Source: IC Burton
Disenfranchised, alienated and angry, I turned my back on Villa Park on November 3 and headed north to get back in touch with football the way it used to be.
A Derby fan among the thousands of FC United who descended on Bridlington Town's Queensgate ground, my head was full of questions.
Fundamentally, they all boiled down to: "Is the football club, spawned from the bitterness at the Glazer brothers' take-over of Manchester United, taking on a life of its own?"
The sheer numbers turning up on the Yorkshire coast from Manchester (and they did all seem to be from that area - none of your Cockney Reds here) gave the first clue. Bridlington fans were outnumbered ten-to-one, as the FCUM fans spread out to all corners of the little ground.
Slogans on banners, such as "Together," "Rebels," "This is how it feels" indicated pride in the enterprise and a common feeling. But was the common feeling a love of Manchester United, of bitterness and resentment or was it a belief that FC United is a model for the future?
There is no doubt that the parent club still loom large in fans' minds but that is to be expected - after all, it's only two years or so since these people were helping to pack Old Trafford.
The songs won me over in the end. Players had their own songs and some of them were corkers. What about a version of the Sex Pistols "Anarchy in the UK" which has the line: "I know what I want and I know how to get it - destroy Glazer and Sky". That's something I can relate to.
Most poignantly, to my ears, was a straight version of "Sloop John B." In this context it seemed like a lament for a football club stolen from its supporters. With a lump in my throat, I found myself joining in.
FC United won 3-0.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Friday, December 07, 2007
Karl rallies his troops
7/12/2007
FC UNITED boss Karl Marginson is urging the Rebels to seize the chance to get their faltering UniBond first division promotion bid firmly back on track when they entertain struggling Chorley tomorrow.
Marginson's men ended their worst-ever run of form with a 2-1 victory over Rossendale last weekend and the visit of the ailing Magpies, whose one and only league win this season was way back in August, presents them with an ideal opportunity to build on that much-needed success to get back to winning ways.
"Having ended our losing streak, it's vital we now endeavour to put a winning run together," said Marginson, whose FC side were in danger of slipping out of the play-off places prior to beating Dale, having lost four of their previous five games.
"But we must take nothing for granted against Chorley," he warned.
"They've been going through a bad time and haven't won in 14 league games, but that could make them tricky opponents because they'll be desperate to end that sequence against us."
FC UNITED boss Karl Marginson is urging the Rebels to seize the chance to get their faltering UniBond first division promotion bid firmly back on track when they entertain struggling Chorley tomorrow.
Marginson's men ended their worst-ever run of form with a 2-1 victory over Rossendale last weekend and the visit of the ailing Magpies, whose one and only league win this season was way back in August, presents them with an ideal opportunity to build on that much-needed success to get back to winning ways.
"Having ended our losing streak, it's vital we now endeavour to put a winning run together," said Marginson, whose FC side were in danger of slipping out of the play-off places prior to beating Dale, having lost four of their previous five games.
"But we must take nothing for granted against Chorley," he warned.
"They've been going through a bad time and haven't won in 14 league games, but that could make them tricky opponents because they'll be desperate to end that sequence against us."
FC United 2 Rossendale United 1
Joe Boyle
7/12/2007
PUNCHES thrown in a tussle in the tunnel threatened to overshadow the on-field action in this battle of attrition.
The off-field problems started after Rossie manager Derek Egan and a member of the FC United backroom staff were told to leave the technical area after a heated disagreement.
Egan left the touchline and continued to watch the game from the entrance of the ‘caged tunnel’ to the changing rooms.
But shortly after Egan was sent off, FC United skipper Rory Patterson was substituted sporting a swollen eye from an incident on the field.
And as he passed Egan at the entrance to the tunnel, a scuffle started.
Several spectators then intervened before stewards stepped in to quell the fracas.
A rumbling discontent among spectators continued in the tunnel area as the match reached a conclusion.
But the home faithful’s simmering discontent was relieved when FC United snatched a late winner.
It was a cruel blow to Rossie, who had defended resolutely and deserved to take something from the contest.
But they were undone by Jerome Wright, who lobbed the ball into the net after picking up Kyle Ingham’s off-the-line headed clearance.
The Rossie defender again made a gallant attempt to prevent the ball going into the net but could not get high enough and the points went to United.
Derek Egan said both he and the FC United official were sent off for swearing but would not confirm if he was assaulted in the tunnel.
He said: ‘The ref sent us both off for swearing at each other. At the time we had four or five of their people in our technical area being threatening and abusive to our bench.
‘I would challenge anyone not to swear in those circumstances but the ref has taken the easy option because there was a lot of other stuff going on.’
Egan refused to expand on the tunnel incident and prefered to focus on his team.
He added: ‘The lads have done ever so well but it can be a cruel game sometimes. We deserved something out of the game but I have been saying that for a while.
‘We are more likely to concede when we have been going foward but we have done a lot of work. One or two players only think about going forward and do not think that if someone else is going then they need to stay.
‘I am pleased at the way they hung in there. They had to be disciplined and they hung in there and got a deserved equaliser.
‘But unfortunately they got another goal in the last few minutes. That is football.’
FC United general manager Andy Walsh said he did not see the incident in the tunnel and was happy with the stewarding of the game.
He said: ‘It is how you respond and it was over in a couple of minutes. At the end of the game we made sure that the players and officials left the pitch without further incident.’
The match was played at Radcliffe Borough, with Gigg Lane hosting an FA Cup tie.
And Rossendale started with the advantage of the slope and were first to create a chance when Watson headed into the side netting from Cook’s corner.
However straight from the resulting goal kick, Simon Carden’s through ball picked out Patterson – the league’s leading scorer – and he scampered clear and beat Rigby from close range.
The second half was only 11 minutes old when Egan was sent off but this seemed to motivate the visitors.
And Rossie equalised in the 76th minute when Mario Daniels wriggled free on the right and crossed for Tom Williams to net from six yards.
But with thee minutes left Wright popped up to net the winner.
Rossendale United: Lloyd Rigby, James Heywood (Steve Everett), Kyle Ingham, Joe Booth, Kevin Brown, Andrew Watson, Tom Williams (matt Edgington), John Turner, Mario Daniel, Ben Lloyd, Adam Cook (Ben Stanford).
7/12/2007
PUNCHES thrown in a tussle in the tunnel threatened to overshadow the on-field action in this battle of attrition.
The off-field problems started after Rossie manager Derek Egan and a member of the FC United backroom staff were told to leave the technical area after a heated disagreement.
Egan left the touchline and continued to watch the game from the entrance of the ‘caged tunnel’ to the changing rooms.
But shortly after Egan was sent off, FC United skipper Rory Patterson was substituted sporting a swollen eye from an incident on the field.
And as he passed Egan at the entrance to the tunnel, a scuffle started.
Several spectators then intervened before stewards stepped in to quell the fracas.
A rumbling discontent among spectators continued in the tunnel area as the match reached a conclusion.
But the home faithful’s simmering discontent was relieved when FC United snatched a late winner.
It was a cruel blow to Rossie, who had defended resolutely and deserved to take something from the contest.
But they were undone by Jerome Wright, who lobbed the ball into the net after picking up Kyle Ingham’s off-the-line headed clearance.
The Rossie defender again made a gallant attempt to prevent the ball going into the net but could not get high enough and the points went to United.
Derek Egan said both he and the FC United official were sent off for swearing but would not confirm if he was assaulted in the tunnel.
He said: ‘The ref sent us both off for swearing at each other. At the time we had four or five of their people in our technical area being threatening and abusive to our bench.
‘I would challenge anyone not to swear in those circumstances but the ref has taken the easy option because there was a lot of other stuff going on.’
Egan refused to expand on the tunnel incident and prefered to focus on his team.
He added: ‘The lads have done ever so well but it can be a cruel game sometimes. We deserved something out of the game but I have been saying that for a while.
‘We are more likely to concede when we have been going foward but we have done a lot of work. One or two players only think about going forward and do not think that if someone else is going then they need to stay.
‘I am pleased at the way they hung in there. They had to be disciplined and they hung in there and got a deserved equaliser.
‘But unfortunately they got another goal in the last few minutes. That is football.’
FC United general manager Andy Walsh said he did not see the incident in the tunnel and was happy with the stewarding of the game.
He said: ‘It is how you respond and it was over in a couple of minutes. At the end of the game we made sure that the players and officials left the pitch without further incident.’
The match was played at Radcliffe Borough, with Gigg Lane hosting an FA Cup tie.
And Rossendale started with the advantage of the slope and were first to create a chance when Watson headed into the side netting from Cook’s corner.
However straight from the resulting goal kick, Simon Carden’s through ball picked out Patterson – the league’s leading scorer – and he scampered clear and beat Rigby from close range.
The second half was only 11 minutes old when Egan was sent off but this seemed to motivate the visitors.
And Rossie equalised in the 76th minute when Mario Daniels wriggled free on the right and crossed for Tom Williams to net from six yards.
But with thee minutes left Wright popped up to net the winner.
Rossendale United: Lloyd Rigby, James Heywood (Steve Everett), Kyle Ingham, Joe Booth, Kevin Brown, Andrew Watson, Tom Williams (matt Edgington), John Turner, Mario Daniel, Ben Lloyd, Adam Cook (Ben Stanford).
FC United 2 Rossendale 1
Tony Howard
6/12/2007
POACHER Jerome Wright shot down the Rossendale Stags to keep FC United in play-off contention.
Playing a ‘home’ game at Radcliffe due to Bury’s FA Cup commitments, FC responded to manager Margy’s pre-match calls for his side to adopt a siege mentality with a fittingly dogged performance.
The game was marred by the sending off of Stag’s boss Derek Egan in the second half, after he got his antlers in a twist during an altercation with reds striker Rory Patterson.
Patterson had been targeted from the start by the Rossendale back line, ably stewarded by Johnny Metgod-a-like Kevin Brown and the visitors took great delight in hoofing United’s Irish star at every opportunity.
But FC’s top poacher managed to evade the Stag’s defence for long enough to score the opener with just 11 minutes gone. Strike partner Aaron Burns turned beautifully on the edge of the box to feed Patterson, who emphatically netted his 17th of the season.
The game exploded in the second half as a melee ensued on the touchline. Egan was sent from the bench but he struggled to find his way to the dressing rooms.
Dale took advantage of the situation best and England youth international Tom Williams scored a tap in to restore parity, after good work from the odd-booted striker Mario Daniels.
Then Wright became a hunter possessed as he chased down the Stags.
He lobbed the ball into the night sky and after an eternity the snow-covered ball landed under the cross bar off the head of a defender. The win ended a three-game losing streak for FC.
The reds face Chorley at Gigg Lane on Saturday, without starman Rory Patterson, who is suspended for two games. All under-18s getting in free. Kick-off is at 3pm.
6/12/2007
POACHER Jerome Wright shot down the Rossendale Stags to keep FC United in play-off contention.
Playing a ‘home’ game at Radcliffe due to Bury’s FA Cup commitments, FC responded to manager Margy’s pre-match calls for his side to adopt a siege mentality with a fittingly dogged performance.
The game was marred by the sending off of Stag’s boss Derek Egan in the second half, after he got his antlers in a twist during an altercation with reds striker Rory Patterson.
Patterson had been targeted from the start by the Rossendale back line, ably stewarded by Johnny Metgod-a-like Kevin Brown and the visitors took great delight in hoofing United’s Irish star at every opportunity.
But FC’s top poacher managed to evade the Stag’s defence for long enough to score the opener with just 11 minutes gone. Strike partner Aaron Burns turned beautifully on the edge of the box to feed Patterson, who emphatically netted his 17th of the season.
The game exploded in the second half as a melee ensued on the touchline. Egan was sent from the bench but he struggled to find his way to the dressing rooms.
Dale took advantage of the situation best and England youth international Tom Williams scored a tap in to restore parity, after good work from the odd-booted striker Mario Daniels.
Then Wright became a hunter possessed as he chased down the Stags.
He lobbed the ball into the night sky and after an eternity the snow-covered ball landed under the cross bar off the head of a defender. The win ended a three-game losing streak for FC.
The reds face Chorley at Gigg Lane on Saturday, without starman Rory Patterson, who is suspended for two games. All under-18s getting in free. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Patterson blow for Rebels boss
By Liam Chronnell
FC United v Chorley
UniBond League Division One North
KARL Marginson has been hit with more selection problems ahead of FC United's home clash with struggling Chorley.
Already without long-term absentees Stuart Rudd, Josh Howard and captain Dave Chadwick through injury, the Rebels boss must now cope with the loss of top-scorer Rory Patterson to suspension.
The Reds' 18-goal hitman has picked up a two match ban after collecting his 10th yellow card of the season.
And Marginson admits it could not have come at a worse time as the title-chasing Gigg Lane outfit prepare for a busy festive period.
"It's a big blow," said the United boss. "Any team would miss a player of Rory's ability but with the injuries we have at the moment - it's a nightmare."
Striker Peter Thomson is set to be handed his first league start since joining from Barrow - and Marginson has backed him to fill Patterson's prolific boots.
He added: "Thomo's a big lad and more of a target man in the Stuart Rudd mould. He's now got a chance to impress and give me a selection headache when Rory is available again."
The FC manager was also delighted to see his team end the worst run in the breakaway club's history.
Jerome Wright grabbed an 87th-minute winner to secure the Reds' first victory in four games after they defeated Rossendale 2-1 at Stainton Park.
In a game switched to Radcliffe Borough's ground due to Bury's FA Cup tie at Gigg Lane, the winger pounced on a goalkeeping error to seal the points.
Patterson's opened the scoring on 11 minutes, before the fiery Irishman was involved in the match's main talking point seven minutes after the break when, following his substitution, he became involved in a touchline altercation with Rossendale manager Derek Egan, who was subsequently sent off. The pair clashed again on the way to the dressing room.
Rossendale hit back through Tom Williams on 76 minutes but, with just three minutes remaining, Wright punished some woeful defending to grab a vital win, despite eight minutes of injury time.
l All under-18s will be able to attend Saturday's home clash with Chorley for free.
7:20am
Thursday 6th December 2007
FC United v Chorley
UniBond League Division One North
KARL Marginson has been hit with more selection problems ahead of FC United's home clash with struggling Chorley.
Already without long-term absentees Stuart Rudd, Josh Howard and captain Dave Chadwick through injury, the Rebels boss must now cope with the loss of top-scorer Rory Patterson to suspension.
The Reds' 18-goal hitman has picked up a two match ban after collecting his 10th yellow card of the season.
And Marginson admits it could not have come at a worse time as the title-chasing Gigg Lane outfit prepare for a busy festive period.
"It's a big blow," said the United boss. "Any team would miss a player of Rory's ability but with the injuries we have at the moment - it's a nightmare."
Striker Peter Thomson is set to be handed his first league start since joining from Barrow - and Marginson has backed him to fill Patterson's prolific boots.
He added: "Thomo's a big lad and more of a target man in the Stuart Rudd mould. He's now got a chance to impress and give me a selection headache when Rory is available again."
The FC manager was also delighted to see his team end the worst run in the breakaway club's history.
Jerome Wright grabbed an 87th-minute winner to secure the Reds' first victory in four games after they defeated Rossendale 2-1 at Stainton Park.
In a game switched to Radcliffe Borough's ground due to Bury's FA Cup tie at Gigg Lane, the winger pounced on a goalkeeping error to seal the points.
Patterson's opened the scoring on 11 minutes, before the fiery Irishman was involved in the match's main talking point seven minutes after the break when, following his substitution, he became involved in a touchline altercation with Rossendale manager Derek Egan, who was subsequently sent off. The pair clashed again on the way to the dressing room.
Rossendale hit back through Tom Williams on 76 minutes but, with just three minutes remaining, Wright punished some woeful defending to grab a vital win, despite eight minutes of injury time.
l All under-18s will be able to attend Saturday's home clash with Chorley for free.
7:20am
Thursday 6th December 2007
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
FC clash all-ticket sell-out
Source: This is Lancashire
By Marc Higginson
RADCLIFFE Boro's Boxing Day local derby clash against high flying FC United at Stainton is expected to be an all-ticket sellout. On the instruction of the police, capacity has been set at 2,500 - and there will be no segregation.
It will be the first meeting between the sides in a competitive game.
By Marc Higginson
RADCLIFFE Boro's Boxing Day local derby clash against high flying FC United at Stainton is expected to be an all-ticket sellout. On the instruction of the police, capacity has been set at 2,500 - and there will be no segregation.
It will be the first meeting between the sides in a competitive game.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
FC United 2 Rossendale United 1
ROSSENDALE were forced to play much of the second half with just 10 men, but they were unlucky to go down to a late goal from FC United.
Rossendale started the game with the advantage of the slope and were the first to create a chance when, from Cook's corner, Watson put his header into the side netting.
However, straight from the resulting goal kick Simon Carden's through ball to the league's leading scorer Rory Patterson put him in the clear and he made no mistake from close range.
Both sides then tested the opposing defences but didn't create any clear chances and the half-time score remained 1-0 to the home side.
The second half was only 11 minutes old when Rossendale manager Derek Egan was sent off, but this only seemed to spur Rossendale on as they took control of the game and were rewarded in the 76th minute when Tom Williams levelled the scores as he neatly finished off a cross from Mario Daniel.
It looked as if this would be good enough to earn Rossendale a well deserved point, but with three minutes left on the clock, Kyle Ingham's goal-line clearance was lobbed back into the box by Jerome Wright and, despite frantic efforts to clear the ball, it fell into the back of the net.
10:55am Monday 3rd December 2007
Rossendale started the game with the advantage of the slope and were the first to create a chance when, from Cook's corner, Watson put his header into the side netting.
However, straight from the resulting goal kick Simon Carden's through ball to the league's leading scorer Rory Patterson put him in the clear and he made no mistake from close range.
Both sides then tested the opposing defences but didn't create any clear chances and the half-time score remained 1-0 to the home side.
The second half was only 11 minutes old when Rossendale manager Derek Egan was sent off, but this only seemed to spur Rossendale on as they took control of the game and were rewarded in the 76th minute when Tom Williams levelled the scores as he neatly finished off a cross from Mario Daniel.
It looked as if this would be good enough to earn Rossendale a well deserved point, but with three minutes left on the clock, Kyle Ingham's goal-line clearance was lobbed back into the box by Jerome Wright and, despite frantic efforts to clear the ball, it fell into the back of the net.
10:55am Monday 3rd December 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
FC back to winning ways
Source: M.E.N.
tony glennon
3/12/2007
FC United stay fourth despite ending a run of three successive defeats with a 2-1 home victory over Rossendale.
Rory Patterson fired the Rebels into an 11th minute lead after latching onto Aaron Burns's clever pass.
Tom Williams equalised, but Jerome Wright then lobbed in a winner three minutes from time to give FC a much-needed boost.
Meanwhile, Hyde United manager Steve Waywell saluted his savage Tigers after they'd stepped up their Blue Square North title assault with a 5-2 mauling of ten-man Hinckley.
Waywell's men never looked back after Gareth Seddon and Matthew Tipton had put them two-up inside 12 minutes.
The visitors then contributed to their own downfall when Colin Morrison was sent off for arguing.
And, though Hyde didn't have it all their own way after that, two goals from sub Chris Simm and another Seddon strike completed a thumping victory which keeps them riding high in the table in second, just a point behind leaders Harrogate.
"We got off to a great start and that made it a lot easier for us than it might have been," said Waywell, whose free-scoring side have now bagged 47 goals in 19 games.
Elsewhere, Stalybridge, too, hit the goal trail with Ashley Winn (2), James Dean and Chris Hall on target in a rousing 4-0 win at Solihull.
But Leigh RMI remain rooted at the bottom after crashing 2-0 at Tamworth.
UniBond premier pacesetters Witton Albion made it nine home wins out of win with Adam Warlow's hat-trick helping them sink North Ferriby 4-2 to maintain their seven-point lead. And a last-gasp Iain Howard equaliser earned Ashton United a precious point from their trip to fellow strugglers Kendal, which finished 2-2.
Curzon Ashton remain four points clear at the top of division one north thanks to a 3-1 win at Ossett Albion.
Trafford seized on Salford's 1-0 home defeat by Newcastle to replace them at the Vodkat League summit.
But they needed an injury-time equaliser by Chris McKay to salvage the 1-1 draw with Atherton Collieries which has taken them to the top.
tony glennon
3/12/2007
FC United stay fourth despite ending a run of three successive defeats with a 2-1 home victory over Rossendale.
Rory Patterson fired the Rebels into an 11th minute lead after latching onto Aaron Burns's clever pass.
Tom Williams equalised, but Jerome Wright then lobbed in a winner three minutes from time to give FC a much-needed boost.
Meanwhile, Hyde United manager Steve Waywell saluted his savage Tigers after they'd stepped up their Blue Square North title assault with a 5-2 mauling of ten-man Hinckley.
Waywell's men never looked back after Gareth Seddon and Matthew Tipton had put them two-up inside 12 minutes.
The visitors then contributed to their own downfall when Colin Morrison was sent off for arguing.
And, though Hyde didn't have it all their own way after that, two goals from sub Chris Simm and another Seddon strike completed a thumping victory which keeps them riding high in the table in second, just a point behind leaders Harrogate.
"We got off to a great start and that made it a lot easier for us than it might have been," said Waywell, whose free-scoring side have now bagged 47 goals in 19 games.
Elsewhere, Stalybridge, too, hit the goal trail with Ashley Winn (2), James Dean and Chris Hall on target in a rousing 4-0 win at Solihull.
But Leigh RMI remain rooted at the bottom after crashing 2-0 at Tamworth.
UniBond premier pacesetters Witton Albion made it nine home wins out of win with Adam Warlow's hat-trick helping them sink North Ferriby 4-2 to maintain their seven-point lead. And a last-gasp Iain Howard equaliser earned Ashton United a precious point from their trip to fellow strugglers Kendal, which finished 2-2.
Curzon Ashton remain four points clear at the top of division one north thanks to a 3-1 win at Ossett Albion.
Trafford seized on Salford's 1-0 home defeat by Newcastle to replace them at the Vodkat League summit.
But they needed an injury-time equaliser by Chris McKay to salvage the 1-1 draw with Atherton Collieries which has taken them to the top.
Wright ends FC losing run
Source: The Bolton News
By Liam Chronnell
Jerome Wright grabbed an 87th-minute winner to end FC United's run of three straight defeats in a stormy 2-1 win over Rosendale at Stainton Park.
In a game switched to Radcliffe Borough's ground due to Bury's FA Cup tie at Gigg Lane, the winger pounced on a goalkeeping error to seal a much-needed victory.
But Rory Patterson's 18th goal of the season on 11 minutes put FC on course for a first victory in four attempts.
The fiery Reds hitman was involved in the match's main talking point seven minutes after the break when, following his substitution, he became involved in a touchline altercation with Rossendale manager Derek Egan, who was subsequently sent off, and the pair, allegedly, clashed again on the way to the dressing room.
United were then hit by a sucker punch when Tom Williams equalised on 76 minutes.
By Liam Chronnell
Jerome Wright grabbed an 87th-minute winner to end FC United's run of three straight defeats in a stormy 2-1 win over Rosendale at Stainton Park.
In a game switched to Radcliffe Borough's ground due to Bury's FA Cup tie at Gigg Lane, the winger pounced on a goalkeeping error to seal a much-needed victory.
But Rory Patterson's 18th goal of the season on 11 minutes put FC on course for a first victory in four attempts.
The fiery Reds hitman was involved in the match's main talking point seven minutes after the break when, following his substitution, he became involved in a touchline altercation with Rossendale manager Derek Egan, who was subsequently sent off, and the pair, allegedly, clashed again on the way to the dressing room.
United were then hit by a sucker punch when Tom Williams equalised on 76 minutes.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
United probe Russian slur
Source: The Sunday Mirror (no online content)MANCHESTER UNITED have launched an investigation into remarks alleged to have been made by Ryan Giggs which suggested the Welsh winger wants to play for FC United, the non-league club founded by fans in protest at Malcolm Glazer's takeover.
Russian mag Total Football reported Giggs (right) saying: “I can't imagine playing for another club. But I can name one – FC United.
“This club is very close to me, as many of the supporters who formed it have supported me throughout my career. My brother plays there. If fate calls me to leave Man United, I would only play for this team.”
When United officials were told about the interview, they asked Giggs for an explanation. He insisted he had not done the interview and the club are looking into the matter.
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