Tony Howard
10/ 1/2008
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson has backed his team to win the UniBond first division north title.
The reds currently lie fifth in the table in one of the five promotion spots but are only six points adrift of current leaders Curzon Ashton, who FC beat convincingly over Christmas.
And their title chances have been boosted by club captain Dave Chadwick, winger Josh Howard and striker Stuart Rudd all recovering from their long spells of injury.
Howard could even start in United’s home game against Chorley on Saturday, January 12.
Margy said: “After the last two results I think it goes to show how open this league is and with just six points separating the top five we have a very good chance of winning the title. I honestly think we can win the league.
“Two fantastic wins over Curzon Ashton and Mossley have put us well and truly back in the hunt. The players were excellent against Curzon in a tough game without our fans there. But I drilled into the lads why they weren’t there and they responded excellently by winning it for our supporters.
“Now we need to carry that run on and notch a few straight victories to stay nicely in those play-off places.
“We’ve got crucial players, who’ve been big misses, returning to the squad and I think they could provide that extra push for us.
“Teams are tiring all around us and each of the five sides in the important positions are more than capable of beating each other.
“We will have another tough game against Chorley as they have signed players since our last game.
“These are the types of games you need to win.
“As I boringly say every week, if we play to our potential we’ll beat anyone – just ask Curzon.”
The Chorley game kicks off at 3pm. On the gate admission costs £7.50 for adults, £5 for over-60s and £2 for under-18s.
FC played in the high-profile Riesa Tournament in Germany at the weekend but they were knocked out in the first round.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
FC United are back on the glory trail
By Liam Chronnell
FC United v Chorley FC United return from their European exploits to take on Chorley as they chase a third successive title.
The Rebels took advantage of a free weekend in their UniBond League calendar to take part in an indoor five-a-side tournament in Riesa in east Germany, which also included the likes of Bundesliga side Energie Cottbus.
But Karl Marginson's side are back on these shores now - and fully focused on mounting a serious challenge for Division One North glory.
After four defeats in five games, the Gigg Lane tenants looked to have blown their chances of more silverware this season.
But back-to-back victories, including a 2-0 win at leaders Curzon Ashton, has seen FC cut the lead on the Tameside club to just six points.
"It's all about getting on a bit of a roll now," said Marginson, ahead of Saturday's home clash with the second-bottom side.
But United, whose Manchester FA Premier Cup quarter-final clash against Flixton at Radcliffe Borough's Stainton Park was a victim of the weather last night, will have to do it without Aaron Burns.
The Reds pulled off the major coup when they landed the former Manchester United reserves' top scorer in October after he was released by Cardiff City.
The striker, who scored eight goals in 14 appearances, was unable to play for a club at a higher level than the UniBond League until the transfer window opened in January.
That time has now come and Burns has departed, along with Reds' team-mate Cayne Hanley, for Blue Square Premier's Northwich Victoria.
But Marginson has boosted his squad with the signing of the versatile forward Nick Robinson from Woodley Sports.
5:05pm
Wednesday 9th January 2008
FC United v Chorley FC United return from their European exploits to take on Chorley as they chase a third successive title.
The Rebels took advantage of a free weekend in their UniBond League calendar to take part in an indoor five-a-side tournament in Riesa in east Germany, which also included the likes of Bundesliga side Energie Cottbus.
But Karl Marginson's side are back on these shores now - and fully focused on mounting a serious challenge for Division One North glory.
After four defeats in five games, the Gigg Lane tenants looked to have blown their chances of more silverware this season.
But back-to-back victories, including a 2-0 win at leaders Curzon Ashton, has seen FC cut the lead on the Tameside club to just six points.
"It's all about getting on a bit of a roll now," said Marginson, ahead of Saturday's home clash with the second-bottom side.
But United, whose Manchester FA Premier Cup quarter-final clash against Flixton at Radcliffe Borough's Stainton Park was a victim of the weather last night, will have to do it without Aaron Burns.
The Reds pulled off the major coup when they landed the former Manchester United reserves' top scorer in October after he was released by Cardiff City.
The striker, who scored eight goals in 14 appearances, was unable to play for a club at a higher level than the UniBond League until the transfer window opened in January.
That time has now come and Burns has departed, along with Reds' team-mate Cayne Hanley, for Blue Square Premier's Northwich Victoria.
But Marginson has boosted his squad with the signing of the versatile forward Nick Robinson from Woodley Sports.
5:05pm
Wednesday 9th January 2008
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Rebels eye cup glory
By Liam Chronnell
FC United tonight return from their European exploits to take on old rivals Flixton in the quarter-finals of the Manchester FA Premier Cup.
The Rebels took advantage of a free weekend in their UniBond League calendar to take part in an indoor five-a-side tournament in Germany, which also included Bundesliga side, Energie Cotbuss.
After shocking Blue Square Premier outfit Droylsden in the previous round, Karl Marginson's side will fancy their chances against Flixton, from one division below, as they look to book their place in the last four at Radcliffe Borough's Stainton Park.
5:14am
9/1/08
FC United tonight return from their European exploits to take on old rivals Flixton in the quarter-finals of the Manchester FA Premier Cup.
The Rebels took advantage of a free weekend in their UniBond League calendar to take part in an indoor five-a-side tournament in Germany, which also included Bundesliga side, Energie Cotbuss.
After shocking Blue Square Premier outfit Droylsden in the previous round, Karl Marginson's side will fancy their chances against Flixton, from one division below, as they look to book their place in the last four at Radcliffe Borough's Stainton Park.
5:14am
9/1/08
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Silent majority claim Old Trafford has been ‘turned into police state’
Source: Edited from main article:
The “police state” quote is evidently an exaggeration – only three fans have been ejected for standing at United’s past three home matches, with the club left to decide whether their season tickets are to be confiscated – but United fans frequently express dismay at the match-day atmosphere, citing various factors.
These include poor acoustics in the Stretford End since it was rebuilt, the number of corporate seats and day-trippers, the pricing-out of many hard-core supporters, particularly since the Glazer family’s takeover in 2005, and, uniquely to United, the formation of a breakaway club, FC United of Manchester, whose regular 2,000-plus attendances consist mostly of fans disenfranchised from Old Trafford.
Some of those fans – raucous individuals who continue to follow United away from home – boycott matches at Old Trafford because they do not want to line the Glazers’ pockets.
Ferguson has never hidden his contempt for those who jumped ship to set up a new club and he went farther in an interview on Tuesday when he criticised the “unfair” protests against the Glazers. Some of the fears expressed at the time of the takeover have not come to pass, but supporters are entitled to be upset by an aggressive ticketing policy that has priced many of them out of the ground.
The “police state” quote is evidently an exaggeration – only three fans have been ejected for standing at United’s past three home matches, with the club left to decide whether their season tickets are to be confiscated – but United fans frequently express dismay at the match-day atmosphere, citing various factors.
These include poor acoustics in the Stretford End since it was rebuilt, the number of corporate seats and day-trippers, the pricing-out of many hard-core supporters, particularly since the Glazer family’s takeover in 2005, and, uniquely to United, the formation of a breakaway club, FC United of Manchester, whose regular 2,000-plus attendances consist mostly of fans disenfranchised from Old Trafford.
Some of those fans – raucous individuals who continue to follow United away from home – boycott matches at Old Trafford because they do not want to line the Glazers’ pockets.
Ferguson has never hidden his contempt for those who jumped ship to set up a new club and he went farther in an interview on Tuesday when he criticised the “unfair” protests against the Glazers. Some of the fears expressed at the time of the takeover have not come to pass, but supporters are entitled to be upset by an aggressive ticketing policy that has priced many of them out of the ground.
Rebels jet off in high spirits
By NickJackson
FC United leave for a mini-tournament in Germany on Friday buoyed by successive victories in the festive campaign which have put them within six points of league leaders Curzon Ashton.
They overcame hosts Curzon 2-0 on Saturday before romping to a typically buccaneering 5-2 win over Mossley at Gigg Lane on New Year's Day in which Rory Patterson came off the bench to score a hat-trick.
Jerome Wright gave the rebels a 13th minute lead, but that was cancelled out just before half-time by Gareth Hamlett's header.
Nicky Platt then missed a penalty before Patterson's introduction at the break sparked new life into the game.
His treble was added to by Platt, who atoned for his earlier error with a neat finish. Lee Connor grabbed a fine consolation for the visitors.
The form of FC has pleased manager Karl Marginson after a phase of erratic results which caused their credentials as table-topping candidates to be questioned.
He said: "We got back to doing the right things against Curzon, which was a particularly pleasing result. We just have to keep that level of performance and consistency going."
With most of their rivals in cup action at the weekend, Marginson is taking his side to Germany for a seven-a-side tournament at the weekend.
They will next kick a ball in anger here when they host Flixton in the Manchester Cup on Wednesday.
6:28am
1/3/2008
FC United leave for a mini-tournament in Germany on Friday buoyed by successive victories in the festive campaign which have put them within six points of league leaders Curzon Ashton.
They overcame hosts Curzon 2-0 on Saturday before romping to a typically buccaneering 5-2 win over Mossley at Gigg Lane on New Year's Day in which Rory Patterson came off the bench to score a hat-trick.
Jerome Wright gave the rebels a 13th minute lead, but that was cancelled out just before half-time by Gareth Hamlett's header.
Nicky Platt then missed a penalty before Patterson's introduction at the break sparked new life into the game.
His treble was added to by Platt, who atoned for his earlier error with a neat finish. Lee Connor grabbed a fine consolation for the visitors.
The form of FC has pleased manager Karl Marginson after a phase of erratic results which caused their credentials as table-topping candidates to be questioned.
He said: "We got back to doing the right things against Curzon, which was a particularly pleasing result. We just have to keep that level of performance and consistency going."
With most of their rivals in cup action at the weekend, Marginson is taking his side to Germany for a seven-a-side tournament at the weekend.
They will next kick a ball in anger here when they host Flixton in the Manchester Cup on Wednesday.
6:28am
1/3/2008
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
FC United 5 Mossley 2
Source: Manchester Evening News
1/ 1/2008
RORY Patterson struck a hat-trick as back-to-form FC United stepped up their promotion assault in the UniBond League First Division North.
Patterson, fresh back from suspension, sensationally struck twice within four minutes of being introduced early in the second half.
Earlier, Jerome Wright's 14th-minute opener had been cancelled out by a Gareth Hamlett equaliser for the Lilywhites.
Patterson then struck his quick-fire double to make it 3-1, but skipper Lee Connor then pulled a goal back for Mossley.
Nicky Platt added FC's fourth before Patterson completed his treble with a last-minute penalty, ensuring FC United took full advantage of the fact that league leaders Curzon Ashton's game at Garforth was called off.
1/ 1/2008
RORY Patterson struck a hat-trick as back-to-form FC United stepped up their promotion assault in the UniBond League First Division North.
Patterson, fresh back from suspension, sensationally struck twice within four minutes of being introduced early in the second half.
Earlier, Jerome Wright's 14th-minute opener had been cancelled out by a Gareth Hamlett equaliser for the Lilywhites.
Patterson then struck his quick-fire double to make it 3-1, but skipper Lee Connor then pulled a goal back for Mossley.
Nicky Platt added FC's fourth before Patterson completed his treble with a last-minute penalty, ensuring FC United took full advantage of the fact that league leaders Curzon Ashton's game at Garforth was called off.
Rory's brilliant from the bench
Source: The Bolton News
By Liam Chronnell
RORY Patterson came off the bench to score a hat-trick and put FC United within six points of leaguer leaders Curzon Ashton.
The striker took his goal tally to 22 for the season after Karl Marginson's men seemed for a long time to be suffering from a New Year hangover.
Jerome Wright gave the Rebels a 13th minute lead, cancelled out just before the break by Gareth Hamlett's header.
Nicky Platt then missed a penalty before Patterson's appearance at the break sparked new life into the game.
His treble was added to by Platt, who atoned for his earlier error with a neat finish. Lee Connor grabbed a consolation for the visitors.
By Liam Chronnell
RORY Patterson came off the bench to score a hat-trick and put FC United within six points of leaguer leaders Curzon Ashton.
The striker took his goal tally to 22 for the season after Karl Marginson's men seemed for a long time to be suffering from a New Year hangover.
Jerome Wright gave the Rebels a 13th minute lead, cancelled out just before the break by Gareth Hamlett's header.
Nicky Platt then missed a penalty before Patterson's appearance at the break sparked new life into the game.
His treble was added to by Platt, who atoned for his earlier error with a neat finish. Lee Connor grabbed a consolation for the visitors.
Rebels out to maintain run
By NickJackson
PREVIEW: FC United v Mossley: FC United will be aiming to continue their winning habit when they take on the Unibond Division One's ninth placed Mossley at Gigg Lane today.
The Rebel Reds have a full squad to pick from after Saturday's 2-0 victory at Curzon Ashton in which Simon Carden and Rob Nugent were on target.
After some erratic results lately, boss Karl Marginson was pleased with how his men went about their business at the Tameside Stadium And he is looking forward to his side once again playing in front of the break-away club's large following, who stayed away from the Curzon game in a protest over internet TV coverage.
Marginson said: "It was a strange feeling watching the match with so few supporters there. It is not something we have been used to and we will be glad to get back to normal.
"The lads did very well against Curzon, doing everything that was asked of them and we want to keep that level of performance going into the New Year."
11:57am
1/1/2008
PREVIEW: FC United v Mossley: FC United will be aiming to continue their winning habit when they take on the Unibond Division One's ninth placed Mossley at Gigg Lane today.
The Rebel Reds have a full squad to pick from after Saturday's 2-0 victory at Curzon Ashton in which Simon Carden and Rob Nugent were on target.
After some erratic results lately, boss Karl Marginson was pleased with how his men went about their business at the Tameside Stadium And he is looking forward to his side once again playing in front of the break-away club's large following, who stayed away from the Curzon game in a protest over internet TV coverage.
Marginson said: "It was a strange feeling watching the match with so few supporters there. It is not something we have been used to and we will be glad to get back to normal.
"The lads did very well against Curzon, doing everything that was asked of them and we want to keep that level of performance going into the New Year."
11:57am
1/1/2008
No show FC fans cost club £10,000
(No on-line content)
· Rebel’s protest cuts attendance by 1,000
· Boycott sparked by kick-off time switch
CURZON ASHTON 0 C UNITED 2
Tony Glennon
FC United fans voted with their feet to boycott their team's key promotion battle at Curzon Ashton - and left their top-of-the-table hosts counting the cost.
Just 297 paying spectators, at least 1,000 fewer than might otherwise have been expected, turned up at the Tameside Stadium to witness FC reignite their UniBond Division One North title challenge with this victory over the leaders.
That followed a request by FC chiefs for the supporters to stay away in protest at the League's decision to switch the kick-off to 12.45 p.m. so that it could be shown live on the Internet on NPLTV.
Curzon officials estimate the fans' no-show cost them £10,000 in gate money, a vast sum for a club of their size.
And, while accepting FC's reasons for the boycott. Curzon chairman Ham Galloway. whose club also opposed the kick-off time being brought forward from 3 p.m.. said he was "disappointed" it had taken place and blamed the League for having failed to stop it.
Galloway said: "It's written into FC United's constitution that they are not going to be pushed around by TV companies over kick-offs, but I would never support a boycott from our supporters on this issue. I think it could have been prevented by the League. There was no need for it to come to this.
"Of course, we are disappointed by the gate because we were expecting at least another 1,000 on top."
FC United's general manager Andy Walsh defended the boycott, saying: "We are aware of how important television is to football, but our objection is that assurances we believe we were given by the UniBond League that games would not be moved for TV without the agreement of the clubs have been reneged upon.
"As a result, and also because the League ignored the express wishes of both clubs, we reluctantly asked our supporters not to attend the game but instead watch our reserves play Club AZ at Abbey Hey.
"As a members'-owned club, it's not surprising that our fans heeded the call, with 467 attending the reserve team fixture and just a handful travelling to Curzon.
"We have been accused of being narrow minded, but we are not burying our heads in the sand and recognise that some disruption to kick-off times is the inevitable price paidfor the money given to football by the TV companies.
"But the wishes of the match-going fans must be paramount, otherwise what are we here for?"
John Warrington, spokesman for the UniBond League's TV partners Invision, insists his company made no pledges to FC United- He said. "We are disappointed about this boycott because at no point were any promises made in respect of changing kick-offs on a Saturday.
"Had such assurances been requested by FC United, they would not have been given. We feel the reasons for the boycott are groundless.'
Goals by Simon Carden and Rob Nugent secured FC a victory which takes them back up to fifth place.
They trail Curzon by nine points and also have a game in hand on them.
31.12.07
· Rebel’s protest cuts attendance by 1,000
· Boycott sparked by kick-off time switch
CURZON ASHTON 0 C UNITED 2
Tony Glennon
FC United fans voted with their feet to boycott their team's key promotion battle at Curzon Ashton - and left their top-of-the-table hosts counting the cost.
Just 297 paying spectators, at least 1,000 fewer than might otherwise have been expected, turned up at the Tameside Stadium to witness FC reignite their UniBond Division One North title challenge with this victory over the leaders.
That followed a request by FC chiefs for the supporters to stay away in protest at the League's decision to switch the kick-off to 12.45 p.m. so that it could be shown live on the Internet on NPLTV.
Curzon officials estimate the fans' no-show cost them £10,000 in gate money, a vast sum for a club of their size.
And, while accepting FC's reasons for the boycott. Curzon chairman Ham Galloway. whose club also opposed the kick-off time being brought forward from 3 p.m.. said he was "disappointed" it had taken place and blamed the League for having failed to stop it.
Galloway said: "It's written into FC United's constitution that they are not going to be pushed around by TV companies over kick-offs, but I would never support a boycott from our supporters on this issue. I think it could have been prevented by the League. There was no need for it to come to this.
"Of course, we are disappointed by the gate because we were expecting at least another 1,000 on top."
FC United's general manager Andy Walsh defended the boycott, saying: "We are aware of how important television is to football, but our objection is that assurances we believe we were given by the UniBond League that games would not be moved for TV without the agreement of the clubs have been reneged upon.
"As a result, and also because the League ignored the express wishes of both clubs, we reluctantly asked our supporters not to attend the game but instead watch our reserves play Club AZ at Abbey Hey.
"As a members'-owned club, it's not surprising that our fans heeded the call, with 467 attending the reserve team fixture and just a handful travelling to Curzon.
"We have been accused of being narrow minded, but we are not burying our heads in the sand and recognise that some disruption to kick-off times is the inevitable price paidfor the money given to football by the TV companies.
"But the wishes of the match-going fans must be paramount, otherwise what are we here for?"
John Warrington, spokesman for the UniBond League's TV partners Invision, insists his company made no pledges to FC United- He said. "We are disappointed about this boycott because at no point were any promises made in respect of changing kick-offs on a Saturday.
"Had such assurances been requested by FC United, they would not have been given. We feel the reasons for the boycott are groundless.'
Goals by Simon Carden and Rob Nugent secured FC a victory which takes them back up to fifth place.
They trail Curzon by nine points and also have a game in hand on them.
31.12.07
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