Source: Manchester Evening News
February 18, 2010
FC United manager Karl Marginson has added to his squad with the signing of former Wrexham and Manchester City midfielder Angelos Tsiaklis.
The Rebles have also signed Mark Ayres from Salford.
Marginson said: "Angelos spent his youth at City before moving on to Wrexham, where he did well early on. He’s an energetic midfielder who never seems to stop running.
"His signing will give us that extra competition in midfield and any additions always boost a squad at this time of the season.
"We’re waiting for international clearance for him to play for us because Wrexham play in Wales.
"We have also brought in Mark Ayres. He is very steady and seldom lets you down. I’ve known him a while and he is a player you can rely on and it gives us good options at the back."
FC United's fine run of top form continued on Saturday with a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Worksop.
Two goals from Simon Carden made it three consecutive league wins for the Rebels.
But there was a key contribution from Sam Ashton, who kept FC level with a superb penalty save from Adam Burley in the fourth minute.
Marginson said: "At this time of the season it’s quite often a case of getting the points and not worrying a great deal about how you get them.
"That was certainly true of Saturday, when we weren’t at our best but still managed to get a reasonably convincing three points off Worksop.
"Simon Carden’s goals showed his quality once again and he just keeps on going. Five years on from when he joined the club he has continued to be one of our best performers at whatever level we have played.
"His game has changed slightly and he is more selective of when he gets forward these days, but he showed once again on Saturday that he is a top finisher when near the goal.
"His experience is invaluable in what is a young team and he really is a fantastic servant for this football club."
"Sam Ashton’s penalty save was vital and had Worksop scored that it would have been a completely different game.
"Sam loves being a part of FC United and when he’s not playing he’s working with our community team as a coach and it’s really heart-warming to see.
"Like Si Carden, Sam is here for the long haul and we’re very lucky to be building a club around characters like those two."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Rebels look to upset Kendal
Source: The Bolton News
5:30am Wednesday 17th February 2010
FOOTBALL: FC United will be chasing a fourth successive victory when they take on play-off chasing Kendal Town at Gigg Lane tonight.
The in-form Rebels have surged from just above the relegation zone up to 10th in the UniBond Premier League table following a fine run of results.
Three more points against seventh-placed Kendal would boost their own hopes of a late promotion push, which has been helped further by the signings of Salford City centre-back Mark Ayres and midfielder Angelos Tsiaklis, a Cyprus Under-21 international, from Blue Square Premier club Wrexham.
Leigh Genesis are in Division One North action tonight against Rossendale at the Sports Village.
Last night, Radcliffe Borough were beaten 4-0 by leaders Lancaster City at the Giant Axe.
Adam Farrell bagged a brace while Jordan Connerton and Max Rothwell were also on the scoresheet.
5:30am Wednesday 17th February 2010
FOOTBALL: FC United will be chasing a fourth successive victory when they take on play-off chasing Kendal Town at Gigg Lane tonight.
The in-form Rebels have surged from just above the relegation zone up to 10th in the UniBond Premier League table following a fine run of results.
Three more points against seventh-placed Kendal would boost their own hopes of a late promotion push, which has been helped further by the signings of Salford City centre-back Mark Ayres and midfielder Angelos Tsiaklis, a Cyprus Under-21 international, from Blue Square Premier club Wrexham.
Leigh Genesis are in Division One North action tonight against Rossendale at the Sports Village.
Last night, Radcliffe Borough were beaten 4-0 by leaders Lancaster City at the Giant Axe.
Adam Farrell bagged a brace while Jordan Connerton and Max Rothwell were also on the scoresheet.
Marginson rallies Rebels
Source: Manchester Evening News
February 16, 2010
Karl Marginson wants his play-off chasing FC United side to maintain their momentum against Kendal at Gigg Lane on Wednesday (7.45pm).
The in-form Rebels are unbeaten in five games since returning to action after the big freeze, and their 2-0 win over Worksop on Saturday took them up to tenth in the Unibond Premier League.
“Winning breeds confidence and we’re trying to instil that mentality in the dressing room,” said Marginson.
“Our games against Kendal are always nip and tuck and it’ll be tough, but they’ll find it difficult here if we play as well as we have been doing recently.”
February 16, 2010
Karl Marginson wants his play-off chasing FC United side to maintain their momentum against Kendal at Gigg Lane on Wednesday (7.45pm).
The in-form Rebels are unbeaten in five games since returning to action after the big freeze, and their 2-0 win over Worksop on Saturday took them up to tenth in the Unibond Premier League.
“Winning breeds confidence and we’re trying to instil that mentality in the dressing room,” said Marginson.
“Our games against Kendal are always nip and tuck and it’ll be tough, but they’ll find it difficult here if we play as well as we have been doing recently.”
Sunday, February 14, 2010
FC United continue fine form
Source: Manchester Evening News
Sam Williams
February 13, 2010
FC United continued their recent run of good form with a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Worksop on Saturday.
A brace from Simon Carden made it three consecutive league wins for the Rebels, and Karl Marginson was happy with his side’s display.
“It was a good performance and we’re very pleased to get another win,” said the manager.
“We’re definitely heading in the right direction but we’ve got another tough game on Wednesday to prepare for now.”
Sam Ashton kept FC level with a superb penalty save from Adam Burley in the fourth minute, and the home side controlled the game from then on.
Despite their domination, it took the Rebels 42 minutes to break down a dogged Worksop defence when midfielder Carden opened the scoring from six yards.
And it was Carden who then sealed the win with his second of the afternoon in the 55th minute as he converted Jerome Wright’s superb cross.
FC’s next game is against Kendal at Gigg Lane on Wednesday (7.45pm).
Sam Williams
February 13, 2010
FC United continued their recent run of good form with a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Worksop on Saturday.
A brace from Simon Carden made it three consecutive league wins for the Rebels, and Karl Marginson was happy with his side’s display.
“It was a good performance and we’re very pleased to get another win,” said the manager.
“We’re definitely heading in the right direction but we’ve got another tough game on Wednesday to prepare for now.”
Sam Ashton kept FC level with a superb penalty save from Adam Burley in the fourth minute, and the home side controlled the game from then on.
Despite their domination, it took the Rebels 42 minutes to break down a dogged Worksop defence when midfielder Carden opened the scoring from six yards.
And it was Carden who then sealed the win with his second of the afternoon in the 55th minute as he converted Jerome Wright’s superb cross.
FC’s next game is against Kendal at Gigg Lane on Wednesday (7.45pm).
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Unthinkable? Supporter-owned football clubs
Source: The Guardian
* Editorial
* The Guardian, Saturday 13 February 2010
English football's endemic financial crisis claimed another bouffant hairdo yesterday as Sven-Göran Eriksson moved on from Notts County. "The problem with this club is that it has been living beyond its means," said Ray Trew, one of the new investors. Notts County, like Portsmouth and Cardiff City, are in trouble with the taxman, who comes low on cash-strapped clubs' payment priorities. Time to think again about football finances. It may be impossible to divorce success on the pitch from money in the bank, but that shouldn't mean it's impossible to devise a sustainable financial settlement. In the end, supporter-owned clubs would be the answer. Some of the great Spanish sides – Barcelona, Real Madrid – belong to their fans, hundreds of thousands of them. Defenders of the English system point out that they can only afford it because they sell TV rights individually rather than sharing out the cash across the league. But look at the German example. Last November, the clubs in the Bundesliga, their premier league, again backed the rule that fans own a majority of shares. They claim it guarantees stability, continuity and proximity to the supporters. In practice it really does seem to mean accessible ticket prices go hand in hand with excellence in depth. Here, brave pioneers like FC United of Manchester and AFC Wimbledon fight to break through the daunting cost barrier. They need a limit on corporate investment if they're to succeed. A supporter on every board would be a start.
* Editorial
* The Guardian, Saturday 13 February 2010
English football's endemic financial crisis claimed another bouffant hairdo yesterday as Sven-Göran Eriksson moved on from Notts County. "The problem with this club is that it has been living beyond its means," said Ray Trew, one of the new investors. Notts County, like Portsmouth and Cardiff City, are in trouble with the taxman, who comes low on cash-strapped clubs' payment priorities. Time to think again about football finances. It may be impossible to divorce success on the pitch from money in the bank, but that shouldn't mean it's impossible to devise a sustainable financial settlement. In the end, supporter-owned clubs would be the answer. Some of the great Spanish sides – Barcelona, Real Madrid – belong to their fans, hundreds of thousands of them. Defenders of the English system point out that they can only afford it because they sell TV rights individually rather than sharing out the cash across the league. But look at the German example. Last November, the clubs in the Bundesliga, their premier league, again backed the rule that fans own a majority of shares. They claim it guarantees stability, continuity and proximity to the supporters. In practice it really does seem to mean accessible ticket prices go hand in hand with excellence in depth. Here, brave pioneers like FC United of Manchester and AFC Wimbledon fight to break through the daunting cost barrier. They need a limit on corporate investment if they're to succeed. A supporter on every board would be a start.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Tong's FC United mission
Source: Manchester Evening News
February 12, 2010
Australia-bound Adam Tong wants to fire FC United further towards the Unibond Premier League play-off zone before he leaves.
Defender Tong is scheduled to move Down Under to play semi-professionally on March 1.
But ahead of his imminent departure, he is determined to help the Rebels gain maximum points from his four remaining games with the club.
"I want to try to make sure we get 12 more points before I go, and if we do that we'll be right up towards the play-offs," he said.
FC host Worksop on Saturday (3pm) looking to record their third successive league win.
February 12, 2010
Australia-bound Adam Tong wants to fire FC United further towards the Unibond Premier League play-off zone before he leaves.
Defender Tong is scheduled to move Down Under to play semi-professionally on March 1.
But ahead of his imminent departure, he is determined to help the Rebels gain maximum points from his four remaining games with the club.
"I want to try to make sure we get 12 more points before I go, and if we do that we'll be right up towards the play-offs," he said.
FC host Worksop on Saturday (3pm) looking to record their third successive league win.
FC United's opportunity
Source: When Saturday Comes
12 February ~ FC United of Manchester's recent announcement that they have submitted proposals to the city council to build their own stadium could not have come at a more significant time, with the the "green and gold" uprising against the Glazer regime continuing to gather pace among Man Utd fans. Born in 2005 out of the original fan disillusionment that greeted the Glazer takeover, FC United have used Bury's Gigg Lane as their makeshift home ever since. After three consecutive promotions and one season of consolidation, the "Rebels" now find themselves in the Unibond Premier League. Owning their own ground is now seen as a necessity if they are to climb the final two rungs of the non-League ladder.
Hence the 4,000 capacity stadium they hope to begin building in the coming months. That it's to be located in Newton Heath only adds to the symbolic significance. This, of course, is the area where the club now known as Manchester United formed in 1878. This season's average home attendance of around 2,000 makes FC United one of the best-supported non-League clubs in the country. Away fixtures are often transformed into smaller, more intimate versions of home games as their support usually outnumbers their hosts. But it is their potential fanbase that makes them a Football League club in waiting.
FC already attracts players that would otherwise play at a higher level. "This is a unique club and any player would want to play here," said ex-Doncaster midfielder Adriano Rigoglioso after signing for the club in December. "I could've gone elsewhere for more money, but opportunities like this don't come around very often."
As Man Utd fans run out of patience and, perhaps more pertinently, money, they could turn to a club that truly represents them. FC United have the fanbase of a League club, they have the name and now they may soon have the stadium too. Sam Williams
12 February ~ FC United of Manchester's recent announcement that they have submitted proposals to the city council to build their own stadium could not have come at a more significant time, with the the "green and gold" uprising against the Glazer regime continuing to gather pace among Man Utd fans. Born in 2005 out of the original fan disillusionment that greeted the Glazer takeover, FC United have used Bury's Gigg Lane as their makeshift home ever since. After three consecutive promotions and one season of consolidation, the "Rebels" now find themselves in the Unibond Premier League. Owning their own ground is now seen as a necessity if they are to climb the final two rungs of the non-League ladder.
Hence the 4,000 capacity stadium they hope to begin building in the coming months. That it's to be located in Newton Heath only adds to the symbolic significance. This, of course, is the area where the club now known as Manchester United formed in 1878. This season's average home attendance of around 2,000 makes FC United one of the best-supported non-League clubs in the country. Away fixtures are often transformed into smaller, more intimate versions of home games as their support usually outnumbers their hosts. But it is their potential fanbase that makes them a Football League club in waiting.
FC already attracts players that would otherwise play at a higher level. "This is a unique club and any player would want to play here," said ex-Doncaster midfielder Adriano Rigoglioso after signing for the club in December. "I could've gone elsewhere for more money, but opportunities like this don't come around very often."
As Man Utd fans run out of patience and, perhaps more pertinently, money, they could turn to a club that truly represents them. FC United have the fanbase of a League club, they have the name and now they may soon have the stadium too. Sam Williams
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Nantwich Town 1 FC United 6 - full report
Source: Crewe Chronicle
Feb 10 2010 by Peter Morse, Crewe Chronicle
Nantwich Town 1 FC United 6
PETE Hall admitted he was too distraught to face anyone after Saturday’s humiliating defeat.
The fiercely passionate Nantwich boss was crushed by the 6-1 thrashing – a record reverse at the Weaver Stadium.
He declined to speak to Press afterwards for fear his raw emotions would spill over into print.
But the former roofer pulled no punches when he later opened up to the Chronicle.
Hall said: “I was sick after the game. Distraught. I put a massive amount of work into it. I was so up for the game. It was massive for us.
“Although the scoreline in no way reflects what the game was like, we gifted them all six goals. The players have to be responsible for their performances.
“Far too many of them are falling well below the standards they are capable of.
“You could hear a pin drop in the dressing room afterwards. I let them know how I felt.
“But now I need to galvanise the players again. We need to work hard together and I believe we can put things right.”
After losing the Premier Division play-off final in extra-time last season expectations were high for the Dabbers.
They have actually won four of their last six but their league position – 13th – is a worry.
Hall has done his best to keep the squad fresh and Harry Davis, on loan from Crewe, made his debut on Saturday.
But the teenager suffered a baptism of fire as his new team-mates crumbled all around.
United went ahead on five minutes through on-loan Macclesfield Town striker Kyle Wilson.
Nantwich quickly drew level when midfielder Glyn Blackhurst teed up Micky Lennon, but on 23 minutes Wilson’s 15-yarder made it 2-1.
Goals either side of the break, from Simon Carden and Ben Deegan, gave the Dabbers a mountain to climb in front of the 1,171 crowd.
Nantwich registered 15 attempts on goal but even when the visitors were reduced to 10-men after Ludovic Quistin received a second booking, things failed to improve.
Jerome Wright rounded keeper Lee Jones for 5-1 and former Alex trainee Wilson completed his hat-trick.
The Dabbers entertain third-bottom Frickley Athletic on Saturday before visiting Burscough on Tuesday.
Stoke City reserves will take on Arsenal reserves at the Weaver Stadium tonight (7pm).
The club is holding a half-term coaching course for youngsters from Monday to Friday next week. Call Pete Hall on 07967 634002 for details.
Feb 10 2010 by Peter Morse, Crewe Chronicle
Nantwich Town 1 FC United 6
PETE Hall admitted he was too distraught to face anyone after Saturday’s humiliating defeat.
The fiercely passionate Nantwich boss was crushed by the 6-1 thrashing – a record reverse at the Weaver Stadium.
He declined to speak to Press afterwards for fear his raw emotions would spill over into print.
But the former roofer pulled no punches when he later opened up to the Chronicle.
Hall said: “I was sick after the game. Distraught. I put a massive amount of work into it. I was so up for the game. It was massive for us.
“Although the scoreline in no way reflects what the game was like, we gifted them all six goals. The players have to be responsible for their performances.
“Far too many of them are falling well below the standards they are capable of.
“You could hear a pin drop in the dressing room afterwards. I let them know how I felt.
“But now I need to galvanise the players again. We need to work hard together and I believe we can put things right.”
After losing the Premier Division play-off final in extra-time last season expectations were high for the Dabbers.
They have actually won four of their last six but their league position – 13th – is a worry.
Hall has done his best to keep the squad fresh and Harry Davis, on loan from Crewe, made his debut on Saturday.
But the teenager suffered a baptism of fire as his new team-mates crumbled all around.
United went ahead on five minutes through on-loan Macclesfield Town striker Kyle Wilson.
Nantwich quickly drew level when midfielder Glyn Blackhurst teed up Micky Lennon, but on 23 minutes Wilson’s 15-yarder made it 2-1.
Goals either side of the break, from Simon Carden and Ben Deegan, gave the Dabbers a mountain to climb in front of the 1,171 crowd.
Nantwich registered 15 attempts on goal but even when the visitors were reduced to 10-men after Ludovic Quistin received a second booking, things failed to improve.
Jerome Wright rounded keeper Lee Jones for 5-1 and former Alex trainee Wilson completed his hat-trick.
The Dabbers entertain third-bottom Frickley Athletic on Saturday before visiting Burscough on Tuesday.
Stoke City reserves will take on Arsenal reserves at the Weaver Stadium tonight (7pm).
The club is holding a half-term coaching course for youngsters from Monday to Friday next week. Call Pete Hall on 07967 634002 for details.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Nantwich Town 1 FC United 6
Source: Crewe Chronicle
Feb 8 2010 by Peter Morse, Crewe Chronicle
NANTWICH Town were humiliated at home by FC United on Saturday.
Their promotion hopes in the UniBond Premier took another blow as the visitors ran riot.
FC United were first to show when Ben Deegan headed against the bar.
On five minutes they went ahead through on loan Macclesfield Town striker Kyle Wilson after being played through by Adam Tong.
Five minutes later Nantwich drew level when midfielder Glyn Blackhurst played a delightful ball into the path of Micky Lennon whose shot on the turn beat Reds keeper Sam Ashton to square the match.
On 23 minutes hesitancy in the Nantwich defence allowed the ball to drop to Wilson whose 15 yard shot flew past Dabbers keeper Lee Jones.
On 37 minutes the visitors increased their lead minute when Nantwich failed to clear from a corner allowing Simon Carden to nip in and score.
Soon after the restart it was 4-1 when Ben Deegan driove home.
FC United were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute when Ludovic Quistin was dismissed for deliberate hand ball after being booked earlier in the game.
But they still pressed ahead and two minutes later Jerome Wright inflicted further misery on the home side when he had the easiest of tasks in rounding his marker before slotting past Jones from close range.
The demolition was complete when Wilson completed a hat trick.
Feb 8 2010 by Peter Morse, Crewe Chronicle
NANTWICH Town were humiliated at home by FC United on Saturday.
Their promotion hopes in the UniBond Premier took another blow as the visitors ran riot.
FC United were first to show when Ben Deegan headed against the bar.
On five minutes they went ahead through on loan Macclesfield Town striker Kyle Wilson after being played through by Adam Tong.
Five minutes later Nantwich drew level when midfielder Glyn Blackhurst played a delightful ball into the path of Micky Lennon whose shot on the turn beat Reds keeper Sam Ashton to square the match.
On 23 minutes hesitancy in the Nantwich defence allowed the ball to drop to Wilson whose 15 yard shot flew past Dabbers keeper Lee Jones.
On 37 minutes the visitors increased their lead minute when Nantwich failed to clear from a corner allowing Simon Carden to nip in and score.
Soon after the restart it was 4-1 when Ben Deegan driove home.
FC United were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute when Ludovic Quistin was dismissed for deliberate hand ball after being booked earlier in the game.
But they still pressed ahead and two minutes later Jerome Wright inflicted further misery on the home side when he had the easiest of tasks in rounding his marker before slotting past Jones from close range.
The demolition was complete when Wilson completed a hat trick.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Can't take that as Red
Edited from The Independent
...
Funny the tricks that memory – and possibly shorthand – play. But how could the minutes released by Liverpool's managing director, Christian Purslow, and the 12 Spirit of Shankly representatives from their meeting last week differ so much? There was no mention, for instance, in the MD's version of having said: "Royal Bank of Scotland are annoyed and unhappy with Hicks and Gillett and they want a change of ownership." Nor: "The promises of Hicks and Gillett are unforgivable. Hicks and Gillett cannot hang on to the club." Meanwhile, as the protest movements against the owners at Liverpool and Manchester United gather momentum, there remains an odd contrast between the attitude taken to the two breakaway fans' clubs. At Anfield home games, there are regular mentions of AFC Liverpool's forthcoming matches, whereas their Manchester equivalent are ignored by United and have even been publicly criticised by Sir Alex Ferguson. Undeterred, FC United are going into Europe. They will visit Hamburg on 15 May to play a friendly against an All-Star XI from St Pauli, the Bundesliga second division club who are famous for their left-wing affiliations.
...
Funny the tricks that memory – and possibly shorthand – play. But how could the minutes released by Liverpool's managing director, Christian Purslow, and the 12 Spirit of Shankly representatives from their meeting last week differ so much? There was no mention, for instance, in the MD's version of having said: "Royal Bank of Scotland are annoyed and unhappy with Hicks and Gillett and they want a change of ownership." Nor: "The promises of Hicks and Gillett are unforgivable. Hicks and Gillett cannot hang on to the club." Meanwhile, as the protest movements against the owners at Liverpool and Manchester United gather momentum, there remains an odd contrast between the attitude taken to the two breakaway fans' clubs. At Anfield home games, there are regular mentions of AFC Liverpool's forthcoming matches, whereas their Manchester equivalent are ignored by United and have even been publicly criticised by Sir Alex Ferguson. Undeterred, FC United are going into Europe. They will visit Hamburg on 15 May to play a friendly against an All-Star XI from St Pauli, the Bundesliga second division club who are famous for their left-wing affiliations.
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