Source: South Manchester Reporter
So long Simms
MAINE Road FC have been rocked after long-serving player-manager Chris Simms resigned his post at the Moore and Co Solicitors North West Counties Football League division one club.
Simms has left to join the successful FC United who are flying high in division two where he will concentrate on playing for the ambitious new club, formed by Manchester United supporters disillusioned at Malcolm Glazer’s takeover last summer.
Simms has played for Maine Road for 15 of the last 17 seasons and has clocked up over 500 appearances.
During his time he has also scored more than 100 goals for the south Manchester club.
He will make his debut for his new team against Flixton while Road secretary Derek Barber will take over as caretaker boss at Brantingham Road.
FC United boss Karl Marginson told the league’s website: "I know this move will surprise a lot of people in local non-league, but Chris is a massive Manchester United fan and is eager to be a part of what we’re trying to achieve here.
"He’s still a great player and will be a brilliant signing for us."
The veteran ex-Hyde and Runcorn midfielder has just returned to action after recovering from a groin injury sustained in a pre-season guest appearance for FC United according to the league’s official website.
With FC United riding high at the top of division two, there is every possibility that Simms could face a reunion with his former club next season should his new side secure promotion into division one.
However, Road’s hopes of festive cheer and a welcome win were hit in their local derby at Abbey Hey.
After a home defeat against Colne and the loss of Simms, Road’s attempt at getting back to winning ways looked good as they took the lead on 37 minutes through Gareth Richards.
But it was not to be though as Simpson levelled for the home team on 69 minutes before Moore slotted home an 86th minute penalty to leave Road pointless and in 14th place in the division one table.
Road are next in action on Monday, January 2 when they visit Trafford. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm.
First published by the South Manchester Reporter
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Monday, December 26, 2005
Q and A: FC United of Manchester
Source 4thegame.com
Q and A: FC United of Manchester
Monday 26 Dec 2005
Seven months ago the Glazer family walked in to Old Trafford, and some disillusioned United fans walked out. Thousands returned their season tickets, a few have drifted back and a splinter group decided they had had enough, and started their own United, FC United of Manchester.
Here 4thegame talks to Jules Spencer, a lifelong Manchester United fan, and former chairman of the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association, who is now a board member of the team currently lying top of the Moore & Co Construction Solicitors League Division Two.
FC United is six months old - how do you feel things have gone so far?
Amazing. We get asked all the time if it's going better than expected and I suppose that from the point of view our highest gate was nearly 4000, then I guess it is. But then I was always quietly confident that we'd make a success of it. The job now is to maintain and grow the club even further.
FC regularly get over 3,000 supporters for home games at Gigg Lane - who are these people, disenfranchised United fans or United fans who gave up trying to get a ticket years ago?
All walks of life. And that is exactly what we wanted. Those that refused to go to Old Trafford once Glazer took over, those that were priced out of top level football years ago, whole families, kids and their mates, school parties, the list could go on. The best sight of all though is kids enjoying themselves. They underpin everything this club is about. For far too long clubs at the top of the game have not addressed were their future support is going to come from, choosing to look to the short term rather than the opposite. We think we are going a long way to addressing that.
What do you want to say to Manchester United fans not happy about the takeover - but haven't ventured to FC United as yet?
Come down and make up your own mind about what it's like. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised. And don't believe for a minute any urban myths you may have heard about us being Anti-MUFC. Anyone witnessing supporters watching the Villa - United match in the pubs before our game against Barrow last weekend, will testify what United still means to FC fans.
Have you had any contact from Manchester United FC about the new club?
Not directly, no.
How do you feel about Manchester United and it's new owners now?
Manchester United are still my club as it is for the thousands who come to our games. You can't just switch that off. Exit from Europe still hurt even though you knew it could harm Glazers business plan. Draws against City and Liverpool were just as frustrating from afar as they would have been if I'd been there. The Glazers I hold in utter contempt.
Would you close FC United if the Glazers upped and left?
It's not for me or anyone else on the board to dictate this club's future. That will be decided by the supporters as they own the club. But it's important to stress that FC United is not just an anti-Glazer vehicle. Its about building something positive for the community. About providing a home for those that are sick and tired of the path that football has been heading down over the past decade. About supporter ownership. And it's those supporters who will dictate how far and for how long this club runs. That's not a political side-step, it's the truth.
FC United are flying high, smashing 10 past Castleton Gabriels earlier this month, and running away with the title. Do you think this immediate success will help attract more fans, or work against you in the long run by creating an expectation that it will always be this easy?
No, I think we're a fairly level headed bunch of supporters. We won't be taking anything for granted.
Are you optimistic that FC United of Manchester can live up to its manifesto and always remain a club for the people?
Without a doubt. In terms of principles we know what is important to us and the reasons why the club came about. In terms of ownership it will always be owned by it's supporters, the structure of the club prevents private owners taking over.
What are your long-term hopes for both Manchester United and FC United?
I hope one day Manchester United will be returned to its rightful owners, the supporters. And I hope FC United long continues to give us the same enjoyment it's giving us at the moment. In football terms some have said they live for the day when we draw 'Big United' in the FA Cup. I'd rather draw City. And knock them out.
Have your experiences this season changed your views on lower league or non-league football?
The standard of football is surprisingly high, and without sounding too philosophical, a winning goal is a winning goal and a last minute equaliser is a last minute equaliser, whatever the level of football. You still find yourself hugging a complete stranger whether at Craven Park or Villa Park.
How far do you think the current FC United squad can go?
The manager wants to keep his squad together for as long as possible. A number of our players have dropped down several divisions and for less money to play for us, so there's no reason why he shouldn't be able to.
Will FC United always be based in Bury - or are their plans to move the club to within Manchester?
Gigg Lane has been great for us and supporters have taken it to their hearts. But we aim to have our own ground at some point in the future.
Is running your own football club easier than trying to lobby the board of another?
Hah hah, what a great question. Don't know if it's easier, but a lot of it is more enjoyable in that we have more control of our future. Glazer aside the most disillusioning aspects for me personally in recent years was feeling we were continually banging our heads against a brick wall at United. United will claim they had to listen to all their supporters (which would have been fine if they had done) and not just IMUSA or other groups. But I felt personally as Chair they could have done more to recognise what IMUSA stood for and were trying to achieve for all supporters. It became increasingly disheartening to be constantly rebuffed.
Finally - do you have any regrets about your decision not to go to Old Trafford any more?
I'm sad in a way that it ever had to come to this. But it did and we had to deal with it. But all the positives that FC United bring every day, every time we play, every time you see players mixing with supporters after a game, every time you see a volunteer giving up their pre-match drink to sell programmes, every time the team run out; you know that what we've got at FC United can't be wrong.
To find out more about the club, check out the FC United website at www.fc-utd.co.uk...
Q and A: FC United of Manchester
Monday 26 Dec 2005
Seven months ago the Glazer family walked in to Old Trafford, and some disillusioned United fans walked out. Thousands returned their season tickets, a few have drifted back and a splinter group decided they had had enough, and started their own United, FC United of Manchester.
Here 4thegame talks to Jules Spencer, a lifelong Manchester United fan, and former chairman of the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association, who is now a board member of the team currently lying top of the Moore & Co Construction Solicitors League Division Two.
FC United is six months old - how do you feel things have gone so far?
Amazing. We get asked all the time if it's going better than expected and I suppose that from the point of view our highest gate was nearly 4000, then I guess it is. But then I was always quietly confident that we'd make a success of it. The job now is to maintain and grow the club even further.
FC regularly get over 3,000 supporters for home games at Gigg Lane - who are these people, disenfranchised United fans or United fans who gave up trying to get a ticket years ago?
All walks of life. And that is exactly what we wanted. Those that refused to go to Old Trafford once Glazer took over, those that were priced out of top level football years ago, whole families, kids and their mates, school parties, the list could go on. The best sight of all though is kids enjoying themselves. They underpin everything this club is about. For far too long clubs at the top of the game have not addressed were their future support is going to come from, choosing to look to the short term rather than the opposite. We think we are going a long way to addressing that.
What do you want to say to Manchester United fans not happy about the takeover - but haven't ventured to FC United as yet?
Come down and make up your own mind about what it's like. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised. And don't believe for a minute any urban myths you may have heard about us being Anti-MUFC. Anyone witnessing supporters watching the Villa - United match in the pubs before our game against Barrow last weekend, will testify what United still means to FC fans.
Have you had any contact from Manchester United FC about the new club?
Not directly, no.
How do you feel about Manchester United and it's new owners now?
Manchester United are still my club as it is for the thousands who come to our games. You can't just switch that off. Exit from Europe still hurt even though you knew it could harm Glazers business plan. Draws against City and Liverpool were just as frustrating from afar as they would have been if I'd been there. The Glazers I hold in utter contempt.
Would you close FC United if the Glazers upped and left?
It's not for me or anyone else on the board to dictate this club's future. That will be decided by the supporters as they own the club. But it's important to stress that FC United is not just an anti-Glazer vehicle. Its about building something positive for the community. About providing a home for those that are sick and tired of the path that football has been heading down over the past decade. About supporter ownership. And it's those supporters who will dictate how far and for how long this club runs. That's not a political side-step, it's the truth.
FC United are flying high, smashing 10 past Castleton Gabriels earlier this month, and running away with the title. Do you think this immediate success will help attract more fans, or work against you in the long run by creating an expectation that it will always be this easy?
No, I think we're a fairly level headed bunch of supporters. We won't be taking anything for granted.
Are you optimistic that FC United of Manchester can live up to its manifesto and always remain a club for the people?
Without a doubt. In terms of principles we know what is important to us and the reasons why the club came about. In terms of ownership it will always be owned by it's supporters, the structure of the club prevents private owners taking over.
What are your long-term hopes for both Manchester United and FC United?
I hope one day Manchester United will be returned to its rightful owners, the supporters. And I hope FC United long continues to give us the same enjoyment it's giving us at the moment. In football terms some have said they live for the day when we draw 'Big United' in the FA Cup. I'd rather draw City. And knock them out.
Have your experiences this season changed your views on lower league or non-league football?
The standard of football is surprisingly high, and without sounding too philosophical, a winning goal is a winning goal and a last minute equaliser is a last minute equaliser, whatever the level of football. You still find yourself hugging a complete stranger whether at Craven Park or Villa Park.
How far do you think the current FC United squad can go?
The manager wants to keep his squad together for as long as possible. A number of our players have dropped down several divisions and for less money to play for us, so there's no reason why he shouldn't be able to.
Will FC United always be based in Bury - or are their plans to move the club to within Manchester?
Gigg Lane has been great for us and supporters have taken it to their hearts. But we aim to have our own ground at some point in the future.
Is running your own football club easier than trying to lobby the board of another?
Hah hah, what a great question. Don't know if it's easier, but a lot of it is more enjoyable in that we have more control of our future. Glazer aside the most disillusioning aspects for me personally in recent years was feeling we were continually banging our heads against a brick wall at United. United will claim they had to listen to all their supporters (which would have been fine if they had done) and not just IMUSA or other groups. But I felt personally as Chair they could have done more to recognise what IMUSA stood for and were trying to achieve for all supporters. It became increasingly disheartening to be constantly rebuffed.
Finally - do you have any regrets about your decision not to go to Old Trafford any more?
I'm sad in a way that it ever had to come to this. But it did and we had to deal with it. But all the positives that FC United bring every day, every time we play, every time you see players mixing with supporters after a game, every time you see a volunteer giving up their pre-match drink to sell programmes, every time the team run out; you know that what we've got at FC United can't be wrong.
To find out more about the club, check out the FC United website at www.fc-utd.co.uk...
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Accountancy Age: Man Utd spin-off club appoints auditor
Source Accountancy Age
Anti-Glazier fans choose Beever & Struthers to review accounts
Paul Grant, Accountancy Age, 23 Dec 2005
FC United, the football club formed by disgruntled Manchester united fans following its takeover by Malcolm Glazier, has appointed Beever & Struthers as its auditor.
The club, currently top of Division Two of the North West Counties and regularly pulling in crowds of over 3,000, requires an auditor as a not-for-profit organisation.
Pete Munday, the FC United board member responsible for the club's financial matters said Beever & Struthers had been chosen because of their 'considerable experience' as auditors of other Industrial Provident Societies.
Anti-Glazier fans choose Beever & Struthers to review accounts
Paul Grant, Accountancy Age, 23 Dec 2005
FC United, the football club formed by disgruntled Manchester united fans following its takeover by Malcolm Glazier, has appointed Beever & Struthers as its auditor.
The club, currently top of Division Two of the North West Counties and regularly pulling in crowds of over 3,000, requires an auditor as a not-for-profit organisation.
Pete Munday, the FC United board member responsible for the club's financial matters said Beever & Struthers had been chosen because of their 'considerable experience' as auditors of other Industrial Provident Societies.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
The Guardian: Christmas away day is no turkey
Christmas away day is no turkey
Source: The Guardian
Christmas away day is no turkey
Having swapped Barcelona for Barrow and Chelsea for Cheadle, FC United's Tony Howard is relishing the experience of Boxing Day at Flixton
Thursday December 22, 2005
After years of trips to Anfield or Goodison for a day of simmering inter-city rivalry, where 'Boxing' Day would often prove a lot more literal than festive; or journeys to daft places like Middlesbrough with a hangover, a date at Flixton beckons on Monday. Where? Well, it's about two miles from Old Trafford and, for many of us, that means we're walking off the Christmas turkey on the way to the game.
Article continues
The Boxing Day fixture has been a highlight of football fans' festive calendars for years; thinking about it helps you get through the rigours of Christmas Day and gives you something to look forward to when you've had one too many mince pies. It's just the excuse you need to get away from the family and down to the boozer with your mates, then into the ground to let off some steam. All while showing off your new trainers.
But how many Manchester United fans would have thought they would one day swap Anfield Road for Valley Road, Flixton? Then again, who would have thought of swapping Barcelona for Barrow, Arsenal for Accrington, or Chelsea for Cheadle? If the angel Gabriel himself had come down and visited me as I dragged myself up for last Boxing Day's match against Bolton and told me that this year I'd be going to Flixton, I'd have put it down to a drink-induced hallucination.
It's a strange world we now live in, but halfway through our first season and 13 points clear at the top of North West Counties Division Two, I wager my Christmas cracker prize that few regret their choice. Merry Fcumas.
Visit www.fc-utd.co.uk for more information about the club
Source: The Guardian
Christmas away day is no turkey
Having swapped Barcelona for Barrow and Chelsea for Cheadle, FC United's Tony Howard is relishing the experience of Boxing Day at Flixton
Thursday December 22, 2005
After years of trips to Anfield or Goodison for a day of simmering inter-city rivalry, where 'Boxing' Day would often prove a lot more literal than festive; or journeys to daft places like Middlesbrough with a hangover, a date at Flixton beckons on Monday. Where? Well, it's about two miles from Old Trafford and, for many of us, that means we're walking off the Christmas turkey on the way to the game.
Article continues
The Boxing Day fixture has been a highlight of football fans' festive calendars for years; thinking about it helps you get through the rigours of Christmas Day and gives you something to look forward to when you've had one too many mince pies. It's just the excuse you need to get away from the family and down to the boozer with your mates, then into the ground to let off some steam. All while showing off your new trainers.
But how many Manchester United fans would have thought they would one day swap Anfield Road for Valley Road, Flixton? Then again, who would have thought of swapping Barcelona for Barrow, Arsenal for Accrington, or Chelsea for Cheadle? If the angel Gabriel himself had come down and visited me as I dragged myself up for last Boxing Day's match against Bolton and told me that this year I'd be going to Flixton, I'd have put it down to a drink-induced hallucination.
It's a strange world we now live in, but halfway through our first season and 13 points clear at the top of North West Counties Division Two, I wager my Christmas cracker prize that few regret their choice. Merry Fcumas.
Visit www.fc-utd.co.uk for more information about the club
Monday, December 19, 2005
News and Star: 2,303 cram in for FC United visit
Source: News and Star (Cumbria)
Published on 19/12/2005
FOR months people had been talking about this game, for months the excitement had been building - it didn’t disappoint.
Okay so Holker lost 2-0 to the might of FC United, the breakaway club formed by disenchanted Manchester United fans after the Malcolm Glazer takeover, but this wasn’t just about what happened on the pitch.
What this game will be remembered for will be the quite astonishing atmosphere created by a huge crowd of more than 2,303.
The Holker players - more used to playing in front of no more than 50 people at their Rakesmoor Lane home - probably had to pinch themselves when out of the Craven Park tunnel they came to be greeted by a deafening wall of noise.
And for 90 minutes it didn’t stop.
Thousands of travelling FC United fans had been signing about coming to Barrow for weeks on end, and they were here to enjoy themselves.
Packed onto the terracing at the Hindpool Road end of Barrow RL’s home, the Red Army sung their hearts out and waved their scarves as if they were back on the Stretford End of Old Trafford in the good old days.
In the second half, when the sea of red and white moved onto the Popular Side, the chanting moved with them.
When their side eventually scored, the rafters of the 74-year-old rugby ground probably shook, such was the noise.
This was something very special indeed. Yes, a big pay-day for Holker, but also a day to cherish for all concerned at the club.
On the pitch, the game was decided in the space of three second half minutes when a quick-fire double ensured FC United would be returning home to celebrate Christmas with another three points.
Up until then Holker - sixth bottom of North West Counties Division Two going into the game - had just about held their own against the runaway league leaders.
But with pressure mounting FC United took the lead on 64 minutes through a stunning Simon Carden strike.
The midfielder’s left-foot half-volley from 20 yards left Holker keeper Ross Liddicott no chance as it flew just inside his left upright.
Carden, though, shouldn’t really have been given the space to fire home following a Josh Howard through ball which should have been cut out by Holker defender Barry Stevens.
Three minutes later it was 2-0 as Adie Orr chipped the ball over Liddicott from just outside the box.
The striker profited from a sliced clearance from Stevens which went almost vertically up into the air and back down again.
As it bounced Orr reacted quickest, getting his toe end to the ball and lifting it over the helpless Liddicott.
The second goal killed the game off as a contest, and had it not been for smart stops by Liddicott the visitors could have added to their tally as Holker - who had given so much - tired.
The home side - who had taken to the boxing gym in preparation for the big game - actually had the better of the first-half, and had they been more clinical in front of goal could have been in front at the break.
Top goalscorer Paul Southward will probably more disappointed than most not to have hit the back of the net after having some glorious chances.
But, unable to take their opportunities, Holker were punished in the second period as FC United upped their game.
North West Evening Mail: Fc United Spoil Holker’s Party
Source: North West Evening Mail
FC UNITED SPOIL HOLKER’S PARTY
Published on 19/12/2005
HOLKER Old Boys chairman Steve Livingstone said he was proud of his club after a huge crowd of more than 2,300 watched the first-team lose 2-0 to FC United on Saturday.
Hundreds of travelling FC United fans sang for the full 90 minutes, creating a carnival atmosphere inside Craven Park for arguably the biggest game in Holker’s 69-year history.
Two second half goals in the space of three minutes earned the visitors the win, but for Holker it was a proud day.
Livingstone said: “All the effort that we had put in was made worthwhile, it was a brilliant day and everyone enjoyed it.
“The atmosphere was just tremendous and from what I know there was no trouble.
“The feedback I’ve had from everyone has been brilliant. The landlords from pubs around the ground said the atmosphere prior to kick-off was electric.
“I’m very proud of the club and it was great to see everyone mucking in together.”
The Moore and Co Construction Solicitors Division Two clash had been moved to Craven Park from Holker’s Rakesmoor Lane to accommodate a large crowd.
In total 2,303 people watched the game, with Holker selling around 900 tickets, FC United around 1,100 and the rest paying on the gate.
Livingstone hopes the game will have pocketed the club around £8,000.
He said: “That kind of money means we can start investing a little bit in the infrastructure at Rakesmoor Lane, making it more secure and creating a training area for our juniors.”
Holker were the better team in the first half of Saturday’s game, but they failed to take their chances and were punished by the league’s runaway leaders in the second period.
United’s first goal came in the 64th minute when midfielder Simon Carden hit a stunning volley past Ross Liddicott. Adie Orr added a second three minutes later.
Holker Old Boys manager Derek Birrell said: “The result is disappointing, but I think the lads can hold their heads up, FC United are a quality side.
“The atmosphere was great and it didn’t intimidate us. The lads did say though that it was so loud that they couldn’t hear each other or my instructions!”
FC United manager Karl Marginson — a former player with Barrow AFC — praised Holker’s work-rate and said they were “up there” with the best teams they have played so far this season.
* Livingstone this morning announced that Dave Staunton, who was joint-first-team manager at Holker, has left to rejoin West Lancashire League strugglers Furness Cavaliers.
FC UNITED SPOIL HOLKER’S PARTY
Published on 19/12/2005
HOLKER Old Boys chairman Steve Livingstone said he was proud of his club after a huge crowd of more than 2,300 watched the first-team lose 2-0 to FC United on Saturday.
Hundreds of travelling FC United fans sang for the full 90 minutes, creating a carnival atmosphere inside Craven Park for arguably the biggest game in Holker’s 69-year history.
Two second half goals in the space of three minutes earned the visitors the win, but for Holker it was a proud day.
Livingstone said: “All the effort that we had put in was made worthwhile, it was a brilliant day and everyone enjoyed it.
“The atmosphere was just tremendous and from what I know there was no trouble.
“The feedback I’ve had from everyone has been brilliant. The landlords from pubs around the ground said the atmosphere prior to kick-off was electric.
“I’m very proud of the club and it was great to see everyone mucking in together.”
The Moore and Co Construction Solicitors Division Two clash had been moved to Craven Park from Holker’s Rakesmoor Lane to accommodate a large crowd.
In total 2,303 people watched the game, with Holker selling around 900 tickets, FC United around 1,100 and the rest paying on the gate.
Livingstone hopes the game will have pocketed the club around £8,000.
He said: “That kind of money means we can start investing a little bit in the infrastructure at Rakesmoor Lane, making it more secure and creating a training area for our juniors.”
Holker were the better team in the first half of Saturday’s game, but they failed to take their chances and were punished by the league’s runaway leaders in the second period.
United’s first goal came in the 64th minute when midfielder Simon Carden hit a stunning volley past Ross Liddicott. Adie Orr added a second three minutes later.
Holker Old Boys manager Derek Birrell said: “The result is disappointing, but I think the lads can hold their heads up, FC United are a quality side.
“The atmosphere was great and it didn’t intimidate us. The lads did say though that it was so loud that they couldn’t hear each other or my instructions!”
FC United manager Karl Marginson — a former player with Barrow AFC — praised Holker’s work-rate and said they were “up there” with the best teams they have played so far this season.
* Livingstone this morning announced that Dave Staunton, who was joint-first-team manager at Holker, has left to rejoin West Lancashire League strugglers Furness Cavaliers.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Sunday Mirror: TEN POINTS CLEAR AND SO UNITED
Source: Sunday Mirror
18 December 2005
TEN POINTS CLEAR AND SO UNITED
By Ben Hunt
SIR ALEX FERGUSON is feeling the pressure at Manchester United but life for his counterpart at FC United of Manchester could not be more different.
While Fergie's flops are lagging behind Chelsea in the Premiership and suffered the humiliation of an early exit from the Champions League, FC United - the club set up by fans opposed to Malcolm Glazer's takeover - are enjoying the life at the top.
FC United are 10 points clear in the North West Counties Division Two - nine leagues below the Premiership - and last week recorded a 10-2 win over Castleton Gabriels.
Boss Karl Marginson believes the only pressure that which he is putting on himself to keep on winning.
"The only pressure I feel is the pressure I'm put on myself to do well," said life-long Manchester United fan Marginson. "I want to look after the players and results.
"Down at this level you sometimes end up getting results like 10-2, but they were bottom of the league and our tails were up a little bit.
"We have had a couple of decent results and been playing quiet well, but we have to keep that going."
Although favourites for promotion, Marginson insists he is not yet thinking about next season.
He added: "I am not thinking about being in the next division. The lads have already lost twice and that helps to keep their feet on the ground.
"It has also taught me a few lessons about complacency and we will definitely not be getting ahead of ourselves.
"Only if we are seven points ahead with two games to go would I look ahead to next year."
The club attracts some of the biggest crowds in non-league football, with an average attendance of 2,700, and Marginson says the money they bring to clubs on their away travels helps to safeguard their futures.
He said: "The attendances here are amazing. When we played Cheadle Town the day after George Best died, the atmosphere was unbelievable. The official attendance was 3,000 but it was more like 5,000."
18 December 2005
TEN POINTS CLEAR AND SO UNITED
By Ben Hunt
SIR ALEX FERGUSON is feeling the pressure at Manchester United but life for his counterpart at FC United of Manchester could not be more different.
While Fergie's flops are lagging behind Chelsea in the Premiership and suffered the humiliation of an early exit from the Champions League, FC United - the club set up by fans opposed to Malcolm Glazer's takeover - are enjoying the life at the top.
FC United are 10 points clear in the North West Counties Division Two - nine leagues below the Premiership - and last week recorded a 10-2 win over Castleton Gabriels.
Boss Karl Marginson believes the only pressure that which he is putting on himself to keep on winning.
"The only pressure I feel is the pressure I'm put on myself to do well," said life-long Manchester United fan Marginson. "I want to look after the players and results.
"Down at this level you sometimes end up getting results like 10-2, but they were bottom of the league and our tails were up a little bit.
"We have had a couple of decent results and been playing quiet well, but we have to keep that going."
Although favourites for promotion, Marginson insists he is not yet thinking about next season.
He added: "I am not thinking about being in the next division. The lads have already lost twice and that helps to keep their feet on the ground.
"It has also taught me a few lessons about complacency and we will definitely not be getting ahead of ourselves.
"Only if we are seven points ahead with two games to go would I look ahead to next year."
The club attracts some of the biggest crowds in non-league football, with an average attendance of 2,700, and Marginson says the money they bring to clubs on their away travels helps to safeguard their futures.
He said: "The attendances here are amazing. When we played Cheadle Town the day after George Best died, the atmosphere was unbelievable. The official attendance was 3,000 but it was more like 5,000."
Saturday, December 17, 2005
MEN: Are you watching, Malcolm Galzer
Source: Manchester Evening News
Saturday, 17th December 2005
Are you watching, Malcolm Glazer?
THE rebel football club set up by Manchester United fans after the Malcolm Glazer takeover has been proving a massive hit.
And while the Red Devils have been stuttering in recent weeks, FC United now claims to be the fastest-growing football club in the world.
And to cope with its increasing popularity, the club has now advertised for a £25,000-a-year chief executive and an £18,000-a-year club secretary.
Despite being in the second division of the North West Counties League, seven leagues below the Premiership, gates at the semi-pro club are better than some professional outfits.
The club averages 2,738 spectators at the home matches it plays at Bury's Gigg Lane ground - more than their hosts, a professional club three leagues higher. As well as this, the club regularly takes the same number to away games.
It also boasts 3,500 members from as far afield as New Zealand and has sold 2,500 replica shirts in its inaugural season.
And 650 fans have paid £112 for season tickets, while matchday tickets cost £7 for adults and £2 for kids compared to £26, the cheapest at Old Trafford.
The players are paid about £40 a week, which is nowhere near the £100,000 a week Rio Ferdinand is reported to earn at United.
Apart from the price, fans say the other main factor persuading them to swap the Theatre of Dreams for Gigg Lane is the atmosphere.
Fans love the singing and the humour, which reminds them of what Old Trafford used to be like before corporate supporters - dubbed the "Prawn Sandwich Brigade" by former captain Roy Keane - were blamed for failing to take part in the chants.
FC United was formed after fans reacted with fury when Glazer, the Florida-based tycoon, bought the Old Trafford club for £790m just before the start of the season.
Acting chief executive Andy Walsh said: "There are thousands of people who cannot afford to go to top-flight football these days but still consider themselves to be supporters of top-flight teams.
"For too long, top-flight clubs have looked after corporate clients and taken ordinary fans for granted.
"We're offering those people who feel disenfranchised an alternative and it has been embraced by thousands of people, and we're welcoming new people all the time.
"The interest has been absolutely phenomenal. About a quarter of the gate is gangs of kids coming in on their own, the same way we used to.
"Nowadays getting a ticket for a Premiership game is a military operation. You have to apply with a credit card six weeks before the game and that's if you can afford it. A lot of people who come to our games are affording football for the first time in a long time. And one thing people comment on is the atmosphere. It's amazing, like football used to be."
Andy, a 43-year-old former IT worker from Urmston, who says he will apply for the chief executive position, last went to Old Trafford for the final game of last season. Now he says he will not return until owners with the best interests of the supporters at heart are in place.
He said: "I haven't turned my back on United. I've been a United fan for 43 years and I will always be a United fan.
"However, I won't put money into a Glazer business. He's not got the interests of the club at heart. He's only interested in the club financially."
Over at Old Trafford, Manchester United spokesman Phil Townsend said: "We wish them well."
Saturday, 17th December 2005
Are you watching, Malcolm Glazer?
THE rebel football club set up by Manchester United fans after the Malcolm Glazer takeover has been proving a massive hit.
And while the Red Devils have been stuttering in recent weeks, FC United now claims to be the fastest-growing football club in the world.
And to cope with its increasing popularity, the club has now advertised for a £25,000-a-year chief executive and an £18,000-a-year club secretary.
Despite being in the second division of the North West Counties League, seven leagues below the Premiership, gates at the semi-pro club are better than some professional outfits.
The club averages 2,738 spectators at the home matches it plays at Bury's Gigg Lane ground - more than their hosts, a professional club three leagues higher. As well as this, the club regularly takes the same number to away games.
It also boasts 3,500 members from as far afield as New Zealand and has sold 2,500 replica shirts in its inaugural season.
And 650 fans have paid £112 for season tickets, while matchday tickets cost £7 for adults and £2 for kids compared to £26, the cheapest at Old Trafford.
The players are paid about £40 a week, which is nowhere near the £100,000 a week Rio Ferdinand is reported to earn at United.
Apart from the price, fans say the other main factor persuading them to swap the Theatre of Dreams for Gigg Lane is the atmosphere.
Fans love the singing and the humour, which reminds them of what Old Trafford used to be like before corporate supporters - dubbed the "Prawn Sandwich Brigade" by former captain Roy Keane - were blamed for failing to take part in the chants.
FC United was formed after fans reacted with fury when Glazer, the Florida-based tycoon, bought the Old Trafford club for £790m just before the start of the season.
Acting chief executive Andy Walsh said: "There are thousands of people who cannot afford to go to top-flight football these days but still consider themselves to be supporters of top-flight teams.
"For too long, top-flight clubs have looked after corporate clients and taken ordinary fans for granted.
"We're offering those people who feel disenfranchised an alternative and it has been embraced by thousands of people, and we're welcoming new people all the time.
"The interest has been absolutely phenomenal. About a quarter of the gate is gangs of kids coming in on their own, the same way we used to.
"Nowadays getting a ticket for a Premiership game is a military operation. You have to apply with a credit card six weeks before the game and that's if you can afford it. A lot of people who come to our games are affording football for the first time in a long time. And one thing people comment on is the atmosphere. It's amazing, like football used to be."
Andy, a 43-year-old former IT worker from Urmston, who says he will apply for the chief executive position, last went to Old Trafford for the final game of last season. Now he says he will not return until owners with the best interests of the supporters at heart are in place.
He said: "I haven't turned my back on United. I've been a United fan for 43 years and I will always be a United fan.
"However, I won't put money into a Glazer business. He's not got the interests of the club at heart. He's only interested in the club financially."
Over at Old Trafford, Manchester United spokesman Phil Townsend said: "We wish them well."
Friday, December 16, 2005
The Guardian: When silence is golden
Source: The Guardian
When silence is golden
FC United's Tony Howard explains how a microphone jinx is the biggest problem blighting the club's current campaign
Friday December 16, 2005
The FC United crowd may have developed a reputation for making a racket, but, ironically, the club appears to have a jinx with microphones. The strange curse struck again at the club's Christmas party when a planned question-and-answer session with the manager, team and board members was cut short because the pesky sound system kept cutting out.
It was to be the first chance for founder members to quiz the club on the first few months of existence, but instead everyone was reduced to shouting to a packed room, leaving manager Karl Marginson and acting general manager Andy Walsh with damaged vocal chords. Before it got out of hand, though, Steve Torpey took the opportunity to reveal how he "dare" support Liverpool, and Margy put everyone at ease by promising not to leave for the vacant Old Trafford hot seat should Mr Ferguson exit.
Those on the top table were thankful they had an excuse to ignore the best question of the night from a child who must have been five years old. He simply asked: "When was football invented?" Cue blank looks from all present.
The latest audio setback came after months of continued problems with the sound system at Gigg Lane, which left some in the crowd shocked to learn that we do actually have people manning the PA. DJs Bobby B and Peanut are proud of their music selections, but no one else can really pass comment because we've hardly heard them. They do appear to have developed a taste for hip hop, given their unique Mancunian 'rapping' when making announcements. "And ... goal ... United ... score ... five ... minutes," being a typical example of their 'freestyling'.
They had their work cut out - literally - on Saturday as FC chalked up the North West Counties League scoring record with a 10-2 victory over Castleton Gabriels to continue to lead at the top of the table.
The lads themselves blame the amount of 'fatties' in the Manchester Road End for muffling the sound, and they have requested a ban on bubble jackets for the same reason. It may get better as the season wears on, but for now it appears to be more a case of the Sound of Silence than the Sound of Music emanating from the DJ booth on a match day. Anyway, when was football invented ...
When silence is golden
FC United's Tony Howard explains how a microphone jinx is the biggest problem blighting the club's current campaign
Friday December 16, 2005
The FC United crowd may have developed a reputation for making a racket, but, ironically, the club appears to have a jinx with microphones. The strange curse struck again at the club's Christmas party when a planned question-and-answer session with the manager, team and board members was cut short because the pesky sound system kept cutting out.
It was to be the first chance for founder members to quiz the club on the first few months of existence, but instead everyone was reduced to shouting to a packed room, leaving manager Karl Marginson and acting general manager Andy Walsh with damaged vocal chords. Before it got out of hand, though, Steve Torpey took the opportunity to reveal how he "dare" support Liverpool, and Margy put everyone at ease by promising not to leave for the vacant Old Trafford hot seat should Mr Ferguson exit.
Those on the top table were thankful they had an excuse to ignore the best question of the night from a child who must have been five years old. He simply asked: "When was football invented?" Cue blank looks from all present.
The latest audio setback came after months of continued problems with the sound system at Gigg Lane, which left some in the crowd shocked to learn that we do actually have people manning the PA. DJs Bobby B and Peanut are proud of their music selections, but no one else can really pass comment because we've hardly heard them. They do appear to have developed a taste for hip hop, given their unique Mancunian 'rapping' when making announcements. "And ... goal ... United ... score ... five ... minutes," being a typical example of their 'freestyling'.
They had their work cut out - literally - on Saturday as FC chalked up the North West Counties League scoring record with a 10-2 victory over Castleton Gabriels to continue to lead at the top of the table.
The lads themselves blame the amount of 'fatties' in the Manchester Road End for muffling the sound, and they have requested a ban on bubble jackets for the same reason. It may get better as the season wears on, but for now it appears to be more a case of the Sound of Silence than the Sound of Music emanating from the DJ booth on a match day. Anyway, when was football invented ...
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