Source: Manchester Evening News
Sam Williams
December 30, 2009
FORGET New Year’s Day - January 1st is known as ‘Big Coat Day’ at FC United.
The Rebels are appealing to supporters to bring unwanted winter clothing along with them to Friday’s game against Ossett Town at Gigg Lane (3pm) for the benefit of Manchester’s homeless community.
All coats, hats, scarves and gloves will be collected outside the ground by the Salvation Army and the Boaz Trust before being redistributed to homeless people across the city.
FC ran a similar scheme in 2006 which resulted in fans donating 300 sacks of warm clothing, but the club are hopeful of beating that total this time around.
“Big Coat Day may have started as a bit of fun to show we had reached our first Christmas and it still is fun,” said FC general manager Andy Walsh.
“But now it has come to represent even more, with supporters doing something for those in Manchester who need our help.
“Please bring along whatever warm clothing you can spare - it will be put to good use.”
The campaign also has the backing of actors John Henshaw and Justin Moorhouse, who starred in the Ken Loach film ‘Looking for Eric’.
“I really appreciate having a big coat to hand when the weather gets cold - I hope everyone gets behind this and brings a donation,” said Moorhouse.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, 18th-placed FC will be hoping to gain a vital three points against fellow strugglers Ossett, who sit just one place below them in the table.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Ashton v FC United clash postponed
Source: Manchester Evening News
Sam Williams
December 26, 2009
FC United's Unibond Premier League fixture at Ashton has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.
The Rebels return to action when they host Ossett Town on New Years Day (3pm).
Meanwhile, new goalkeeping coach Joe Paladino has only been at FC United a matter of weeks - but already sees himself staying for years to come.
The former Everton and Wigan reserve keeper joined the Rebels’ coaching staff recently and is enjoying every minute of his time at the club.
“This is a fantastic club with unbelievable fans. It's like being at a professional club and I love it here," said Paladino.
"For the next three or four years I’ll be staying whatever happens - the only way I’ll leave is if the club don’t want me anymore.”
Italian-born Paladino, who is also an ex-professional heavyweight boxer, had been out of football since 2005 but has now set his sights on coaching in the football league in the future.
However, he insists he won’t necessarily have to leave FC to fulfil this ambition.
“I run an amateur boxing club but football is my first love, so when Karl (Marginson) got in touch I had no hesitation in coming here.
“I’ll be 50 in six years and my plan is to be coaching in the football league by then, but who says that can’t be here?”
“This club is geared up for the football league and I don’t see any reason why we can’t get there. I don’t think getting to League Two in the next five years is an impossibility.”
Paladino has been working closely with FC’s number one Sam Ashton and has been hugely impressed by the 23-year-old.
“I’ve got the easiest job in non-league football because Sam’s immense,” he said.
“I don’t want to build him up too much but he’s in the Shay Given mould. He’s not the biggest but he’s got everything, and he’s still young so he can get better.”
Sam Williams
December 26, 2009
FC United's Unibond Premier League fixture at Ashton has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.
The Rebels return to action when they host Ossett Town on New Years Day (3pm).
Meanwhile, new goalkeeping coach Joe Paladino has only been at FC United a matter of weeks - but already sees himself staying for years to come.
The former Everton and Wigan reserve keeper joined the Rebels’ coaching staff recently and is enjoying every minute of his time at the club.
“This is a fantastic club with unbelievable fans. It's like being at a professional club and I love it here," said Paladino.
"For the next three or four years I’ll be staying whatever happens - the only way I’ll leave is if the club don’t want me anymore.”
Italian-born Paladino, who is also an ex-professional heavyweight boxer, had been out of football since 2005 but has now set his sights on coaching in the football league in the future.
However, he insists he won’t necessarily have to leave FC to fulfil this ambition.
“I run an amateur boxing club but football is my first love, so when Karl (Marginson) got in touch I had no hesitation in coming here.
“I’ll be 50 in six years and my plan is to be coaching in the football league by then, but who says that can’t be here?”
“This club is geared up for the football league and I don’t see any reason why we can’t get there. I don’t think getting to League Two in the next five years is an impossibility.”
Paladino has been working closely with FC’s number one Sam Ashton and has been hugely impressed by the 23-year-old.
“I’ve got the easiest job in non-league football because Sam’s immense,” he said.
“I don’t want to build him up too much but he’s in the Shay Given mould. He’s not the biggest but he’s got everything, and he’s still young so he can get better.”
Friday, December 18, 2009
Coleraine star Rory back on top after teenage kicks
Source: Belfast Telegraph
By Stuart McKinley
Friday, 18 December 2009
Rory Patterson has revealed how he almost quit football in his teens.
Patterson was very much an unknown when David Platt plucked him from the Conference North — two divisions outside the Football League — last summer, but he certainly isn’t an unknown anymore.
The Strabane man is the leading goalscorer in Northern Ireland this season and Coleraine fans are delighted that their new hero decided against turning his back on the game.
Patterson has hit 19 goals since signing for the Bannsiders in the summer and with 20 always being the yardstick for any striker, he is already well on the way to having a successful season.
Portadown are in the firing line tomorrow at the Coleraine Showgrounds when David Platt would love to see his main marksman make it a score before Christmas.
It could have been all so different, however, when Patterson became disillusioned following his release from Rochdale in the summer of 2004.
He didn’t particularly enjoy a short spell with Radcliffe Borough and at that stage Patterson was considering other options and leaving football behind.
“I moved over to England when I was 16 and was at Rochdale for three years,” said Patterson.
“I made my debut for the first-team at 17 and played 15 games, but it didn’t work out in the end.
“I got an injury, the manager changed a few times and the one that came in didn’t take to me; but that’s football.
“I was thinking of giving football up, but the manager of FC United is a friend of mine and he asked me to come down, have a look and see what I thought.”
And that sparked a goalrush from the 25-year-old, who hit an amazing 107 goals in 126 appearances for the club that was founded by Manchester United fans in the wake of the Old Trafford outfit being taken over by Malcolm Glazer.
“I went down and the first game I went to there was a crowd of about 3,000 there. When I made my debut I scored and the fans took to me after that,” said Patterson, who saw a the club grow from small beginnings to a model for their rivals.
“The set up and the fans, they are just like a league club. The support is excellent and it’s a very well run club.
“There are a few other teams who are thinking about going about things the same way.
“It’s not about paying people big money, it’s family orientated and although everyone thinks they hate Manchester United it’s not like that, they really are like a mini-Manchester United.
“They are fans of the club who simply aren’t happy that the club they love has been put into debt.
“Everyone in Manchester loves their football and these people just love their club.”
Patterson didn’t play in the Co-operative Insurance Cup draw with Cliftonville on Tuesday night — which was enough to see the Bannsiders through — but he is hopeful of being fit to face the Ports.
By Stuart McKinley
Friday, 18 December 2009
Rory Patterson has revealed how he almost quit football in his teens.
Patterson was very much an unknown when David Platt plucked him from the Conference North — two divisions outside the Football League — last summer, but he certainly isn’t an unknown anymore.
The Strabane man is the leading goalscorer in Northern Ireland this season and Coleraine fans are delighted that their new hero decided against turning his back on the game.
Patterson has hit 19 goals since signing for the Bannsiders in the summer and with 20 always being the yardstick for any striker, he is already well on the way to having a successful season.
Portadown are in the firing line tomorrow at the Coleraine Showgrounds when David Platt would love to see his main marksman make it a score before Christmas.
It could have been all so different, however, when Patterson became disillusioned following his release from Rochdale in the summer of 2004.
He didn’t particularly enjoy a short spell with Radcliffe Borough and at that stage Patterson was considering other options and leaving football behind.
“I moved over to England when I was 16 and was at Rochdale for three years,” said Patterson.
“I made my debut for the first-team at 17 and played 15 games, but it didn’t work out in the end.
“I got an injury, the manager changed a few times and the one that came in didn’t take to me; but that’s football.
“I was thinking of giving football up, but the manager of FC United is a friend of mine and he asked me to come down, have a look and see what I thought.”
And that sparked a goalrush from the 25-year-old, who hit an amazing 107 goals in 126 appearances for the club that was founded by Manchester United fans in the wake of the Old Trafford outfit being taken over by Malcolm Glazer.
“I went down and the first game I went to there was a crowd of about 3,000 there. When I made my debut I scored and the fans took to me after that,” said Patterson, who saw a the club grow from small beginnings to a model for their rivals.
“The set up and the fans, they are just like a league club. The support is excellent and it’s a very well run club.
“There are a few other teams who are thinking about going about things the same way.
“It’s not about paying people big money, it’s family orientated and although everyone thinks they hate Manchester United it’s not like that, they really are like a mini-Manchester United.
“They are fans of the club who simply aren’t happy that the club they love has been put into debt.
“Everyone in Manchester loves their football and these people just love their club.”
Patterson didn’t play in the Co-operative Insurance Cup draw with Cliftonville on Tuesday night — which was enough to see the Bannsiders through — but he is hopeful of being fit to face the Ports.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Thousands of fans to flock to Guiseley for FC United clash
Source: The Advertiser
12:10pm Thursday 17th December 2009
By Ian Whiting
Nethermoor will be a busy place on Sunday as Guiseley’s Premier Division fixture against FC United of Manchester had to be put back a day on police advice.
The Lions were due to host the breakaway club formed by disgruntled fans of Manchester United on Saturday but will now kick off at noon the following day.
With as many as 2,000 travelling supporters on top of Guiseley’s own loyal following, the authorities decided it had to be moved. The earlier kick-off is designed to limit any heavy drinking by huge crowds before the game.
That non-football decision has presented the club with football-based problems, as Guiseley spokesman and director Stuart Allen explained.
“The weather forecast is very poor and if the expected pitch inspection is necessary it will have to be very early,” said Allen.
“We would have to do that at 8.30am or 9am because if it was bad we would have to let FC United know before they travelled or we would be liable for the costs of their journey.
“The ideal scenario would be to make the decision tomorrow but the league frown on calling off a game 24 hours before and we also want to give it as long as possible because we want the game played. Both clubs will want it on if at all possible because we are so far behind with our league fixtures.
“Our pitch was fine for last Saturday’s FA Trophy tie but it was a bit soft when we played Hucknall Town on Tuesday. The groundstaff have been working on it since then but we don’t have a crystal ball.”
Guiseley have no new injury worries and will be buoyant after two wins in the week.
The Lions are tenth with 29 points while their visitors are third bottom with 21.
Both clubs have played just 17 league games so far, with FC United having four games in hand on four of the five clubs in the bottom six with them.
12:10pm Thursday 17th December 2009
By Ian Whiting
Nethermoor will be a busy place on Sunday as Guiseley’s Premier Division fixture against FC United of Manchester had to be put back a day on police advice.
The Lions were due to host the breakaway club formed by disgruntled fans of Manchester United on Saturday but will now kick off at noon the following day.
With as many as 2,000 travelling supporters on top of Guiseley’s own loyal following, the authorities decided it had to be moved. The earlier kick-off is designed to limit any heavy drinking by huge crowds before the game.
That non-football decision has presented the club with football-based problems, as Guiseley spokesman and director Stuart Allen explained.
“The weather forecast is very poor and if the expected pitch inspection is necessary it will have to be very early,” said Allen.
“We would have to do that at 8.30am or 9am because if it was bad we would have to let FC United know before they travelled or we would be liable for the costs of their journey.
“The ideal scenario would be to make the decision tomorrow but the league frown on calling off a game 24 hours before and we also want to give it as long as possible because we want the game played. Both clubs will want it on if at all possible because we are so far behind with our league fixtures.
“Our pitch was fine for last Saturday’s FA Trophy tie but it was a bit soft when we played Hucknall Town on Tuesday. The groundstaff have been working on it since then but we don’t have a crystal ball.”
Guiseley have no new injury worries and will be buoyant after two wins in the week.
The Lions are tenth with 29 points while their visitors are third bottom with 21.
Both clubs have played just 17 league games so far, with FC United having four games in hand on four of the five clubs in the bottom six with them.
Table-topping Badgers maul the Mancs
Source: This is Retford
Thursday, December 17, 2009, 07:00
Unibond League Premier Division leaders Retford United continued their impressive away form with a 4-2 victory over FC United of Manchester at Bury's Gigg Lane ground on Saturday.
Buoyed on by their very vocal travelling support, it took only three minutes for the Badgers to make the break. Darryl Thomas shrugged off the attentions of the FC United defence before slotting his shot past the advancing Sam Ashton to silence the home crowd packed behind the goal.
FC United looked for an immediate response, and it was the tricky winger Carlos Roca who was first to test Ross Turner, however the Retford keeper was alert to keep hold of the shot.
Roca was proving to be a thorn in the side of the Badgers in the early exchanges and he played in Joseph Yoffe whose strike at close range was saved by the legs of the diving Turner.
Retford then started to take the game by the scruff of the neck, as Neil Harvey worked hard to get past Simon Garner before laying off the ball into the path of Thomas, but his shot was blazed over the bar.
Paul Ellender almost found the run of Harvey, but Ashton raced to the edge of his area to hoof clear, then Harvey again found himself in a great position, but his shot was parried away for another Retford corner.
The pressure paid off in the 18th minute, Harvey winning a corner that was floated in by Chris Bettney.
Both Ellender and Michael Simpkins challenged for the header which dropped to the feet of Colin Marrison who made no mistake as he cooly slotted the ball past Ashton with the inside of his foot to extend Retford's lead.
Bettney attempted a 25-yard shot that dipped, forcing Ashton to tip over his bar for a corner.
The Retford fans were in delirium on 24 minutes, when the lead was increased to three goals, thanks to more hard work from Thomas.
Thomas made a strong run from the halfway line, shrugging off the challenge of Nick Swirad before firing his shot past Ashton at his near post.
Thomas then sent the ball across the face of goal, with Harvey just missing out as he stretched to try and make contact.
Marrison burst into the box under the challenge of two FC United players, and despite falling to the ground, the referee waved the penalty shout away which allowed the home side to clear.
FC United then had a rare effort, Jake Cottrell's shot going into the hands of Turner.
Thomas then found the run of Bettney on the right wing, but his cross was collected in the air by Ashton.
FC United then pulled a goal back on 40 minutes from a superb shot into the top corner from the edge of the box by Roca.
A mistake by Garner almost led to a Retford fourth, Thomas latching onto the loose ball before running into the box from the right, only to put his shot over the bar.
And Retford had another good chance to increase the lead before the break.
Marquin Smith picked up the ball in his own penalty area, before running through the middle of the pitch evading the FC United challenges and into the box. He fired the ball at goal, but Ashton was in place to block.
The final action of the first half saw Ellender set Harvey on a run into the box. Harvey chose to shoot, with Thomas in a better position to score, the ball going over the bar.
The second half started with Retford having a chance as Harvey once again found Thomas who looked to be through on goal, but Ashton again had to clear from outside his box.
FC United looked for something to get back into the game.
Roca again made a run on the left with Simpkins clearing for a corner. The ball in fell to the feet of substitute Rob Nugent but his shot was well wide of the target.
Lee Holmes was introduced to the action to replace Thomas and within a minute of his introduction, Retford were four up.
Holmes made his way towards goal, his shot rebounding off the legs of Ashton, then Marrison picked up the pieces to score his second of the game as he fired low past the keeper and into the back of the net.
The game then looked all but over with still half an hour to play.
But the deficit was reduced once more when Simon Carden headed home across Turner to give FC United a glimmer of hope.
But Retford continued to stand firm at the back, despite Garner almost finding target only for his header to be denied by the crossbar.
The game went into the final stages, and the home side thought they had set up a grandstand finish in the 89th minute when they netted from a corner, only for the referee to disallow the goal for a foul on Turner.
A small scuffle broke out between both sets of players, with Nugent and Turner both receiving a caution for their part in the fracas.
The match ended with the Retford fans delighted at the result that keeps them on top of the league as the Christmas schedule kicks in.
Thursday, December 17, 2009, 07:00
Unibond League Premier Division leaders Retford United continued their impressive away form with a 4-2 victory over FC United of Manchester at Bury's Gigg Lane ground on Saturday.
Buoyed on by their very vocal travelling support, it took only three minutes for the Badgers to make the break. Darryl Thomas shrugged off the attentions of the FC United defence before slotting his shot past the advancing Sam Ashton to silence the home crowd packed behind the goal.
FC United looked for an immediate response, and it was the tricky winger Carlos Roca who was first to test Ross Turner, however the Retford keeper was alert to keep hold of the shot.
Roca was proving to be a thorn in the side of the Badgers in the early exchanges and he played in Joseph Yoffe whose strike at close range was saved by the legs of the diving Turner.
Retford then started to take the game by the scruff of the neck, as Neil Harvey worked hard to get past Simon Garner before laying off the ball into the path of Thomas, but his shot was blazed over the bar.
Paul Ellender almost found the run of Harvey, but Ashton raced to the edge of his area to hoof clear, then Harvey again found himself in a great position, but his shot was parried away for another Retford corner.
The pressure paid off in the 18th minute, Harvey winning a corner that was floated in by Chris Bettney.
Both Ellender and Michael Simpkins challenged for the header which dropped to the feet of Colin Marrison who made no mistake as he cooly slotted the ball past Ashton with the inside of his foot to extend Retford's lead.
Bettney attempted a 25-yard shot that dipped, forcing Ashton to tip over his bar for a corner.
The Retford fans were in delirium on 24 minutes, when the lead was increased to three goals, thanks to more hard work from Thomas.
Thomas made a strong run from the halfway line, shrugging off the challenge of Nick Swirad before firing his shot past Ashton at his near post.
Thomas then sent the ball across the face of goal, with Harvey just missing out as he stretched to try and make contact.
Marrison burst into the box under the challenge of two FC United players, and despite falling to the ground, the referee waved the penalty shout away which allowed the home side to clear.
FC United then had a rare effort, Jake Cottrell's shot going into the hands of Turner.
Thomas then found the run of Bettney on the right wing, but his cross was collected in the air by Ashton.
FC United then pulled a goal back on 40 minutes from a superb shot into the top corner from the edge of the box by Roca.
A mistake by Garner almost led to a Retford fourth, Thomas latching onto the loose ball before running into the box from the right, only to put his shot over the bar.
And Retford had another good chance to increase the lead before the break.
Marquin Smith picked up the ball in his own penalty area, before running through the middle of the pitch evading the FC United challenges and into the box. He fired the ball at goal, but Ashton was in place to block.
The final action of the first half saw Ellender set Harvey on a run into the box. Harvey chose to shoot, with Thomas in a better position to score, the ball going over the bar.
The second half started with Retford having a chance as Harvey once again found Thomas who looked to be through on goal, but Ashton again had to clear from outside his box.
FC United looked for something to get back into the game.
Roca again made a run on the left with Simpkins clearing for a corner. The ball in fell to the feet of substitute Rob Nugent but his shot was well wide of the target.
Lee Holmes was introduced to the action to replace Thomas and within a minute of his introduction, Retford were four up.
Holmes made his way towards goal, his shot rebounding off the legs of Ashton, then Marrison picked up the pieces to score his second of the game as he fired low past the keeper and into the back of the net.
The game then looked all but over with still half an hour to play.
But the deficit was reduced once more when Simon Carden headed home across Turner to give FC United a glimmer of hope.
But Retford continued to stand firm at the back, despite Garner almost finding target only for his header to be denied by the crossbar.
The game went into the final stages, and the home side thought they had set up a grandstand finish in the 89th minute when they netted from a corner, only for the referee to disallow the goal for a foul on Turner.
A small scuffle broke out between both sets of players, with Nugent and Turner both receiving a caution for their part in the fracas.
The match ended with the Retford fans delighted at the result that keeps them on top of the league as the Christmas schedule kicks in.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Rebels gunning for safety points
Source: Bury Times
11:10pm Wednesday 16th December 2009
By Liam Chronnell
FC United are aiming to pull clear of the relegation zone when they face a high noon shootout at Guiseley on Sunday.
The Rebels slipped to their third defeat in four games when they went down 4-2 against leaders Retford United in the UniBond Premier League on Saturday.
The loss leaves the Gigg Lane tenants third bottom — two points behind their closest rivals going into the weekend’s fixtures.
FC found themselves 3-0 down after just 24 minutes against Retford before Carlos Roca pulled one back four minutes before half time.
But they fell further behind before Simon Carden struck again on the hour mark to set up a tense, but ultimately fruitless, finale.
11:10pm Wednesday 16th December 2009
By Liam Chronnell
FC United are aiming to pull clear of the relegation zone when they face a high noon shootout at Guiseley on Sunday.
The Rebels slipped to their third defeat in four games when they went down 4-2 against leaders Retford United in the UniBond Premier League on Saturday.
The loss leaves the Gigg Lane tenants third bottom — two points behind their closest rivals going into the weekend’s fixtures.
FC found themselves 3-0 down after just 24 minutes against Retford before Carlos Roca pulled one back four minutes before half time.
But they fell further behind before Simon Carden struck again on the hour mark to set up a tense, but ultimately fruitless, finale.
From Wharfedale and Airedale Observer
Edited from: Wharfedale and Airedale Observer
...
Guiseley’s league game against FC United of Manchester will, on police advice, be played on Sunday with a noon kick-off. There will be a big police presence in the area and fans will be segregated.
Home supporters will have use of the main stand and the Ings Crescent side of the ground and should enter via the turnstiles at that end of the ground. The clubhouse bar will be closed until after the game.
...
Guiseley’s league game against FC United of Manchester will, on police advice, be played on Sunday with a noon kick-off. There will be a big police presence in the area and fans will be segregated.
Home supporters will have use of the main stand and the Ings Crescent side of the ground and should enter via the turnstiles at that end of the ground. The clubhouse bar will be closed until after the game.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Danny Moran meets Manc footie laureate Mike Duff and talks FC United
Source: Manchester Confidential
The writer Mike Duff once received a phone call from Andrew Motion, the ex-Poet Laureate, to congratulate him on a poem he’d written. “He said, ‘How long did it take you to write the poem?’ I said about five minutes. He said, ‘Good heavens!’. So I asked him how long it took him to write his Prince William poem. He said four months. I could see that was my chance. I couldn’t resist. I said, “Good heavens!”
On Saturday Duff was at ‘Course You Can, Malcolm’, FC United’s self-styled ‘club-night-in-the-afternoon-at-the-potty-end-of-the-tram-tracks’ (i.e. Gigg Lane) to launch his latest novel, Yer Wot? There was real ale and mince pies and potato hash with pickled cabbage. A small choir in Santa hats sang Pride Of All Europe and Fairytale of New York and then Duff gave a reading. The event was a fundraiser for the club’s development fund. They desperately need their own stadium, due to the cost of hiring out Bury’s for each home game. Duff will be donating the profits from the sale of the book.
The novel offers a fresh dollop of Duff’s familiar scally prose, cut-throat gags and impeccably observed characters, spinning a roughhouse Romeo and Juliet tale around what Duff calls ‘the Heartlands’: Moston, Harpurhey, Monsall, Newton Heath, Collyhurst, Miles Platting, Clayton. The plot unfolds around the birth of the breakaway football team, whose games the characters attend, and is a worthy successor to Low Life, the novel which made his name, which Duff wrote ten years ago on the rebound from an acrimonious divorce.
“I had a drink problem,” he said. “Which I’ve basically had all me life. And ‘cos I went round to the house and caused trouble…well it didn’t look good for me in court, did it?” Instead, he did his therapy on the page. “They were talking about supervised access and I said ‘God will die before you make me see my kids like that. So I went home and wrote Low Life.” He cites Kurt Vonnegut, Anthony Burgess and Bob Dylan as inspirations, but also Keith Waterhouse’s first novel, There Is A Happy Land. “Of course, my book’s a lot more violent than that.”
Low Life won a competition run by the Manchester publisher Commonword, and has since gone on to acquire local classic status. Guardian reviews and Granada profiles followed. Then in 2004 he won the BBC Poem For Manchester competition, prompting Motion’s call. Duff’s winning poem, ‘In The Rain’ is inscribed into the Manchester Curve Bridge on London Road. He says it’s the poems which give him the greater pride. You can read them in the Manchester United fanzine, United We Stand, most issues.
Duff signed a stream of books for supporters and fans, many of whom offered memories of previous, inebriated readings or personal connections to poems or passages from the novels. Then he got up to read a selection of verse from his collection, Of A Mancunian. We got ‘Rent Boy Crisis’, ‘On The Road To Harpurhey’, and an account of his brother’s death, last year, called ‘And John Terry Cried’. When he finished, he went home to look after his mam, who is 91 and bed-ridden. At Gigg Lane, FC duly emerged and got spanked 4-2 by league leaders Retford United – and truth be told, it was a real pre-Christmas stuffing, as the North East side’s forwards, Neil Harvey and Darryl Thomas, chopped up FC’s back four like a line of whizz, all afternoon. Even a Carlos Roca pearler, just before half time, couldn’t lift the home side.
The next day I called at Duff’s Blackley home. Sky Sports highlights were flickering brightly on the television; daughter Kerry was happily ensconced on the sofa. There was a wintry flush of health about the writer’s chops. He said he’s off the booze for the time being. “Did you see the Wigan goal?” he asked.
We talked about Bolton Wanderers and Saturday’s 3-3 with Manchester City. Though he’s Cheetham Hill born he’s been a fan of the Trotters since he was seven, though he rarely goes any more. “When we were winning 3-2, there was some glorious opportunities, one where Muamba was clean through. Then again, is it wise to be throwing four men forward when you’re 3-2 up against City?.”
He’s no love for Sky Blues (though daughter Kerry is a fan) and he thinks Hughes is wrong for them. “He’s a relegation manager, isn’t he?” He finds the current Trotters outfit something of a mixed bag. “I’ve got worries about Zat Knight – I didn’t think Andy O’Brien was that bad a player before him. But they bought two full backs…last season they played Steinsson, who I rated, and Samuels, who I think is all right. Then they buy Robinson and Ricketts, and I can’t understand what his [manager Gary Megson’s] game is.”
He says he keeps changing his mind about Megson. “He’s done the ‘ginger marine’ bit, which probably helped, and he’s better than Sammy Lee. They play a bit more football than they’re often given credit for. But to stay up…you’ve got to look at the teams we’re losing to. We lost to Wolves, for fuck’s sake.”
The team currently lie next from bottom of the Premiership table.
“The way I see it the next four games are going to be crucial. West Ham [on Tuesday night]. Wigan [next Monday]. Burnley [Boxing Day]. Hull [Dec 29]. We’ve got to pick up some points. ‘Cos after Christmas it’s Arsenal, Liverpool, City again and Sunderland away…”
The writer Mike Duff once received a phone call from Andrew Motion, the ex-Poet Laureate, to congratulate him on a poem he’d written. “He said, ‘How long did it take you to write the poem?’ I said about five minutes. He said, ‘Good heavens!’. So I asked him how long it took him to write his Prince William poem. He said four months. I could see that was my chance. I couldn’t resist. I said, “Good heavens!”
On Saturday Duff was at ‘Course You Can, Malcolm’, FC United’s self-styled ‘club-night-in-the-afternoon-at-the-potty-end-of-the-tram-tracks’ (i.e. Gigg Lane) to launch his latest novel, Yer Wot? There was real ale and mince pies and potato hash with pickled cabbage. A small choir in Santa hats sang Pride Of All Europe and Fairytale of New York and then Duff gave a reading. The event was a fundraiser for the club’s development fund. They desperately need their own stadium, due to the cost of hiring out Bury’s for each home game. Duff will be donating the profits from the sale of the book.
The novel offers a fresh dollop of Duff’s familiar scally prose, cut-throat gags and impeccably observed characters, spinning a roughhouse Romeo and Juliet tale around what Duff calls ‘the Heartlands’: Moston, Harpurhey, Monsall, Newton Heath, Collyhurst, Miles Platting, Clayton. The plot unfolds around the birth of the breakaway football team, whose games the characters attend, and is a worthy successor to Low Life, the novel which made his name, which Duff wrote ten years ago on the rebound from an acrimonious divorce.
“I had a drink problem,” he said. “Which I’ve basically had all me life. And ‘cos I went round to the house and caused trouble…well it didn’t look good for me in court, did it?” Instead, he did his therapy on the page. “They were talking about supervised access and I said ‘God will die before you make me see my kids like that. So I went home and wrote Low Life.” He cites Kurt Vonnegut, Anthony Burgess and Bob Dylan as inspirations, but also Keith Waterhouse’s first novel, There Is A Happy Land. “Of course, my book’s a lot more violent than that.”
Low Life won a competition run by the Manchester publisher Commonword, and has since gone on to acquire local classic status. Guardian reviews and Granada profiles followed. Then in 2004 he won the BBC Poem For Manchester competition, prompting Motion’s call. Duff’s winning poem, ‘In The Rain’ is inscribed into the Manchester Curve Bridge on London Road. He says it’s the poems which give him the greater pride. You can read them in the Manchester United fanzine, United We Stand, most issues.
Duff signed a stream of books for supporters and fans, many of whom offered memories of previous, inebriated readings or personal connections to poems or passages from the novels. Then he got up to read a selection of verse from his collection, Of A Mancunian. We got ‘Rent Boy Crisis’, ‘On The Road To Harpurhey’, and an account of his brother’s death, last year, called ‘And John Terry Cried’. When he finished, he went home to look after his mam, who is 91 and bed-ridden. At Gigg Lane, FC duly emerged and got spanked 4-2 by league leaders Retford United – and truth be told, it was a real pre-Christmas stuffing, as the North East side’s forwards, Neil Harvey and Darryl Thomas, chopped up FC’s back four like a line of whizz, all afternoon. Even a Carlos Roca pearler, just before half time, couldn’t lift the home side.
The next day I called at Duff’s Blackley home. Sky Sports highlights were flickering brightly on the television; daughter Kerry was happily ensconced on the sofa. There was a wintry flush of health about the writer’s chops. He said he’s off the booze for the time being. “Did you see the Wigan goal?” he asked.
We talked about Bolton Wanderers and Saturday’s 3-3 with Manchester City. Though he’s Cheetham Hill born he’s been a fan of the Trotters since he was seven, though he rarely goes any more. “When we were winning 3-2, there was some glorious opportunities, one where Muamba was clean through. Then again, is it wise to be throwing four men forward when you’re 3-2 up against City?.”
He’s no love for Sky Blues (though daughter Kerry is a fan) and he thinks Hughes is wrong for them. “He’s a relegation manager, isn’t he?” He finds the current Trotters outfit something of a mixed bag. “I’ve got worries about Zat Knight – I didn’t think Andy O’Brien was that bad a player before him. But they bought two full backs…last season they played Steinsson, who I rated, and Samuels, who I think is all right. Then they buy Robinson and Ricketts, and I can’t understand what his [manager Gary Megson’s] game is.”
He says he keeps changing his mind about Megson. “He’s done the ‘ginger marine’ bit, which probably helped, and he’s better than Sammy Lee. They play a bit more football than they’re often given credit for. But to stay up…you’ve got to look at the teams we’re losing to. We lost to Wolves, for fuck’s sake.”
The team currently lie next from bottom of the Premiership table.
“The way I see it the next four games are going to be crucial. West Ham [on Tuesday night]. Wigan [next Monday]. Burnley [Boxing Day]. Hull [Dec 29]. We’ve got to pick up some points. ‘Cos after Christmas it’s Arsenal, Liverpool, City again and Sunderland away…”
Monday, December 14, 2009
United beat United in Manchester
Source: Retford Guardian
Published Date: 14 December 2009
By Guardian Sport
RETFORD United are still four points clear at the top of the UniBond Premier table, after a 4-2 win in Manchester.
Peter Duffield's Badgers beat FC United of Manchester, in front of 1,920 spectators at Gigg Lane, Bury.
Darryl Thomas netted on three minutes, before Colin Marrison doubled the lead on 18.
Six minutes later Thomas got his second to put Retford firmly in control.
Carlos Rocca pulled one back for the hosts before half-time, but Marrison was on target on 58 minutes to make it 4-1.
Simon Carden made it 4-2 three minutes later but Retford held on to their lead to take three points.
Published Date: 14 December 2009
By Guardian Sport
RETFORD United are still four points clear at the top of the UniBond Premier table, after a 4-2 win in Manchester.
Peter Duffield's Badgers beat FC United of Manchester, in front of 1,920 spectators at Gigg Lane, Bury.
Darryl Thomas netted on three minutes, before Colin Marrison doubled the lead on 18.
Six minutes later Thomas got his second to put Retford firmly in control.
Carlos Rocca pulled one back for the hosts before half-time, but Marrison was on target on 58 minutes to make it 4-1.
Simon Carden made it 4-2 three minutes later but Retford held on to their lead to take three points.
From The Bolton News
Edited from: The Bolton News
...
FC United slipped to their third defeat in four games as they lost 4-2 against leaders Retford United in the Premier League at Gigg Lane.
The Rebels found themselves 3-0 down after just 24 minutes before Carlos Roca pulled one back four minutes before half time.
Simon Carden gave the hosts hope when he further reduced the deficit just after the hour mark, but Retford added a fourth before the end to leave FC stuck in the bottom three.
...
FC United slipped to their third defeat in four games as they lost 4-2 against leaders Retford United in the Premier League at Gigg Lane.
The Rebels found themselves 3-0 down after just 24 minutes before Carlos Roca pulled one back four minutes before half time.
Simon Carden gave the hosts hope when he further reduced the deficit just after the hour mark, but Retford added a fourth before the end to leave FC stuck in the bottom three.
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