Not what you'd egg-spect: Manchester's latest craze

 Source: Daily Mail

 Manchester City fans need no egging on when it comes to strange or quirky - just look at the Poznan, the bouncing, backwards celebration they adopted from Poland.

And now a popular but odd snack named the 'Manchester Egg' is the latest fad to make its way to the Etihad Stadium.

The snack, a pickled egg surrounded by Bury black pudding, coated in breadcrumbs and then deep-fried, will be sold on match days after taking the Manchester Food and Drink Festival by storm.

Inventor and amateur chef Ben Holden said: 'I don’t think you can surpass the meat pie, but it’s about time football fans had another option.

'I think the Manchester Egg is perfect for eating on the hoof while walking to the match, washed down with a pint.

'We were overwhelmed by the success of the stall at the food and drink festival, and we’ve been looking for loads of ways to take it to a wider audience including at City.'

Although Blues fans will be able to buy the egg from December before and after matches at City Square, home of Marco Pierre White's Blue Moon Cafe, it is not for City mouths only.

The egg was well received by FC United fans before a recent home match, selling out in 15 minutes, while Manchester United fans are also invited to try it.

Neil Worcester, head of catering operations for Manchester City, told the Manchester Evening News: 'The north-west boasts some of the finest produce in the country and Manchester City prides itself on promoting locally-sourced ingredients across all our catering.'

Not somebody to put all his eggs in one basket, Worcester added: 'The Manchester Egg is one of many locally-produced products that will be featured in our match-day offering in City Square.'

By Rik Sharma
Last updated at 3:07 PM on 3rd November 2011

FC United can take another step towards the Football League with play-off triumph

 Source: Daily Mail

 FC United are on the brink of a fourth promotion in six seasons as they prepare to face Colwyn Bay in the EvoStik Premier League play-off final.

The ambitious club, formed in 2005 by disenchanted supporters of Manchester United, have been on an upward curve since starting out in the North West Counties League Division Two.

And victory over Colwyn in Wales would elevate United to the Conference North, just two promotions away from the Football League.

Despite having lost twice to Bay in the league this season, FC United manager Karl Marginson is confident his side can prevail.

He said: 'Colwyn beat us twice in the league but they were close games so we have nothing to fear – especially since we beat Rochdale in the FA Cup and then did so well against Brighton.

'Dave Challinor is their manager and he’s experienced and has a big team that concentrates on set pieces with good movement up top.

'My message to the lads who are sensible about these things is to enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend and then let’s give it our best on Monday afternoon.

'We are physically strong as you would expect at this stage of the season. We have the ability to beat them and continue our remarkable progress.'

FC United rebels smell a rat over Manchester City stadium deal

 Source: Daily Mail


 There is concern at Glazer-protest club FC United of Manchester about the city council blocking their plans for a new ground yet agreeing a joint venture with the world's richest team in the same area.

The fans-owned FC United, formed after the Glazer family bought Manchester United, secured permission for a £3.5million, 5,000-seater community stadium on the Ten Acres Lane site before the council withdrew their crucial £650,000 funding and lease approval.

Yet documents published in the same week outline a 10-year strategy in which Manchester City and the council, who receive £3m-a-year rent from the football club, will work together to regenerate the land around Eastlands - including Ten Acres Lane.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1363981/CHARLES-SALE-FC-United-rebels-smell-rat-Manchester-City-stadium-deal.html#ixzz1FyXUbkJQ
FC United rebels smell a rat over Manchester City stadium deal

By Charles Sale

There is concern at Glazer-protest club FC United of Manchester about the city council blocking their plans for a new ground yet agreeing a joint venture with the world's richest team in the same area.

The fans-owned FC United, formed after the Glazer family bought Manchester United, secured permission for a £3.5million, 5,000-seater community stadium on the Ten Acres Lane site before the council withdrew their crucial £650,000 funding and lease approval.

Yet documents published in the same week outline a 10-year strategy in which Manchester City and the council, who receive £3m-a-year rent from the football club, will work together to regenerate the land around Eastlands - including Ten Acres Lane.
On the move? FC United have plans to move to their own ground in Manchester

On the move? FC United have plans to move to their own ground in Manchester

A City spokesman said: 'We have some say in how the council spends our rental income, but that has nothing to do with the decision on FC United's proposed ground.

That was down to the council, who have had to make huge budget cuts across the board.' FC United general manager Andy Walsh said: 'Our fans have suspicions about the council project with City coming so soon after our rejection. But we have been assured that the council will help us and are examining other sites.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1363981/CHARLES-SALE-FC-United-rebels-smell-rat-Manchester-City-stadium-deal.html#ixzz1FyXh5jmF

Rochdale 2 FC United of Manchester 3: Rebels snatch dramatic win to stay on course for clash with Fergie in FA Cup

Theatre of dreams: More than 4,000 FC United of Manchester fans watched the drama

Source: Daily Mail

By Richard Bott

Last updated at 11:29 AM on 7th November 2010

What seemed utterly implausible when they were founded five years ago may only be one game away. FC United could face Manchester United.

It could be Evo-Stik Premier Division against three-time European champions, the club set up because of the Glazers against the one owned by them.

A chorus of 'bring on United' rang around Spotland after FCUM's FA Cup first round debut came to its remarkable conclusion, hundreds of their fans pouring on to the pitch in jubilation.
Naughty Norton: Michael Norton scores the winner

There were 94 minutes on the clock when Mike Norton, FC United striker and Manchester United supporter, stabbed home from close range. Not quite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Nou Camp, but pretty special nonetheless.

Manager Karl Marginson said: 'With a few minutes to go I put five in the middle and thought "let's hold on". Then we scored. I don't know if we deserved it but it's all about results and it was a fantastic result.'

Just when a fine Rochdale comeback seemed to have earned the League One team a replay, a side four divisions and 95 places below them had the final say.

At times Marginson's enterprising team outplayed them, too. They may be in the seventh tier, but they possess two tricky wingers in the speedy, skilful Carlos Roca and Jerome Wright.

But for all their links with Manchester United, it was a former Liverpool academy player, Nicky Platt, who struck first, finishing well from Wright's through pass. Then Jake Cottrell's rasping shot flew past Rochdale goalkeeper Josh Lillis to give them a superb second.

Cottrell went to the same school as Paul Scholes. In an instant, he took the similarities further. 'He did well to score with that left foot of his because he hasn't got one,' added Marginson, a former fruit-and-veg delivery man.
Spot on: Nicky Platt puts FC United ahead

That led to a fine fightback from Dale. First Anthony Elding pulled a goal back. Then Richard Battersby cleared off the line to deny Chris O'Grady before Craig Dawson headed in a Barry Murphy corner.

Comeback complete? Not quite. Lillis spilled the ball, Norton kicked it out of his hands and FC United were through. When the second-round draw is made, he knows what he wants. 'That's an easy one,' said the scorer - anyone to facilitate a meeting with Manchester United.

This lot delight in being the thorn in the side of the Old Trafford authorities. Barely had the game begun when the FC United fans chanted: 'Are you watching, David Gill?' Manchester United's chief executive probably wasn't. He certainly should have been. And he will have to if they meet in the third round.

FC United of Manchester land local derby at Rochdale after reaching FA Cup first round for the first time

 Source: Daily Mail

 By Nick Metcalfe
 Last updated at 5:08 PM on 24th October 2010

FA United of Manchester were rewarded for a victory over Barrow with a local FA Cup first round tie at Rochdale.

The club, who were set up by supporters disillusioned supporters of Manchester United, beat Barrow at Gigg Lane on Sunday.

Carlos Roca scored the only goal of the game 12 minutes from time, in front of a crowd of over 3,000.

Elsewhere in the first round draw memories of past giantkillings will be flooding back for Woking supporters after the Cards were drawn to play 1983 finalists Brighton and Hove Albion in the first round of the FA Cup. The game at Withdean Stadium will be one of the highlights of next month's first round.

Many eyes will also be on Haig Avenue, where Southport will play Sheffield Wednesday. Corby take on Luton Town, while there will be an east London derby between Dagenham & Redbridge and Leyton Orient.

Vauxhall Motors, who memorably beat Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road in a penalty shoot-out in a first round replay in 2002, travel to Hartlepool.

FC United of Manchester face a short trip to Rochdale if they beat Barrow in their fourth qualifying round match.

Woking wrote their name into FA Cup folklore in 1991, when Tim Buzaglo scored the most extraordinary of hat-tricks to give the then Isthmian League side a 4-2 win over West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

Their meeting with Albion is the first since 1992, when Brighton won a second round tie after a draw at the old Goldstone Ground and narrow victory in the replay at Kingfield.

Woking's number was drawn out of the hat by well known Brighton fan Norman Cook, or 'Fatboy Slim', at Wembley Stadium.

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.

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.

Daily Mail, 15 Jan 2010. Pages 96 - 97

---

Daily Mail
15 Jan 2010

Manchester United's breakaway faithful vindicated

Source: Daily Mail

By Michael Walker Last updated at 8:16 PM on 14th January 2010

In a converted mill in Ancoats in Manchester are a group of people who would be entitled to feel vindication this week.

FC United of Manchester is the football club Malcolm Glazer and his family founded by accident. Now members of the Unibond Premier League, FC United were established by disaffected Manchester United fans who fought to the bitter end to prevent the Glazers' takeover at Old Trafford four-and-a-half years ago.

They fought because they feared what is happening today - the apparent financial hijacking of United, or as FC United states on its website: 'The material theft of a Manchester institution.'

When, in May 2005, the Glazers won in spite of supporter opposition and, at one stage, opposition from the Old Trafford chief executive David Gill, Manchester United fans had choices: to continue attending, to walk away, to boycott selectively or, the 'last resort', to form a new club.

Around 1,000 of the disillusioned agreed to the last resort. With an ethos in total contrast to the money first model of Premier League club takeovers, FC United was born.

Many expected the club to fizzle out - particularly as Sir Alex Ferguson led United to three consecutive League titles and another European Cup - but FC United are still here. They rent Bury's Gigg Lane, have an average gate of 2,000, have won three promotions and this week submitted a business plan to Manchester City Council to build a new 4,000-capacity stadium of their own.

'We were never anti-American,' explained FC's general manager Andy Walsh, 'we were just anti-takeovers by people who knew little about the club or the community around it. We could see the dash for cash happening in English football and we knew ticket prices at Old Trafford would rise.

'The figures from Old Trafford are quite shocking. Most people were aware of a level of indebtedness but for it to be compounded by the Glazers cynically "dipping in" is bordering on the criminal.

'Most people have shielded their eyes to what's going on but the general public are now more familiar with the "casino economy" after Northern Rock and all the rest of it. People understand more about it and it's happening in football. That has shocked them.'

Those Walsh accuses of shielding their eyes are the authorities, including the Government. Walsh was part of Shareholders United and Manchester United Supporters' Trust who tried in vain to buy a bulwark shareholding to frustrate the Glazers. They petitioned John Magnier and JP McManus not to sell their 28 per cent to the Glazers and thought the Irishmen would not.

Once they did, Walsh says he received letters from then Minister for Sport Richard Caborn, the Premier League and the Football Association that offered reassurances about the Glazers' motivation and practice.

'They used phrases about the Glazers such as "safe custodians" and "intentions are honourable",' said Walsh. 'It's almost as if the football authorities and the Government are in cahoots. They seem wedded to this takeover business model.

'What about their fit and proper person test? Thaksin Shinawatra? It is so frustrating. They don't see an alternative. We do.'

FC United are not naïve, they exist in the real economy and need 1,300 fans to break even. They pay their semi-pro players - the top earner is on £150 per week - they seek and attract sponsorship and they sell merchandise.

If they get permission to build their new stadium, two more promotions would see them in the Blue Square Premier, already reached by self-starting forerunners AFC Wimbledon.

'There is nothing wrong with commercialism,' said Walsh, 'but our argument is that it should be used to subsidise tickets.'

FC United have 1,100 season ticket holders who this season have been reassurasked to pay what they can afford - £90 has been recommended as a minimum, the average is £120. The club has a thriving community scheme, although Premier League clubs are also very active in that sphere.

Aside from whispered support from former Manchester United players, there is no relationship with Old Trafford. Walsh says 'the vast majority' of FC United followers remain Manchester United fans. But ticket prices have risen under the Glazers; the very thing which FC United's founders warned of five years ago.

'Fans can't afford to go,' said Walsh. 'It's not just at Manchester United. Football in this country is woven into its social fabric. When clubs were formed they often had a social purpose and part of that purpose was community cohesion. That is being meddled with. And that's wrong.'

What would you pay to watch a game if Premier League clubs followed FC United's lead?

Source: Daily Mail

By Mark Lawford
Last updated at 7:59 AM on 15th May 2009


'I've paid good money to watch this tripe and I won't come back ever again - not even if you pay me,' bellowed the disillusioned Newcastle fan as his season-ticket fluttered down in a hail of confetti on the back of the bloke in front of him.

Familiar words, uttered by many an ardent football supporter in their darkest moments, rash promises miraculously forgotten with the next win as the now taped-back-together ticket regains pride of place in the wallet.

But as a season of misery and unfulfilled dreams draws to a close, the 'tomorrow will be better' billboard zooms into view and, threatened with a couple of months with just cricket and tennis to keep them company, solace is gained by buying another ten months of gloom and despair in one easy payment while charting pre-season friendlies.

With prices varying from £250 to £1,825 depending on whether you want to watch Wigan or Arsenal, the price range for Premier League season tickets for 2009-10 is enormous.

And with the recession in mind some clubs have actually dropped prices for next season, most have frozen them and only a couple - Aston Villa and Manchester United - have made marginal increases.

But fans of FC United, the club set up in 2005 in protest at the Glazers buying the Old Trafford club, have gone one step further.

Following their failure to gain promotion from the UniBond League, their elected board have decided to ask all fans to pay only what they can afford next season.

Board member Jules Spencer said: 'We do not feel unilateral price increases are the way forward so we hope the Your Season Ticket, Your Choice campaign will offer a lower season ticket price for those who cannot £140 and get supporters who can afford a bit more can choose to donate as much as they wish.

'This is about empowerment, of collective responsibility, of us all pulling together to ensure the club’s future in a way that reflects our founding principles.'

This got Sportsmail thinking...given the chance, what would YOU be willing to pay for a season ticket to watch your club? How much 'empowerment' would you enforce? How strict are your 'principles'?

You can make suggestions below, but in the meantime here are a few to get you going.

ARSENAL

It costs a lot to maintain The Emirates while Arsene Wenger's precocious side sidestep trophy after trophy in cavalier manner.
But Gunners fans are very loyal, despite the fact that only the Amazing Mr Memory Man can remember the last time they actually won anything, 60,000 cramming in every week to watch them finish out of the medals once again.

Actual 2009-10 prices: £855 - £1,825.

What fans should offer: Their soul if it brings a trophy, the souls of their entire family if it wins the Premier League, £100 if it's results based, £1,000 if it keeps Fabregas, £10,000 if it gets rid of Adebayor, £1m to make sure you're not next to Rory McGrath.

ASTON VILLA

The top club in the second city faded from Champions League hopefuls to Europa League certainties as manager Martin O'Neill 'tried the kids' to no avail.

Actual 2009-10 prices: £295 - £510

What fans should offer: As much as they can afford in a bid to plug the financial black holes caused by the Bosko Balaban and Juan Pablo Angel shambles, £1000 to keep Doug Ellis out, £2000 to ensure victories over Birmingham and Wolves next season, £2.75 if it's achievement based, £5 if Nigel Kennedy is played over the tannoy.

BLACKBURN

Barring a cataclysmic series of results, Rovers will be in the Premier League next season and then we'll see the best of Sam Allardyce, the manager who makes unfashionable successful.
He'll lose a few of his better players though, Roque Santa Cruz set to leave but no doubt he'll bring in a few foreigners nobody's heard of and make a serious challenge for mid-table mediocrity.

Current prices: £249-£439. Next season prices TBC

What fans should offer: The cost of a neck brace so they can watch Rovers' passing game in comfort, £500 to foot the unlucky Steven Reid's medical bills, £1,000 to fund the sharp drop in income for MP and 'celebrity' fan Jack 'Justice Minister' Straw.

BOLTON

Gary Megson's hate-hate relationship with the Trotters' fans is well known but he's kept them up for another season so it's job done. Another of football's 'long ball merchants', Bolton

Current prices: £299-£449. Next season TBC

What fans should offer: £10 deed poll so they change their name to 'Kay' to emulate famous fans Peter Kay and Vernon Kay (no relation), £299 plus an extra £5 to buy a little gift for Megson to bring a smile to his face, £500 to spend on elbow-sharpening tools for the players, £1000 to sponsor Kevin Davies' pre-match meal.

CHELSEA

With only the FA Cup for comfort now, Stamford Bridge is a cold and lonely place. The harsh reality is that they are third best domestically despite somehow making it to the last four of the Champions League. Minor trophies mean nothing to Russian billionaires - expect the wind of change to bite deep down the King's Road.

Actual 2009-10 prices: £635 - £1,125

What fans should offer: £1,000 to keep the ageing squad in warm milk and slippers, £2,000 if it means they can find out where THAT Norwegian ref lives, £5,000 if it helps them find a legal loophole to force UEFA to replay THAT semi-final, anything because they can afford it and they all drive 4x4s.

EVERTON

It's hard being Liverpool's second strongest team but at least they have reached a final this season which is more than the Red half of the city has. David Moyes continues to deliver the goods against the odds despite the continued celebrity support of Claire Sweeney, Freddie Starr and Tom O'Connor.

Actual 2009-10 prices: £399-£586

What fans should offer: £500 just to see Tim Cahill, £750 to keep Marouane Fellaini at the club, £1,000 to speed up Mikel Arteta and Phil Jageilka's recoveries, £2,000 to keep hold of Moyes, £5,000 to do a double over Liverpool, £10,000 if it gets Rick Parry back at Anfield.

FULHAM

They escaped relegation on the final day last season and now they stand on the verge of European qualification. All hail the avuncular Roy Hodgson and his Craven Cottage marvels. Right on the Thames, Fulham's ground is a great place to watch a game.

Actual 2009-10 prices: £285-£799

What fans should offer: £10 because they have an American called Clint and he's not THAT American call Clint, £300 plus a £50 surcharge to leave every match by punt, £500 to keep paying the debt to Chelsea for taking David Mellor off their hands, £1,000 in the hope you might get a seat next to celebrity fans Hugh Grand or Pierce Brosnan.

HULL

It's been a roller-coaster season for 'Champions League hopefuls' Hull but winning just two matches this year has rather put a crimp in it.
The Tigers are falling faster than the interest rate and look doomed - but you never know.

Actual 2009-10 prices: £380-£450

What fans should offer: An extra £5 per game as a Rugby League tax, £500 to make sure David Lloyd stays away, £1,000 so they get a free house with every season ticket.

LIVERPOOL

It'll be 20 years without a title come 2010 and even though Rafa Benitez has made Liverpool far more competitive in the Premier League, the great sides of the 70s and 80s hated being second best.

Current prices: £650 - £750. Next season TBC

What fans should offer: Nothing - they were beaten in Europe by Chelsea, knocked out of the FA Cup by Everton, lost in the League Cup to Tottenham and were held at home in the Premier League by Stoke, Fulham and Manchester City, £500 if it means ITV will tape over the goal that knocked them out of the FA Cup with adverts, £1,000 to seal the door to Rick Parry's office forever, £10000 if it gets rid of the feuding American owners.

MANCHESTER CITY

The Blue half of Manchester is basking in mid-table safety, hardly the stuff of dreams for a club so wealthy.
Last season's Sven footballing fiesta , a double over United and Benjani's 25-mile-wide smile have been replaced by the Robinho sideshow, two losses to Fergie and a miserable away record.

Current prices: £388 - £626. Next season TBC

What fans should offer: Nothing - they're the world's richest club and should get in for free until they actually win something worth paying for.

MANCHESTER UNITED

The team that could have won the Quintuple might have to made do with a Quadruple instead. No shame there. Yes, we all love to hate Ronaldo, yes we all love to scoff at Fergie's rubbish goal celebrations, yes they're London's favourite club, but Manchester United will equal Liverpool's League titles total this season and could move to within one European Cup as well. Simply awesome.

Actual 2009-10 prices: £513-£931

What fans should offer: The price of a ticket minus the cost of the train fare from London, £1,000 to keep Ronaldo, £2,000 to keep Ronaldo and Tevez, £3,000 to keep Fergie's smirk at the expense of a ranting Rafa.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Boro's number looks up - just 26 League goals all season has seen to that - but at least in Steve GIbson they have a wily chairman who won't be pressing the detonate button on manager Gareth Southgate just yet. They are always going to be the most unfashionable North-East club no matter how hard they try but at least Steve McClaren's gone.

Actual 2009-10 prices: £370-£525

What fans should offer: £500 to buy 20 goals before the season starts, goals that can used at any time of the season to convert draws to wins, etc, £1,000 to implant bionics into Bernie Slaven and get him leading the line again, all their worldly goods and possessions to get Afonso Alves away from Teesside.

NEWCASTLE

The Fog on the Tyne has been a real pea-souper this season and the manager's door at St James' Park has been of the revolving kind. The fact that Hull and Boro are so poor will keep the Magpies up, not footballing excellence, and surely 50,000 week-in, week-out Toon diehards deserve far better than that.

Actual 2009-10 prices: £300-£598

What fans should offer: Nothing - remember Dennis Wise?, £150m to buy out Mike Ashley, get some pride back in the city and wipe the smile off Sunderland faces.

PORTSMOUTH

From FA Cup Winners to the Championship in one easy step? Possibly but unlikely as Pompey's wobble on the pedestal continues. Staying up will compound the joy felt by Southampton's relegation to the third tier, something not even Terry Fenwick could emulate while at Fratton Park despite his best efforts - but is it really enough just to laugh at Saints' misfortune? Yes, it is...

Actual 2009-10 prices: £500-£900

What fans should offer: £1,000 to help fund a huge billboard outside Southampton's ground, bearing Pompey's next home match 'Manchester United' with Saints clash against Yeovil alongside, and the phrase 'just one division above Burton Albion' across the top.
STOKE

The long-throw merchants have survived in the top flight by making The Britannia Stadium a fortress. Hooray for Nick Hancock, boo to Robbie Williams and all cheer Tony Pulis for keeping a proper football club up where they belong.

Current prices: £334 - £499. Next season TBC

What fans should offer: £5 tax to fund local rivals Crewe and Port Vale in their basement mini-league, £500 to make sure Rory Delap's throwing arms never get tired, £1,000 to ensure the remote-controlled balls he launches continue to find their way into the six-yard box.

SUNDERLAND

Still on the cusp of relegation, the Black Cats need three points to exorcise the ghost of Roy Keane forever. It's not been pretty at the Stadium of Light and if they do stay up, big Mick McCarthy's Wolves will be gunning for them next season with a point to prove, but finishing above Newcastle and Middlesbrough to be the North East's premier club is hardly the stuff of legend.

Actual 2009-10 prices: £350-£465

What fans should offer: Nothing. Over 40,000 fans have endured a season of gloom and despondency and they deserve a freebie - and throw in a stripey shirt and a picture of Bob Stokoe.

SPURS

Football was fun with Spurs bottom of the Premier League and breaking records for awfulness with every passing week.

Then Daniel Levy spoiled things by sacking Juande Ramos and bringing in Harry Redknapp.
Now in the hunt for a European spot, Tottenham also reached the League Cup Final.
Harry has got them playing and get ready for a huge prima-donna flushing out in the summer.

Actual 2009-10 prices: £622-£1,640

What fans should offer: Nothing if David Bentley still has a squad number, £100 if Gilberto and Dos Santos are still there, £1,000 to seal a double over Arsenal, £25,000 to claim a Champions League place at the Gunners' expense.

WEST BROM

Manager Tony Mowbray has won a lot of friends this season for refusing to abandon his footballing principles in the

pursuit of Premier League points. Sadly, the Championship looms large now but at least they are still with a chance of staying up with two games to go. It's hard to hate the Baggies even though celebrity fan Adrian Chiles does present The One Show.

Actual 2009-10 prices: £299-£399

What fans should offer: Whatever the club wants to ensure the prudent Throstles get back to the top flight where they belong - remember how great Cyrille Regis and Laurie Cunningham were? And it would be great to see the West Midlands have four teams in the Premier League.

WEST HAM

They may be forever blowing bubbles but at least Hammers fans do have something to be rabid about at last. Gianfranco Zola has conquered the Upton Park Chelsea haters by producing a hard-to-beat attractive side who are a only a couple of players away from being a genuine force in the Premier League. Or a called-in debt away from a ten-point deduction and life in the second tier. You decide...

Actual 2009-10 prices: £570-£810

What fans should offer: £800 if it keeps the Academy going, £1,000 if it keeps Millwall two divisions below them, £2,500 because of Sir Trev, £5,000 to ensure the Bobby Moore Statue outside the ground stays in pristine condition
WIGAN

The pie capital of Europe has been transformed from a Rugby League stronghold to a footballing hotbed. Steve Bruce has performed another miracle. And they said it would never happen. The Latics have not been touted as relegation fodder once this season despite a recent wretched run of form. Dave Whelan deserves all the plaudits for what he's done to a club he bought in the fourth tier 14 years ago.

Actual 2009-10 prices: £250-£295

What fans should offer: £250 as long as they get their weight in pies every match, £500 if the half-time entertainment is Mido v Zaki, £1000 if it clinches a League win against one of the Big Four, £2,000 to help restore the Pier.

The Screamer ... It's the talk of football

Source: Edited from Daily Mail

BY SIMON JONES
...

Date with destiny

Rebel club FC United make their debut in the FA Cup tomorrow in a derby with Trafford at Altrincham's Moss Lane. Victory would earn a first qualifying round trip to Fleetwood, the club against whom Newton Heath — the forerunner of Manchester United — played their first Cup tie over a century ago.
...