put it away. The score board said FC United 1 Durham City 2.

Then came the longest 40 minutes of my life. We'd survived 10 and they were awarded a penalty. Rhys saved it! We celebrated that more than the goal.

As the minutes ticked by agonisingly slowly, FC missed chance after chance and Rhys kept us in front. I couldn't watch, it was unbearable. Four minutes of injury time felt like four hours. Then, the whistle, we'd done it. We celebrated more than when we won the league. Euphoria!

After screaming ourselves hoarse, the team left the field and we left the ground. As we walked down the steps into the car park, 2,000 FC United fans gave us, the Durham fans, a round of applause. They really showed some class in doing that, and I lost count of the number of people who shook my hand and congratulated us.

All of the defeats and everything that had happened to us this season evaporated in that wonderful Hollywood moment on the steps of Bury FC football ground. I will never, ever, forget it.

Yes Durham!

Ticket details for Marine against FC United of Manchester

Source: Crosby Herald

Mar 18 2010

by James Maloney, Crosby Herald


MARINE v FC United of ManchesterFriday 2nd April - kick off 3pm The Arriva Stadium, College Road.

TICKET INFORMATION UniBond Premier League Marine FC announces the ticket sale arrangements for the second league visit of FC United of Manchester to the Arriva Stadium, Crosby on Friday 2nd April 2010.

There will be no tickets on sale on the day of the game and admission will be by ticket only. Marine FC season ticket holders are required to obtain a match ticket for which there will be no charge on production of their season tickets – these can be collected direct from Marine FC on matchdays. Admission Prices Adults £8 Concessions £4 FOR MARINE FC FANS Tickets on sale from the Marine Ticket Office at the following games:Tue 23rd March 2010 – Marine v Kendal TownSat 27th March 2010 – Marine v Whitby Town FOR FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER FANS Tickets on sale at the following games from Gigg Lane Ticket Office Sat 20th March 2010 – FC United of Manchester v Hucknall TownWed 24th March 2010 – FC United of Manchester v Bradford Park Avenue FOR GENERAL TICKET SALESMarine FC Clubrooms [for Marine & FC United] – weekdays from 6pm and all day weekendsPostal Application [for Marine & FC United] Postal Applications can be made to:Mr Richard Cross Football Secretary Marine FC The Arriva Stadium College Road Crosby Liverpool L23 3AS. Cheques should be made payable to Marine FC and all applications should request the choice of tickets, either Marine or FC United. All applications should also include a stamped self addressed envelope. Online Ticket SalesTickets can now also be bought online [for both Marine & FC United] via the Tranmere Rovers FC Online Ticket Office. All users will need to register an account with Tranmere Rovers online in order to purchase the tickets. To buy online visit https://www.eticketing.co.uk/trfc/

FC’s promotion hopes in tatters

Source: Bury Times

7:50am Thursday 18th March 2010

By Liam Chronnell »

FOOTBALL: FC United’s play-off hopes are all but over after they conceded a late penalty in a 4-3 defeat against Matlock Town on Tuesday night.

A third loss in a row leaves the Gigg Lane tenants 12 points off the top-five places and their prospects of a fourth promotion in five seasons in tatters. Goals from captain David Chadwick, Phil Marsh and Jerome Wright were not enough on a frustrating night in the Peak District where the Rebels led twice.

But, with just 10 minutes to go, goalkeeper Sam Ashton conceded a penalty and Ross Hannah completed his hat-trick from the spot to sink FC. The damage, however, had already been done on Saturday after Karl Marginson’s side suffered a shock defeat at home to rock-bottom Durham.

The North East club had failed to take a point all season after losing all 28 games and the Rebels looked to be in line for a routine victory when Carlos Roca opened the scoring on nine minutes. But Durham fought back and, aided by Ben Deegan’s missed penalty, claimed a long-awaited first victory of the season.

FC take on Hucknall Town at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

Fans must support the move to cut litter

Source: Prestwich and Whitefield Guide

1:26pm Wednesday 17th March 2010

JUST a small word of praise to both Bury FC and the council for their speedy response to provide litter bins outside Gigg Lane stadium — it really is appreciated and hopefully will cut down on some of the litter in the area!

It’s now down to the fans to rally round and use these bins — home and away supporters, not forgetting FC United, their fans and visitors.

Surely it’s not too much to ask that anyone with burger cartons, pizza boxes, drink cans, coffee cups and the variety of packaging bought at local shops can keep their rubbish in their hands until they arrive at the ground, rather than using the streets as a tip! Come on fans — the council and the football club have done their jobs — it’s now down to you!

Chris J Reed Gigg Lane

Win after 28 defeats for England's worst football team

Source: Daily Mirror

By Steve Myall 16/03/2010

England's worst football team have finally won a game - after losing 28 times on the trot.

Durham City keeper Rhys Jobling saved a penalty to secure a shock 2-1 victory away at FC United of Manchester.

And that meant celebrations for the Unibond League Premier Division club, who had scored just 16 goals and let in 137 before Saturday.

That record makes them the least successful side in the country. And they are still bottom of the table by 26 points.

A six-point deduction imposed by the FA for fielding a suspended player under a false name earlier in the season means they still need another victory simply to get up to zero.

But jubilant Rhys, 20, now hoping to keep out Whitby Town at home tonight, beamed: "It was like winning the Cup."

Durham City targeting their first point at home

Source: Newcastle Evening Chronicle

Mar 16 2010 Evening Chronicle

AFTER ending a 28-game losing run in the UniBond Premier Division, Durham City are targeting their first point at home tonight.

City take on Harry Dunn’s Whitby Town at the Esh Stadium on the back of a famous 2-1 win over FC United of Manchester on Saturday.

Durham boss Lee Collings, suspended by the FA until the end of the season, was delighted his side had ended their long losing run – but was gutted not to be at Gigg Lane.

Collings said: “I always felt we would win eventually, and it would have been great to see the lads finally have their day in the sun.

“I did not realise how bad it would be being out of the loop, but myself and assistant boss Dickie Ord cracked open a bottle of champagne on Sunday to celebrate the win.

“It would be great to back it up with a result against Whitby in front of our home fans, but we are not getting carried away by one result.

“Dan Sanders and Marc Batey have given us strength at the centre of defence and the FC United victory has given everyone a lift.

“Whitby are a decent side, and Harry Dunn will have them organised and dangerous from set plays so it will be another tough game.”

Rufus Ayres could be recalled to what is likely to otherwise be an unchanged side as Durham look to pull off another shock.

Whitby, 12th in the table, have lost three of their last four away games conceding 10 goals but, like all of Durham’s opponents, have a much more experienced squad.

The Seasiders have a doubt over former £1m striker Andy Campbell, who missed Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Ashton United.

Whitby, however, include a number of former Blyth Spartans players, including Andy Leeson, Alex Gildea and Ged Dalton, the latter struggling through injury.

From The Daily Mail

Edited from Daily Mail

...
Finally, just a note of congratulations to Unibond Premier League side Durham City who finally won a game at FC United of Manchester on Saturday.

Caretaker boss Richard Ord had said his one hope, and 28 consecutive defeats for the beleagured, hapless, cash-strapped bunch of students was they would win at least one point. Well, after months of disappointment they finally have.

From Sunderland Echo

Edited from Sunderland Echo

...
Following their first win of the season at FC United of Manchester on Saturday, Durham City hope to take something out of tonight's UniBond League Premier Division game against Whitby Town at the Esh Group Stadium.

A club spokesman said: "Not one of the lads who played on Saturday was over 20 and Connor Winter is just 16. It was a massive effort by a young squad and just reward for their fantastic commitment.

"Strangely enough we thought we might just get something out of the game and the squad revelled in the atmosphere with over 2,000 spectators, most of them expecting a big win for the home side.

"Hopefully, the result will have given the side self belief and a platform for the remainder of the season but it will not be easy against Whitby who are a well organised side on a good run."

Kids make future bright

Source: Journal Live

Mar 16 2010 by Neil Farrington, The Journal

HAVING wiped the tears of joy – and pride – from his eyes since Saturday night, stand-in manager Dickie Ord insists Durham City’s first win of the season signposts a bright long-term future for the so-called crisis club, writes NEIL FARRINGTON.

Having had a “bubble” by himself following his college kids’ famous 2-1 victory over FC United of Manchester at Bury, Ord must now “scrape them off the ceiling” ahead of tonight’s visit of Whitby.

But a first league win since the loss of their main sponsor prompted a player exodus and forced them to turn to the Ord-trained youngsters at Durham Sixth Form College is being hailed as proof that long-term revival will follow the short-term certainty of relegation from the UniBond Premier.

“I’d said for a while that things were looking up, and Saturday proved it,” said Ord, in charge of City’s first team since manager Lee Collings was suspended for fielding an ineligible player.

“We’ve had a meeting with the directors, and me and Lee (Collings) will take charge of the side jointly next year. It means the club – and the group of young lads we have here – will get some continuity.

“We’ll also form a reserve team, to make sure we have a more competitive squad of players as a whole in the First Division.

“So the future is bright, and that’s a massive tribute to the kids who have fought like lions for us week in, week out.”

Goalkeeper Rhys Jobling is Ord’s only injury doubt tonight, and he added: “It would be great to give our home fans – who have been unbelievably loyal – a good show.”

After 28 defeats Durham City finally win a game

Source: Newcastle Evening Chronicle

Mar 15 2010

Evening Chronicle


AFTER losing their opening 28 league games spanning seven months, Saturday turned out to be a red letter day for Durham City.

Against all the odds, Durham not only picked up their first point of the season but took all three with a shock 2-1 win at FC United of Manchester to leave them on -3 points.

It was a magnificent performance from City’s young guns in front of a bumper 2,164 crowd at Bury’s Gigg Lane stadium.

Carlos Roca’s header into an unguarded net after Durham keeper Rhys Jobling had gone AWOL gave FC United an early lead.

But a super strike from captain Andrew Stephenson – a stunning volley from the edge of the centre circle – put Durham level at half-time.

A needless handball in the second minute of the second half then put City in dreamland as Elliot Cutts drove home the spot kick.

Durham rode their luck as Gareth Ayers sliced a clearance against his own bar and Ben Deegan headed against the visitors’ bar in the second half.

Jobling saved a Deegan penalty to keep Durham on course for a famous win, while Stephenson should have had a penalty at the other end only to be booked for diving.

FC United missed a simple chance from two yards at the death as City held on to spark jubilant scenes on the pitch and on the terraces at the final whistle.

Assistant manager Richard Ord said: “This is right up there with anything I achieved as a player in the professional game.

“It was a very proud day and for it to happen in front of a big crowd at a Football League stadium made it extra special.

“We reverted to a 4-5-1 system and it worked well. The players were brilliant and young Jobling may not be the biggest keeper but he is as brave as a lion.

“It has been a long wait to get that first point and no-one gave us a prayer at Gigg Lane but we deserved the win and the lads couldn’t believe it at the end.

“I have worked with them at College level for three years and to see the joy on their faces was very emotional, but we now have to back this up at home to Whitby Town tomorrow.”

Ord weeps tears of joy as Durham win at last

Source: Durham Times

11:48am Monday 15th March 2010

By Jim Entwistle »

STAND-IN Durham City manager Richard Ord wept tears of joy after his side defied all the odds by beating FC United of Manchester 2-1.

The game was played out in front of 2,164 spectators at Bury's Gigg Lane. About 70 were supporting the lads in yellow, but even the home fans cheered as Durham took the points.

The team are still 26 points adrift of their nearest rival, but director of football Austin Carney said that the league table was now irrelevant.

Mr Carney, who missed the game because of a family commitment, paid tribute to Ord.

He said: "The manager said he was in tears for at least 20 minutes after the final whistle. He was overcome with emotion.

"Considering what he's achieved in his career, for him to suggest that was one of his proudest moments was a tribute to what these lads achieved."

All of City's woes were forgotten about on Saturday when goals by Andrew Stephenson and Elliot Cutts, and a penalty save by keeper Rhys Jobling, secured the victory.

Mr Carney said: "We haven't gone down the road of financial profligacy, chasing the dream, we have managed costs within a small budget and credit to the lads who have stuck to the task.

"These lads have pulled on the shirt every week, regardless of the beatings, and have always gone out and given 110 per cent. This was a fantastic result and it's a testament to them."

From The Bolton News

Source: The Bolton News

10:30am Monday 15th March 2010

RADCLIFFE Borough crashed to their second consecutive defeat at the hands of Garforth Town by 2-0 at Stainton Park in the Unibond Division One North.

Lee Mason opened the scoring on 34 minutes and Tom Greaves took advantage of the space as Boro pushed for an equaliser when he banged home the second with seven minutes remaining.

Leigh Genesis kept up their chase of fifth-placed Curzon Ashton, but they needed two late goals from goal machine Jordan Stepien to see off Woodley Sports.

FC United slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Gigg Lane in the Premier Division against lowly Durham City giving the North East club its first victory of the season.

The Reds looked on course for an important win when Carlos Roca broke deadlock after nine minutes but Durham fought back to clinch an unlikely victory.

FC United of Manchester 1 Durham City 2

Source: Journal Live

Mar 15 2010 by Steve Brown, The Journal

UniBond League Premier Division

HE said it was coming, even predicted the day.

Now, finally, magnificently, heroically and rewardingly it can be said that Durham City are winners once more.

Stripped to their bones by departing sponsors and players and deprived their manager Lee Collings, banned for fielding Josh Home-Jackson under a different name, the Esh Group Stadium outfit had lost 28 out of 28 UniBond Premier games

Then came Saturday. Just six days earlier stand-in boss Dicky Ord told The Journal that his team of college kids, enhanced by the ‘experience’ of the likes of Andrew Stephenson and Dan Sanders, WOULD win this season.

And so it was at Bury’s Gigg Lane, home of FC United of Manchester, in front of 2000, who offered a standing ovation to a side victorious thanks to Stephenson’s 45-yarder and Elliott Cutts’ penalty, and a spot-kick save by Rhys Jobling (Carlos Rocca having already scored for the hosts).

There were nerves and tension, tears and an impromptu sing-song on the bus trip back courtesy of guitarist Paul ‘Ginger Maradona’ Taylor.

“They were absolutely magnificent, I’m so proud of them,” Ord said.

“You couldn’t make it up any better, at a Football League ground in front of 2000. There was a bit of tension before the game because of that but once it started they were brilliant.

“We changed the system to 4-5-1, leaving Elliott Cutts on his own up front, with Andrew Stephenson in behind him and they were outstanding.

“We went a goal down but that’s all they had, we were always in the game. Stevo broke through three times and scored his goal from about 45 yards – he tried it twice last week as well! Elliott held his nerve for his penalty, and young Rhys in goal was superb saving their penalty. What he lacks in height he more than makes up for in being as brave as a lion.

“They’ve got a big scoreboard with the clock ticking down, I was a bag of nerves.

“The scenes after the game were fantastic, I left them to it and went in the shower for a bit bubble. Ian Walker, the chairman, had a lump in his throat too. This is down to everyone at the club and Lee Collings especially.”

DURHAM CITY: Jobling, Stoker, Ayers (Winter), Harbord, Batey, D Sanders, Graham, Stephenson, Cutts (Taylor), Winter, Wren (Sanders). Man of the Match: Cutts.