Source: The Prestwich Advertiser
FC UNITED of Manchester manager Karl Marginson is predicting another championship trophy for his club as they prepare to embark on their latest chapter.
Margy believes his North West Counties division one champions are good enough to make it three titles in a row and he isn’t planning any major additions as they take on the new challenge of the Northern Premier League first division.
And who would bet against the Manchester United fans’ club fulfiling their manager’s prophecy - he’s been spot on with his previous predictions.
Mystic Margy, who was last week named North West Counties manager of the year, said: “All the lads from last season that I have spoken to want to stay and I’m very happy with the squad we’ve got, so I can’t see there being many changes, if any at all.
“Last year we kept a lot of the same faces throughout and they gelled as a squad, not just as a team. Our record last year speaks for itself.
“We were playing in a very strong league that contained Nantwich Town, who were the FA Vase holders.
“We beat them twice and got a draw. Then there was Curzon Ashton who got to the semi final of the FA Vase, only to be beaten by the eventual winners.
“Salford City were another very good, competitive side who tested us early on but the players came through.
“To do the double in a league of that quality takes some doing.
“Next season will be tougher but I am confident with the lads we’ve got that we will win the league. I always am. You have to think like that as a manager.
“What we will see in the next league is teams that throw money at players, not literally obviously, but they pay ridiculous wages some of them. I know for a fact that a couple of teams in that league pay the same as clubs in Conference North, if not Conference National.
“Our players are at this club because they want to be and it’s nothing to do with money - if it was, believe me, they wouldn’t be here at all.”
FC will also be hoping to progress in the FA Cup as they enter for the first time.
Margy added: “It will be a great experience for players, fans and everyone connected to the club to take part in the biggest domestic cup competition in the world.
“We could get a big draw, which will give the fans a trip somewhere and we could earn a lot of money to be ploughed back into the club.
“But despite this obvious distraction, I can assure you we will be concentrating on the league.”
The Northern Premier League division one season will see each team play 42 games despite there being just 18 clubs.
To counter this, the teams have been split in to two groups. FC will play the following teams three times: Bamber Bridge, Chorley, Clitheroe, Lancaster City, Radcliffe Borough, Rossendale United and Skelmersdale United.
They will play the rest just twice. They are: Bradford Park Avenue, Bridlington, Curzon Ashton, Garforth Town, Harrogate RA, Mossley, Newcastle Blue Star, Ossett Albion, Wakefield, Woodley Sports.
Tony Howard
First published by the Prestwich Advertiser
Friday, June 22, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
UniBond clubs in line for windfall
Source: M.E.N.
Stuart Brennan
14/ 6/2007
EIGHT UniBond League are clubs hoping for a cash windfall of two home fixtures against FC United next season.
The expansion of the league, into which the Rebels have just been promoted, has brought a shortfall of clubs, with just 18 in the First Division North.
That would have meant 34 fixtures, so to make up the number to 42, the division will be split into two groups on geographical lines and the nine teams in those two groups will each play an extra match against each other.
The league's management committee meet on Saturday to decide on the final geographical split, but it seems likely that the Pennines will be used as a natural divider.
The problem with that is there are only seven clubs on the Yorkshire side of the hills, so at least two from the north west will be forced to join the "Yorkshire" group, a situation no-one wants as it could involve two long trips to play Newcastle Blue Star.
The complicated structure has already come under fire, with Skelmersdale United chairman Frank Hughes calling it a "Mickey Mouse" set-up.
FC general manager Andy Walsh also felt the split could give some teams an unfair advantage.
He said: "No-one knows yet what the exact split is, but we are told that there will be two conferences of nine clubs each, which means four extra home games and four extra away.
"The conferences will be chosen on the basis of proximity, but no-one is sure yet whether that means as the crow flies, road miles, or travelling time - they could deem Bury to be one of the eight clubs closest to the furthest club, Newcastle Blue Star, rather than putting us in with the likes of Curzon and Woodley.
"There are teams which are emerging as favourites for promotion, and if you end up in the same group as several of them, you are clearly at a disadvantage, as you will end up with three games against some of the better teams rather than just two."
Rebels should be among the favourites, but Curzon, Bradford PA and Newcastle have all seen significant investment.
FC will also enter the Manchester Premier Cup for the first time, as well as the FA Cup.
Stuart Brennan
14/ 6/2007
EIGHT UniBond League are clubs hoping for a cash windfall of two home fixtures against FC United next season.
The expansion of the league, into which the Rebels have just been promoted, has brought a shortfall of clubs, with just 18 in the First Division North.
That would have meant 34 fixtures, so to make up the number to 42, the division will be split into two groups on geographical lines and the nine teams in those two groups will each play an extra match against each other.
The league's management committee meet on Saturday to decide on the final geographical split, but it seems likely that the Pennines will be used as a natural divider.
The problem with that is there are only seven clubs on the Yorkshire side of the hills, so at least two from the north west will be forced to join the "Yorkshire" group, a situation no-one wants as it could involve two long trips to play Newcastle Blue Star.
The complicated structure has already come under fire, with Skelmersdale United chairman Frank Hughes calling it a "Mickey Mouse" set-up.
FC general manager Andy Walsh also felt the split could give some teams an unfair advantage.
He said: "No-one knows yet what the exact split is, but we are told that there will be two conferences of nine clubs each, which means four extra home games and four extra away.
"The conferences will be chosen on the basis of proximity, but no-one is sure yet whether that means as the crow flies, road miles, or travelling time - they could deem Bury to be one of the eight clubs closest to the furthest club, Newcastle Blue Star, rather than putting us in with the likes of Curzon and Woodley.
"There are teams which are emerging as favourites for promotion, and if you end up in the same group as several of them, you are clearly at a disadvantage, as you will end up with three games against some of the better teams rather than just two."
Rebels should be among the favourites, but Curzon, Bradford PA and Newcastle have all seen significant investment.
FC will also enter the Manchester Premier Cup for the first time, as well as the FA Cup.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Brian Viner comment
Source: edited from The Independent
...
Who I Like This Week...
Paul Lawrieb.viner@ independent.co.uk
And Who I Don't
All those Manchester United fans who waged such a frenzied and deplorable campaign of hate when the Glazer family took over their club. Those same Glazers, consistently lauded by Sir Alex Ferguson, have now presided quietly over a triumphant league championship campaign, and since it ended have already stumped up more than £50m in pursuit of further glory, with the signings of Owen Har-greaves, the Portuguese prodigy Nani and the Brazilian midfielder Anderson. And from the "Glazers out!" bile-merchants? A resounding silence, which I suppose is the nearest thing the Americans can expect to an apology.
EDIT BY TOAST:
Silly Vox, you left of the most important bit:
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Safe standing
Source; edited from FSF's report on safe standing. The report in full is available for download from their site.5.16 The dissatisfaction of some Manchester United supporters had become so extreme that they formed their own breakaway club called FC United of Manchester (FCUM) in 2005/6. Whilst the formation of FCUM has been controversial (some Manchester United supporters accusing FCUM followers of ‘desertion’) the breakaway is an example of the disaffection and alienation bubbling under the surface at many clubs, particularly the bigger ones. One of the many issues driving the formation of FCUM is the lack of choice to sit or stand at Old Trafford.
5.17 One FSF member who has attended three FCUM games as a neutral said of his visits, ‘I’d encourage every fan in the country to get along to an FC United game if they can. It’s a real eye-opener. Just how an afternoon out at a professional football match should be. I’ve never heard three thousand fans make so much noise. The passion and wit of the FC United supporters is really something very special. The club board, elected by the fans, is working flat out to encourage a new generation of young supporters into the ground. It has worked very hard to ensure that the stewarding of fans is sensitive and appropriate. Tickets only cost £7(€9.94) for adults and £2 (€2.84) for concessions. You won’t find a better value day out anywhere in the country. The whole sense of the ground on match days is one of empowerment, passion and fun.’
5.18 A medium term objective of the FCUM members and board is to develop its own stadium. Commenting on this, FCUM general manager Andy Walsh says, ‘Many of our supporters prefer to stand and this is an issue that the club is keen to pursue. We’d want safe standing areas as part of any new ground we build.’ The anecdotal evidence of FCUM is supported by recent research conducted by Professor Mike Weed of Canterbury Christ Church University. Professor Weed’s research was not directly related to the issue of standing at football stadia. It was connected with the growth of the culture of watching the game live on television in pubs and bars..
It’ll be even tougher for Crewe FC
Source: thisischeshire.co.uk
CREWE FC boss Ian O'Reilly believes the club could face an even tougher battle to win promotion next season.
With big resources in the non-league game, FC United are likely to run a reserve side in Mid Cheshire League Division Two.
The rouge Red Devils have been super successful since their inception due to the Glazier takeover at Old Trafford, winning successive promotions with huge support.
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And it's likely they'll be looking to do similar things with their second string.
"I think they've been voted in and the league will see it as a big boost," explained O'Reilly.
"They'll probably be the team to beat.
"They'll have a lot of players to keep happy and I'm sure some will filter down to the second team."
Bigger clubs already have a proven track record of progress in Division Two.
“We’ll be looking to compete next season and we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”
Crewe FC Ian O'Reilly
Both Curzon Ashton and Stalybridge Celtic saw their reserve sides claim the top two spots and promotion last season.
In fact they finished with identical records, right down to goal difference that forced a play-off for the title.
Stalybridge took it on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
"FC United will be another side with a big first team," added O'Reilly.
"It's more difficult for the likes of us, Whitchurch and Lostock who are the first team.
"They have players up to UniBond League standard.
"You only have to look at last season.
"The two teams with senior sides both went up."
But O'Reilly isn't complaining, relishing the challenge to improve on last season's sole triumph of another Crewe FA Cup.
"I quite like it that way," he continued.
"It means better teams and makes it more competitive.
"That's why you play on a Saturday at this level.
"It's a better standard against better players at good grounds.
"It's all about the challenge.
"Curzon had about seven or eight who had played in their first team when we played them.
"We got a draw there and at Stalybridge but lost both at home.
"We'll be looking to compete next season and we'll give it everything we've got."
Leading scorer Dave Hanson could keep the armband despite approaching veteran status.
"It was his birthday at the weekend," said O'Reilly.
"He'll be getting his bus pass before long but he can still put the ball away."
CREWE FC boss Ian O'Reilly believes the club could face an even tougher battle to win promotion next season.
With big resources in the non-league game, FC United are likely to run a reserve side in Mid Cheshire League Division Two.
The rouge Red Devils have been super successful since their inception due to the Glazier takeover at Old Trafford, winning successive promotions with huge support.
advertisement
And it's likely they'll be looking to do similar things with their second string.
"I think they've been voted in and the league will see it as a big boost," explained O'Reilly.
"They'll probably be the team to beat.
"They'll have a lot of players to keep happy and I'm sure some will filter down to the second team."
Bigger clubs already have a proven track record of progress in Division Two.
“We’ll be looking to compete next season and we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”
Crewe FC Ian O'Reilly
Both Curzon Ashton and Stalybridge Celtic saw their reserve sides claim the top two spots and promotion last season.
In fact they finished with identical records, right down to goal difference that forced a play-off for the title.
Stalybridge took it on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
"FC United will be another side with a big first team," added O'Reilly.
"It's more difficult for the likes of us, Whitchurch and Lostock who are the first team.
"They have players up to UniBond League standard.
"You only have to look at last season.
"The two teams with senior sides both went up."
But O'Reilly isn't complaining, relishing the challenge to improve on last season's sole triumph of another Crewe FA Cup.
"I quite like it that way," he continued.
"It means better teams and makes it more competitive.
"That's why you play on a Saturday at this level.
"It's a better standard against better players at good grounds.
"It's all about the challenge.
"Curzon had about seven or eight who had played in their first team when we played them.
"We got a draw there and at Stalybridge but lost both at home.
"We'll be looking to compete next season and we'll give it everything we've got."
Leading scorer Dave Hanson could keep the armband despite approaching veteran status.
"It was his birthday at the weekend," said O'Reilly.
"He'll be getting his bus pass before long but he can still put the ball away."
Friday, May 25, 2007
FC United should be big pull says Yates
Source: worcesternews.co.uk
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Mark Yates believes the intriguing friendly with FC United could be the biggest pull of their pre-season programme.
As well as hosting League One outfits Cheltenham and Walsall, Harriers face the side formed by breakaway fans of Manchester United.
Yates will also send a side to Bewdley Town to help the ambitious West Midlands League club open their new main stand.
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The Kidderminster manager said: "The FC United one is a coup for us really because I think out of all the three teams coming to Aggborough they will bring the most support.
"They're a well-run, well-supported football club and it will be nice to have them here."
Yates is also delighted to welcome his former club, Cheltenham, where he was a midfielder, and this season's League Two champions Walsall.
Pre-season fixtures, Saturday, July 15: Rushall Olympic (a) 3pm; Sunday, July 16: Bewdley (a) 3pm; Saturday, July 21: FC United (h) 3pm; Tuesday, July 24: Cheltenham Town (h) 7.45pm; Saturday, July 28: AFC Telford (a) 3pm; Tuesday, July 31: Walsall (h) 7.45pm; Saturday, August 4: Hinckley United (a) 3pm.
Meanwhile, Harriers are introducing a new away strip, featuring yellow shirts, blue shorts and blue socks, which is likely to debut in the game with FC United. The previous blue and white kit will just be used as back-up.
Yates added: "The home kit will stay the same as it was, except that we'll be wearing white shorts rather than the black."
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Mark Yates believes the intriguing friendly with FC United could be the biggest pull of their pre-season programme.
As well as hosting League One outfits Cheltenham and Walsall, Harriers face the side formed by breakaway fans of Manchester United.
Yates will also send a side to Bewdley Town to help the ambitious West Midlands League club open their new main stand.
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The Kidderminster manager said: "The FC United one is a coup for us really because I think out of all the three teams coming to Aggborough they will bring the most support.
"They're a well-run, well-supported football club and it will be nice to have them here."
Yates is also delighted to welcome his former club, Cheltenham, where he was a midfielder, and this season's League Two champions Walsall.
Pre-season fixtures, Saturday, July 15: Rushall Olympic (a) 3pm; Sunday, July 16: Bewdley (a) 3pm; Saturday, July 21: FC United (h) 3pm; Tuesday, July 24: Cheltenham Town (h) 7.45pm; Saturday, July 28: AFC Telford (a) 3pm; Tuesday, July 31: Walsall (h) 7.45pm; Saturday, August 4: Hinckley United (a) 3pm.
Meanwhile, Harriers are introducing a new away strip, featuring yellow shirts, blue shorts and blue socks, which is likely to debut in the game with FC United. The previous blue and white kit will just be used as back-up.
Yates added: "The home kit will stay the same as it was, except that we'll be wearing white shorts rather than the black."
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
United we stand
Source: The Guardian (Letters, no online content)David Conn's article (FC United rise and shine on sense of community, May 9) was the best I have read. It takes a lot to stay away from the club you've loved since you were a child and I hope one day Manchester United will come back to us, but FC United fills the void. Not with the same standard of football (although it is better than I expected), but with a club that is all it should be and more. There is so much more to a club than winning trophies. I always knew that but it took Glazer to remind me. I was brought up believing Mancunians stood up for what is right, however painful, and I am grateful to those who worked so hard to get the club up and running and proud to be a founder member. FC United is raw, passionate, untainted fun. Best of all, it's ours.
Julie Shorney Manchester
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Harriers to tackle Man Utd fan team
Source: Worcester News
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers will take on the fans' team of Manchester United in a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2007/08 Blue Square Premier season.
Harriers host FC United, created by supporters of the Red Devils who have achieved promotion to the Northern Premier League Division One, on Saturday, July 21. Mark Yates' men also face Football League opponents at Aggborough in the form of Cheltenham Town and Walsall.
The playing squad report back following their summer break in the first week of July and the first pre-season games will come soon after.
They start with a weekend double-header at Rushall Olympic and Bewdley Town.
Old foes Cheltenham consolidated superbly in League One, finishing in 17th place, while Walsall clinched the League Two championship.
The programme is wrapped up with a trip to Conference North play-off finalists Hinckley United. The Blue Square Premier season kicks-off on Saturday, August 11.
Fixtures, Saturday, July 15: Rushall Olympic (a) 3pm; Sunday, July 16: Bewdley Town (a) 3pm; Saturday, July 21: FC United (h) 3pm; Tuesday, July 24: Cheltenham Town (h) 7.45pm; Saturday, July 28: AFC Telford (a) 3pm; Tuesday, July 31: Walsall (h) 7.45pm; Saturday, August 4: Hinckley United (a) 3pm.
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers will take on the fans' team of Manchester United in a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2007/08 Blue Square Premier season.
Harriers host FC United, created by supporters of the Red Devils who have achieved promotion to the Northern Premier League Division One, on Saturday, July 21. Mark Yates' men also face Football League opponents at Aggborough in the form of Cheltenham Town and Walsall.
The playing squad report back following their summer break in the first week of July and the first pre-season games will come soon after.
They start with a weekend double-header at Rushall Olympic and Bewdley Town.
Old foes Cheltenham consolidated superbly in League One, finishing in 17th place, while Walsall clinched the League Two championship.
The programme is wrapped up with a trip to Conference North play-off finalists Hinckley United. The Blue Square Premier season kicks-off on Saturday, August 11.
Fixtures, Saturday, July 15: Rushall Olympic (a) 3pm; Sunday, July 16: Bewdley Town (a) 3pm; Saturday, July 21: FC United (h) 3pm; Tuesday, July 24: Cheltenham Town (h) 7.45pm; Saturday, July 28: AFC Telford (a) 3pm; Tuesday, July 31: Walsall (h) 7.45pm; Saturday, August 4: Hinckley United (a) 3pm.
Rhodri Giggs in brawl quiz
Source: M.E.N.Seb Ramsay
22/ 5/2007
THE brother of football star Ryan Giggs was arrested after a fight broke out at a charity event organised by the Manchester United player.
Rhodri Giggs was quizzed by police and released on bail after the fracas at the De Vere Belfry Hotel, near Birmingham.
A 33-year-old Londoner suffered injuries to his nose in the brawl but didn't need to go to hospital.
Police were called in the early hours of yesterday and Rhodri, 30, who plays for breakaway club FC United, was arrested.
The black-tie fundraiser raised nearly £200,000 for the £1m Five Stars scanner appeal for the New Manchester Children's Hospital and was organised by Ryan and Hotel Babylon actor Max Beesley.
Stars at the £200-a-head black-tie dinner included Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLoughlin.
They were not involved in the alleged incident.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Red Issue
Source: The Observer Letters (no online content)So Schalke ('145,000 see "German Newcastle" blow it', last week) are a club who have fans' interests at their heart, work closely with the community, price their tickets at an affordable level, refuse to pay the exorbitant amounts demanded by today's footballers and they still manage to compete at the top level in one of Europe's best leagues. Your piece followed nicely from the article the week before on how the greed and short-sightedness of the money-grabbing Premiership elite is damaging English football. Both should be photocopied and sent to every Glazer, Abramovich, Gillett, Lerner and Kroenke.
So what should fans do if they're fed up with clubs bleeding supporters dry? As Schalke's club secretary says, football 'isn't like a jeans shop where people can go somewhere else'. Fortunately I'm one of the lucky ones – I do have somewhere else to go: FC United of Manchester in the Unibond First.
Mike Birtwistle, via email
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