Source: M.E.N.
THE first book on FC United is now on sale, written - fittingly - by a brickie from Beswick!
Lifelong Manchester United fan Robert Brady, who served on the steering committee which brought the club into existence last summer, has come up with "An Undividable Glow" (£8.78).
The book is as manic as it is Manc, a hilarious and achingly sad trip through a remarkable 12 months in the history of Manchester United and its lively offspring FC United.
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Brady has a cult following from his column in the United We Stand fanzine, and his style is not so much a stream of consciousness as a raging torrent of it, as the impenetrable title of the book hints.
"As a city, Manchester believes it is frightened of nothing. This book is one individual's story of how a part of Red Manchester defied defeat," says the blurb on the back.
Laced with a love of Manchester, Mancunians, family, friends and fellow Reds, Brady has come up with a book which is a rough-edged, funny and a poignant slice of what makes Manchester great, and what makes it grate. It should become a Mancunian classic. Should, but probably won't.
To find out more go to www.fcunitedbook.co.uk, and you can buy the book at www.fc-utd.co.uk or from Brady himself, standing outside Gigg Lane before home games.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Mixing with the stars
Source: Guardian Unlimited
Never mind Rooney and Ronaldo: the summer has been just as busy over at FC United, writes Tony Howard
Wednesday August 9, 2006
Guardian Unlimited
While Old Trafford was the centre of national attention over Wayne Rooney's World Cup fitness, his subsequent clash with Cristiano Ronaldo and the future of Ruud van Nistelrooy, it was also a busy close-season at the other United.
In between celebrating their first birthday, FC United of Manchester spent the summer winning their first-ever cup, enlisting a winger called R Giggs and injecting a bit a of showbiz thanks to the inclusion of a Coronation Street star.
FC fans turning up to watch their club's pre-season games were left baffled by a couple of familiar figures; indeed, many were left rubbing their eyes and mistakenly believing that a Manchester United legend had made an improbable switch to Gigg Lane.
At first glance Rhodri Giggs is the spitting image of his brother Ryan, although he plays on the right rather than left and lacks the yard of pace that his older sibling is blessed with. He does, however, look equally smart in a red shirt, he runs in the same arm-pumping style - and takes corners in a similar vein by hitting the first defender with alarming regularity. That aside, Giggs has fitted into the camp well.
As has Sam Robertson, better known as Adam Baldwin in Corrie. The boy with the strange barnet impressed FC United's coaching team during a charity game in May, after which the manager Karl Marginson said: "Mike Baldwin's lad looked good; we'd like to get him involved."
As a result, locals walking their dogs on the field behind the south Manchester high school where FC train can enjoy the surreal sight of Adam Baldwin being put through his paces twice a week by a delivery driver from Ancoats. At least it's taken his mind off the wrangling about his Dad's will. Robertson/Baldwin has gone on to make fleeting appearances throughout the summer with the new FC United reserve team.
Fans hope that the new faces - including the striker Stuart Rudd, who has plundered over 30 goals at other clubs in each of the last five seasons - will soften the blow of losing the talismanic Steve Torpey, who was poached by Halifax Town after an amazing individual performance in FC's impressive 4-2 friendly victory at the Shay.
Torps' place in United legend is assured, however, as it was he who banged in FC's first-ever goal at Flixton a year ago. And he certainly went out with a flourish in his final appearance against Halifax. During FC's inception they were warned by those behind AFC Wimbledon not to get too attached to players as they come and go at this level. How right they were.
United had hosted AFC Wimbledon at Gigg Lane, beating them to claim the Supporters Direct Cup, again thanks to a Torpey special. As a result FC have a nice cup to go in the cabinet alongside the North West Counties Division Two trophy they won in their inaugural season. There was also a game against the landlords Bury at Gigg Lane, where the Reds outnumbered the home supporters by two to one. Bury won at a canter, but the moral victory was with the far more vociferous lodgers.
A week before the league season began FC returned to the scene of the club's first-ever game, and were impressive 4-0 winners against Leigh RMI, who sit three divisions higher in the football pyramid. It was in stark contrast to the 0-0 draw there in July 2005, and offered a marker of how far the club has come since that famous day.
Now fans will hope that, with a couple of new signings and a lad called Giggs running down the wing, they can win their second successive title. And with the mouthwatering prospect of an FA Vase run to look forward to, it's sure to be another eventful season in FC United's short history.
FC United open their North West Counties League Division Two campaign with a visit to St Helens Town on Saturday August 12, kick-off 3pm.
Never mind Rooney and Ronaldo: the summer has been just as busy over at FC United, writes Tony Howard
Wednesday August 9, 2006
Guardian Unlimited
While Old Trafford was the centre of national attention over Wayne Rooney's World Cup fitness, his subsequent clash with Cristiano Ronaldo and the future of Ruud van Nistelrooy, it was also a busy close-season at the other United.
In between celebrating their first birthday, FC United of Manchester spent the summer winning their first-ever cup, enlisting a winger called R Giggs and injecting a bit a of showbiz thanks to the inclusion of a Coronation Street star.
FC fans turning up to watch their club's pre-season games were left baffled by a couple of familiar figures; indeed, many were left rubbing their eyes and mistakenly believing that a Manchester United legend had made an improbable switch to Gigg Lane.
At first glance Rhodri Giggs is the spitting image of his brother Ryan, although he plays on the right rather than left and lacks the yard of pace that his older sibling is blessed with. He does, however, look equally smart in a red shirt, he runs in the same arm-pumping style - and takes corners in a similar vein by hitting the first defender with alarming regularity. That aside, Giggs has fitted into the camp well.
As has Sam Robertson, better known as Adam Baldwin in Corrie. The boy with the strange barnet impressed FC United's coaching team during a charity game in May, after which the manager Karl Marginson said: "Mike Baldwin's lad looked good; we'd like to get him involved."
As a result, locals walking their dogs on the field behind the south Manchester high school where FC train can enjoy the surreal sight of Adam Baldwin being put through his paces twice a week by a delivery driver from Ancoats. At least it's taken his mind off the wrangling about his Dad's will. Robertson/Baldwin has gone on to make fleeting appearances throughout the summer with the new FC United reserve team.
Fans hope that the new faces - including the striker Stuart Rudd, who has plundered over 30 goals at other clubs in each of the last five seasons - will soften the blow of losing the talismanic Steve Torpey, who was poached by Halifax Town after an amazing individual performance in FC's impressive 4-2 friendly victory at the Shay.
Torps' place in United legend is assured, however, as it was he who banged in FC's first-ever goal at Flixton a year ago. And he certainly went out with a flourish in his final appearance against Halifax. During FC's inception they were warned by those behind AFC Wimbledon not to get too attached to players as they come and go at this level. How right they were.
United had hosted AFC Wimbledon at Gigg Lane, beating them to claim the Supporters Direct Cup, again thanks to a Torpey special. As a result FC have a nice cup to go in the cabinet alongside the North West Counties Division Two trophy they won in their inaugural season. There was also a game against the landlords Bury at Gigg Lane, where the Reds outnumbered the home supporters by two to one. Bury won at a canter, but the moral victory was with the far more vociferous lodgers.
A week before the league season began FC returned to the scene of the club's first-ever game, and were impressive 4-0 winners against Leigh RMI, who sit three divisions higher in the football pyramid. It was in stark contrast to the 0-0 draw there in July 2005, and offered a marker of how far the club has come since that famous day.
Now fans will hope that, with a couple of new signings and a lad called Giggs running down the wing, they can win their second successive title. And with the mouthwatering prospect of an FA Vase run to look forward to, it's sure to be another eventful season in FC United's short history.
FC United open their North West Counties League Division Two campaign with a visit to St Helens Town on Saturday August 12, kick-off 3pm.
Monday, August 07, 2006
MEN: Rampant rebels look in the mood
Source: M.E.N.RAMPANT FC United scarcely missed newly-departed star striker Steve Torpey as they romped to a rousing 4-0 friendly win at Leigh RMI.
Torpey's exit for Conference full-timers Halifax may have put a dampener on manager Karl Marginson's pre-season preparations, but the Rebels proved they can still pack a punch without him by cruising to an emphatic victory over a team who play three divisions above them in Nationwide North.
Rory Patterson opened the scoring when his shot crept under the body of keeper James Salisbury, who had a nightmare afternoon on his return to Leigh from Wigan Athletic.
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Andy Roscoe then turned the ball into his own net to give FC United a 2-0 lead before Patterson added his second and the visitors' third goal after ex-RMI defender Liam Coyne had sent him racing clear of the home defence.
The Railwaymen's substitute goalie, James Mann, was beaten by another own-goal late on, this time a James Glendenning header.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
FC United of Manchester - One Year On and Thriving
Source: squarefootball.net
FC United of Manchester have celebrated their first birthday. The anti-Glazer breakaway club played their first fixture on 16th July 2005 and since then the new club has been a roaring success. This year they are in a higher division and enter their first national cup competition.
It’s a common enough reaction among football fans to threaten to tear up the season ticket and stop going to games, so when FC United was mooted there were many who thought the move would never happen. The club has not only survived but thrived and hopes are high for another promotion.
This is still North-West Counties Division One football we’re talking about but when FC lifted the 2ND Division title last term they pulled in a massive 6,023 fans for the match against Great Harwood. There’s every reason to think that the club can average 4,000 for home games this campaign.
This is new territory because unlike AFC Wimbledon, the Old Trafford club still exists in the same stadium with minimal changes in personnel. What has been surprising is the reserve of goodwill FC have been able to draw on from those who continue to follow Manchester United. In very rough terms, Man United fans break down into five categories after the Glazer upheaval;
The Loyalists
A large group who view any attempt to break with the parent club and cut ties to Old Trafford with huge suspicion. To this section, the FC United revolution is at best wrong-headed and at worst traitorous. Will not be attending games at Gigg Lane under any circumstances.
The Indifferent
Manchester United are a huge club and it’s fair to say that many of the supporters don’t relate to non-league soccer in any way. For much of this group, FC United have no impact- many don’t even know where they play or how they are progressing. Others in this camp know of FC ‘s efforts and bear them no ill will; they just don’t see what the fuss is about.
The Straddlers
It was uncertain what relationship the revolutionaries would have with any Old Trafford regulars. In fact, a surprising number have chosen to give support to both clubs. One factor in this is the unusual pleasure of being able to watch a side at 3.00 on any given Saturday. Manchester United fans have suffered more than most from modern match scheduling. These fans represent a certain feeling against the Premiership in general, although not enough to make them want to abandon old allegiances.
The Disillusioned
Not just fed up with Manchester United but like many fans at other clubs, driven away by the excesses of the Premiership of which the Glazer takeover was one example. Still consider themselves Man U fans, although increasing numbers may not be able to afford to see games at Old Trafford. FC United offers a chance to keep the faith but at the same time connect with a more down to earth game.
The Revolutionaries
Hard core anti-Glazer fans who believe that the Glazer regime is wholly bad for the club and that still attending Old Trafford only digs the club into a bigger hole. Not prepared to go to Old Trafford under the present regime and broadly sick of many aspects of the modern game. A minority among Man U fans but their efforts have impressed many who still attend Old Trafford.
If FC keep winning they will draw more interest and might even create a 6th category of fan- the person who supports the new club and holds no allegiance, current or former, to Old Trafford. The club’s new youth set up will contribute to this goal.
By keeping the rhetoric anti-Glazer rather than anti- Man U, FC United have the potential to draw support from all but the first of the above groups and as their success grows the impact on the second group will greatly increase.
In this regard a match on 23rd September at Brodsworth Miners Welfare is crucial. This is the new club’s debut in the FA Vase and a chance to enter a national competition- one that was won last season by Nantwich Town, a team from the same division as FC will play in this year. Winning the Vase might be a long shot but a decent Cup run could raise the profile, alongside what is certain to be another push for promotion.
For the moment FC United can try to attract most Manchester United fans without those supporters felling a conflict of interest. Only if the breakaway club soars up the Pyramid structure can that happen. At the moment they can call on a core support and wider community that can make FC United the envy of every other non-league team. Year two should be another exciting prospect.
FC United of Manchester have celebrated their first birthday. The anti-Glazer breakaway club played their first fixture on 16th July 2005 and since then the new club has been a roaring success. This year they are in a higher division and enter their first national cup competition.
It’s a common enough reaction among football fans to threaten to tear up the season ticket and stop going to games, so when FC United was mooted there were many who thought the move would never happen. The club has not only survived but thrived and hopes are high for another promotion.
This is still North-West Counties Division One football we’re talking about but when FC lifted the 2ND Division title last term they pulled in a massive 6,023 fans for the match against Great Harwood. There’s every reason to think that the club can average 4,000 for home games this campaign.
This is new territory because unlike AFC Wimbledon, the Old Trafford club still exists in the same stadium with minimal changes in personnel. What has been surprising is the reserve of goodwill FC have been able to draw on from those who continue to follow Manchester United. In very rough terms, Man United fans break down into five categories after the Glazer upheaval;
The Loyalists
A large group who view any attempt to break with the parent club and cut ties to Old Trafford with huge suspicion. To this section, the FC United revolution is at best wrong-headed and at worst traitorous. Will not be attending games at Gigg Lane under any circumstances.
The Indifferent
Manchester United are a huge club and it’s fair to say that many of the supporters don’t relate to non-league soccer in any way. For much of this group, FC United have no impact- many don’t even know where they play or how they are progressing. Others in this camp know of FC ‘s efforts and bear them no ill will; they just don’t see what the fuss is about.
The Straddlers
It was uncertain what relationship the revolutionaries would have with any Old Trafford regulars. In fact, a surprising number have chosen to give support to both clubs. One factor in this is the unusual pleasure of being able to watch a side at 3.00 on any given Saturday. Manchester United fans have suffered more than most from modern match scheduling. These fans represent a certain feeling against the Premiership in general, although not enough to make them want to abandon old allegiances.
The Disillusioned
Not just fed up with Manchester United but like many fans at other clubs, driven away by the excesses of the Premiership of which the Glazer takeover was one example. Still consider themselves Man U fans, although increasing numbers may not be able to afford to see games at Old Trafford. FC United offers a chance to keep the faith but at the same time connect with a more down to earth game.
The Revolutionaries
Hard core anti-Glazer fans who believe that the Glazer regime is wholly bad for the club and that still attending Old Trafford only digs the club into a bigger hole. Not prepared to go to Old Trafford under the present regime and broadly sick of many aspects of the modern game. A minority among Man U fans but their efforts have impressed many who still attend Old Trafford.
If FC keep winning they will draw more interest and might even create a 6th category of fan- the person who supports the new club and holds no allegiance, current or former, to Old Trafford. The club’s new youth set up will contribute to this goal.
By keeping the rhetoric anti-Glazer rather than anti- Man U, FC United have the potential to draw support from all but the first of the above groups and as their success grows the impact on the second group will greatly increase.
In this regard a match on 23rd September at Brodsworth Miners Welfare is crucial. This is the new club’s debut in the FA Vase and a chance to enter a national competition- one that was won last season by Nantwich Town, a team from the same division as FC will play in this year. Winning the Vase might be a long shot but a decent Cup run could raise the profile, alongside what is certain to be another push for promotion.
For the moment FC United can try to attract most Manchester United fans without those supporters felling a conflict of interest. Only if the breakaway club soars up the Pyramid structure can that happen. At the moment they can call on a core support and wider community that can make FC United the envy of every other non-league team. Year two should be another exciting prospect.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
MEN: United for the children
Source: M.E.N.
YOUNGSTERS in care in Greater Manchester will be offered a season of free football thanks to FC United.
The rebel Manchester United club have agreed a deal with residential care provider northerncare to provide all children in their homes the chance to watch them play.
The youngsters will get free entry to Gigg Lane, in Bury, for every FC United home game.
The agreement will also see the youngsters involved in football tournaments, work experience and competitions.
A spokesman for northerncare said: "We are proud to be taking part in this pioneering project alongside FC United.
"It is a true representation of the principles by which the company runs, supporting young people in order to further their lives.
"We believe that all young people should be encouraged to participate in their communities and this is something we are aiming to achieve with the help of our partners."
A spokesman for FC United said: "This unique initiative demonstrates our commitment to making football accessible to all, and is an addition to our partnerships with local schools and junior football clubs."
YOUNGSTERS in care in Greater Manchester will be offered a season of free football thanks to FC United.
The rebel Manchester United club have agreed a deal with residential care provider northerncare to provide all children in their homes the chance to watch them play.
The youngsters will get free entry to Gigg Lane, in Bury, for every FC United home game.
The agreement will also see the youngsters involved in football tournaments, work experience and competitions.
A spokesman for northerncare said: "We are proud to be taking part in this pioneering project alongside FC United.
"It is a true representation of the principles by which the company runs, supporting young people in order to further their lives.
"We believe that all young people should be encouraged to participate in their communities and this is something we are aiming to achieve with the help of our partners."
A spokesman for FC United said: "This unique initiative demonstrates our commitment to making football accessible to all, and is an addition to our partnerships with local schools and junior football clubs."
Friday, August 04, 2006
Last chance to impress
Source: thisislancashire.co.uk
By David Magilton
LEIGH RMI will trial half a dozen players vying for just one remaining squad place when they wind up their pre-season friendlies, hoping for a timely cash boost from a bumper crowd against FC United.
Manager Andy Nelson says that with the exception of just one place, he has finalised his squad of 17 players and that will be offered to one of the trialists after tomorrow's encounter (ko 2pm), which has been arranged as part of the deal that took young centre-half Liam Coyne to the newly-promoted North West Counties First Division outfit.
The Railwaymen drew their mid-week friendly 2-2 at Rossendale United, but tomorrow's encounter will see Nelson start with what he believes is his strongest line-up, before he introduces the trialists.
continued...
RMI visit Skelmersdale on Tuesday but that will be with a reserve team.
Nelson said: "Saturday's game will be the last for our first team as with such a small squad I can't gamble with the players' fitness so close to the start of the season.
"FC United should provide us with a decent test and I am starting with my strongest line-up because I want to know just how good we are. It is our last chance."
RMI, who won a reprieve after being relegated form Conference North last season, open their new campaign with a trip to Vauxhall Motors next Saturday.
Leigh RMI v FC United
By David Magilton
LEIGH RMI will trial half a dozen players vying for just one remaining squad place when they wind up their pre-season friendlies, hoping for a timely cash boost from a bumper crowd against FC United.
Manager Andy Nelson says that with the exception of just one place, he has finalised his squad of 17 players and that will be offered to one of the trialists after tomorrow's encounter (ko 2pm), which has been arranged as part of the deal that took young centre-half Liam Coyne to the newly-promoted North West Counties First Division outfit.
The Railwaymen drew their mid-week friendly 2-2 at Rossendale United, but tomorrow's encounter will see Nelson start with what he believes is his strongest line-up, before he introduces the trialists.
continued...
RMI visit Skelmersdale on Tuesday but that will be with a reserve team.
Nelson said: "Saturday's game will be the last for our first team as with such a small squad I can't gamble with the players' fitness so close to the start of the season.
"FC United should provide us with a decent test and I am starting with my strongest line-up because I want to know just how good we are. It is our last chance."
RMI, who won a reprieve after being relegated form Conference North last season, open their new campaign with a trip to Vauxhall Motors next Saturday.
Leigh RMI v FC United
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Leigh RMI vs. FC United of Manchester preview
Source: sportnetwork.net
By Matt Lawton - August 3 2006
One year on from history being made at Hilton Park, FC United of Manchester are welcomed back to Hilton Park this weekend when they face RMI at 2pm on Saturday afternoon.
Just over a year ago, American businessman Malcolm Glazer completed his controversial takeover of Manchester United, saddling the club with a whopping £400m debt and sparking huge protests from several thousand United supporters who were against their club being turned in to a one-man (or one family) piggybank, with no consideration being shown to the ordinary supporter, the average Red in the street.
The result was the formation of Football Club United of Manchester, an alternative to "Big United" set up by the supporters who just couldn't bear to be a part of Mr. Glazer's loan repayment. The fleding protest club soon established a groundshare agreement with League Two side Bury and successfully applying for a place in the second division of the North West Counties football league. July 2005 saw them take to the field for the very first time, and it was to Hilton Park that they headed for a game against RMI.
Nobody was quite sure just how many visiting supporters would turn out, but a massive bandwagon of support saw more than 2,000 United fans make their way to Hilton Park, providing RMI with by far and away their biggest crowd of the season, with even the huge game against Northwich on the final day of the season failing to trouble the attendance records.
One year on and United have already won their first trophy with a comfortable league victory that sees them ready to take on the first division of the North West Counties League this season, including two of RMI's local rivals in the shape of Atherton Collieries and Atherton Laburnum Rovers.
RMI have had a terrific pre-season so far, remaining unbeaten after four previous outings with draws at Clitheroe and Rossendale, along with an away victory at St. Helens and a terrific 2-0 home win over Conference National side Altrincham.
United on the other hand have had a rather mixed bag of results so far, losing at Radcliffe Borough, Sheffield and Altrincham, although they gave a good account of themselves in a 2-0 defeat to Bury, whilst they claimed a big scalp on Tuesday evening with a 4-2 victory away at Conference National side Halifax Town.
With FC providing the penultimate opposition of RMI's pre-season before the league programme begins next weekend away at Vauxhall Motors, Leigh boss Andy Nelson is set to put out his strongest possible side as they prepare for the Conference North season, and Saturday's game is sure to be an exciting, not to be mention nostalgic, encounter for the Hilton Park crowd.
Admission costs £8 for adults and £4 for concessions, with a 2pm kick off at Hilton Park.
By Matt Lawton - August 3 2006
One year on from history being made at Hilton Park, FC United of Manchester are welcomed back to Hilton Park this weekend when they face RMI at 2pm on Saturday afternoon.
Just over a year ago, American businessman Malcolm Glazer completed his controversial takeover of Manchester United, saddling the club with a whopping £400m debt and sparking huge protests from several thousand United supporters who were against their club being turned in to a one-man (or one family) piggybank, with no consideration being shown to the ordinary supporter, the average Red in the street.
The result was the formation of Football Club United of Manchester, an alternative to "Big United" set up by the supporters who just couldn't bear to be a part of Mr. Glazer's loan repayment. The fleding protest club soon established a groundshare agreement with League Two side Bury and successfully applying for a place in the second division of the North West Counties football league. July 2005 saw them take to the field for the very first time, and it was to Hilton Park that they headed for a game against RMI.
Nobody was quite sure just how many visiting supporters would turn out, but a massive bandwagon of support saw more than 2,000 United fans make their way to Hilton Park, providing RMI with by far and away their biggest crowd of the season, with even the huge game against Northwich on the final day of the season failing to trouble the attendance records.
One year on and United have already won their first trophy with a comfortable league victory that sees them ready to take on the first division of the North West Counties League this season, including two of RMI's local rivals in the shape of Atherton Collieries and Atherton Laburnum Rovers.
RMI have had a terrific pre-season so far, remaining unbeaten after four previous outings with draws at Clitheroe and Rossendale, along with an away victory at St. Helens and a terrific 2-0 home win over Conference National side Altrincham.
United on the other hand have had a rather mixed bag of results so far, losing at Radcliffe Borough, Sheffield and Altrincham, although they gave a good account of themselves in a 2-0 defeat to Bury, whilst they claimed a big scalp on Tuesday evening with a 4-2 victory away at Conference National side Halifax Town.
With FC providing the penultimate opposition of RMI's pre-season before the league programme begins next weekend away at Vauxhall Motors, Leigh boss Andy Nelson is set to put out his strongest possible side as they prepare for the Conference North season, and Saturday's game is sure to be an exciting, not to be mention nostalgic, encounter for the Hilton Park crowd.
Admission costs £8 for adults and £4 for concessions, with a 2pm kick off at Hilton Park.
TOWN IN STRIKER SWOOP
Source: Halifax Courier
HALIFAX Town have swooped to sign FC United of Manchester striker Steve Torpey.
The 24-year-old caught Town boss Chris Wilder's eye with a superb performance in Tuesday evening's friendly at the Shay which included a stunning 30 yard strike.
And Wilder has moved swiftly to snap up the player, who was expected to complete his move to Halifax today.
A former England schoolboy international, Torpey was at Liverpool's Academy for three years but eventually moved on to current Division One outfit Port Vale, where he made one league appearance.
In 2002, he moved into non-league football when he signed for Merseyside outfit Prescot Cables, and he returned to Cables after a spell with Town's Conference rivals Altrincham.
He joined FC United shortly after their formation last summer and made an immediate impact, scoring in the pre-season win at Flixton and going on to bag 17 goals in 32 appearances as the team romped to the North West Counties League Division Two title last season.
HALIFAX Town have swooped to sign FC United of Manchester striker Steve Torpey.
The 24-year-old caught Town boss Chris Wilder's eye with a superb performance in Tuesday evening's friendly at the Shay which included a stunning 30 yard strike.
And Wilder has moved swiftly to snap up the player, who was expected to complete his move to Halifax today.
A former England schoolboy international, Torpey was at Liverpool's Academy for three years but eventually moved on to current Division One outfit Port Vale, where he made one league appearance.
In 2002, he moved into non-league football when he signed for Merseyside outfit Prescot Cables, and he returned to Cables after a spell with Town's Conference rivals Altrincham.
He joined FC United shortly after their formation last summer and made an immediate impact, scoring in the pre-season win at Flixton and going on to bag 17 goals in 32 appearances as the team romped to the North West Counties League Division Two title last season.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
MEN: Rebels on the goal rampage
Source: M.E.N.FC UNITED produced their most impressive pre-season performance so far in romping to a 4-2 victory over Nationwide Conference big guns Halifax at the Shay.
The Rebels never looked back after going three-up inside 20 minutes through Rob Nugent, Steve Torpey and Will Ahern.
Halifax pulled one back when Dave Chadwick deflected a shot past keeper Barrie George, but a Rory Patterson penalty sealed victory for FC.
Town suffer as United show mettle
Source: Halifax CourierHalifax Town 2
FC United of Manchester 4
SO pre-season friendlies are all just gentle, meaningless kickarounds?
Not so, as anyone at the Shay last night will testify.
OK, it is difficult to argue with the meaningless bit, with Town boss Chris Wilder fielding an almost wholly experimental side stocked with trialists, a fact that goes a long way to explaining that bizarre scoreline.
But the gentle kickaround theory went out of the window as at least half a dozen tackles flew in that made the home faithful wince, the majority coming from the visitors in a highly competitive clash which while hardly a thriller, provided a decent slice of entertainment for those who braved the suddenly autumnal weather.
And Wilder was not complaining, saying he was pleased that his players underwent a full physical workout with the proper stuff just over a week away.
Yet despite that, the half time scoreline which showed a 4-1 deficit against a side which will this season be playing four levels below the Shaymen in the non-league pyramid had many fans shaking their heads.
But it needs to be put into context, because firstly, FC United are no ordinary club.
Backed by what is by semi-pro standards huge support, they can attract players who are a class above the level they are currently positioned, and many of those who turned out last night were of Conference standard or very close to it.
And secondly, Town's starting XI was unrecognisable to the one which suffered that play off heartbreak at Leicester, with many having barely been introduced before they took the field.
Even so, the ease with which the visitors tore through the home ranks sent ripples of alarm through the home support.
With barely 10 minutes on the clock, centre half Robert Nugent beat keeper Craig Mawson to a Josh Howard free kick and nodded the ball home, and on 17 minutes, FC United doubled the lead with the strike of the night.
Young Steve Torpey, not to be confused with the Scunthorpe striker of the same name, produced a dazzling 30 yard swerver which flew past Mawson and set the tone for a sparkling display by a lad surely soon to be snapped up by a league side
Two minutes later, it was three, as William Ahern slotted home as the Halifax rearguard stood and admired, and an evening of embarrassment beckoned.
Halifax trialist Neil Prince's cross was deflected into his own net by defender David Chadwick to reduce the arrears, but just before the break, visiting striker Stuart Rudd was put clear and when Mawson brought him down , Rory Paterson cockily flicked home the spot kick.
It all made for an uncomfortable half time for Town, but the introduction of a quartet of regular first teamers for the second half stemmed the flow.
And when Danny Forrest sprinted onto the field to the biggest cheer of the night from the home end, he rewarded them within 10 seconds by volleying spectacularly home.
Town poured forward in the closing stages as the visitors began to tire.
And with a bit of luck they could have levelled as they squandered a string of late chances. However, they had left themselves too much to do and FC United closed out the final few minutes to earn themselves what is probably one of their most memorable triumphs in their short history.
So not a night that will be cherished in the memories of many Town fans, but at least there was that delightful Forrest strike to savour, and as Wilder rightly pointed out afterwards, the difference when the regulars came on after the break showed the quality of Town's first choice line up.
And the last word goes to the FC United fans, who numbered at least 500 and kept up a commendable vocal backing.
They also produced the chant of the night, pointing to the unfinished section of the Shay as they sang in unison "Are you Wembley in disguise?"
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