http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/RSS.php FC United of Manchester Latest News en-GB Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:01:12 CEST Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:01:12 CEST http://www.fc-utd.co.uk http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3086
United almost got there last season but after three victories, including one against Stalybridge Celtic of the Conference North on their own patch, they were ruthlessly dumped out 3-0 by Northwich Victoria in the fourth qualifying round.

The double-header against Celtic saw United draw 3-3 at Gigg Lane with goals from Carlos Roca, Phil Marsh and David Chadwick before turning their neighbours over 1-0 in the replay with a Jerome Wright screamer deciding the tie.

United have a good record against Saturday’s Evo-Stik Division One North opponents which reads - three wins, two draws and just one defeat. The Reds knocked Boro out of the FA Trophy last season and they also won the Presidents Cup at their expense in April 2008.

Radcliffe have been struggling so far this season and are second to bottom in the league. Their only win was the surprise 2-1 defeat of Lancaster City in the extra-preliminary round of the FA Cup to set up Saturday’s fixture.

Although United have to limit their expectations in the FA Cup, manager Karl Marginson is in no doubt of the importance of the competition and Saturday’s match. He said: “It’s a great competition because it gives players the chance to pit themselves against teams higher up the leagues but it’s also important to us as a club for other reasons.

“As Manchester United fans, we love a good cup run and I know the supporters enjoy the trips away. Our trip to Fleetwood a few years back stands out as well as last year’s matches at Sheffield, Ferriby and Northwich as days when we showed what great fans we’ve got.

“The FA Cup also provides us with the opportunity to win much needed money for the club which will help us get to Ten Acres Lane more quickly. The publicity of a good cup run can also help with that.

“And last but by no means least; Saturday gives us the opportunity to get back into that winning habit and start playing with confidence again. No disrespect to Radcliffe but we’re at home so we should be favourites to win the match. If supporters get behinds us, as they always do, there’s no reason why we can’t get to the first round proper and beyond this year.”

United are hoping to welcome Ben Deegan back to the fold for Saturday’s match following the forward’s four match absence with an ankle injury and Jerome Wright will be available for selection before he has to start a three game suspension. The Reds will probably be without Sam Ashton after the goalkeeper suffered a head injury against Bradford on Wednesday night. Zach Hibbert is on to standby to take the number one shirt.

In the event of a draw the replay will be held at Radcliffe’s Stainton Park on Tuesday 14th September with kick-off 7:45pm. Admission prices for the replay will be £7 adults, £5 concessions and £2 under 16s.

This Saturday’s match is a 3pm kick-off with ticket prices £8 adults, £5 concessions, £2 under-18s and it’s pay on the gate. Get your scarlet ribbons at the ready.
]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:37:03 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3085
However, we want to talk about the Glaziers. This weekend we can begin the peace and reconciliation. We can love United … but also love the Glaziers. The reason for this is manifold. The main one being that this weekend Course You Can Malcolm gets its own window. Not a window of opportunity or a window in your calendar but an actual window. A pub window to be precise. All good pubs should have a frosted window. The type where if you walk past you get a tantalising glimpse of who is in there, but not enough to be sure, so you have to go in as your nosiness gets the better of you. Oh well, while I’m here I might as well have a beer. That sort of pub window.

Did you know glass or Perspex is just like granite? Neither did the Oddies till the last home game. In a lovely FC United of Manchester moment in conversation with the man who engraved Matt Busby’s headstone, we were informed that if we got a piece of Perspex, the aforementioned stone engraver would engrave a frosted window with the Course You Can Malcolm logo on it. One of the hands that made Matt’s passing dignified now brings us something lovely and back to life. That window is there now for you to enjoy this Saturday in Course You Can Malcolm. When the sun shines in it will shine through a bit of Red loving and just make the place that little bit glintier. Come and enjoy it, it’s yours. It’s your pub, it’s your window. It’s now a part of United as worthy as any other part of United.

And on that note of United joy: we are all aware that big United had the game removed to Saturday dinner. Not for one moment did Gill take into consideration that we have to book turns in advance. Turns that care for our football club so much that they will go out of their way to play for free to us. No payment involved, just good, talented people from around our city who will help contribute to our Ten Acres cause which will in turn go on to increase the talent within our city. A lovely, fat, never ending circle of Mancunian life. It could be no other way.

The resounding feedback that we have received is that if we cancelled due to the vagaries of Sky programming then what does that make us? The Oddies took an overwhelming decision at a meeting that the care and loyalty shown by our booked artists should be rewarded with our care and loyalty. That’s just decency. It was also noted that we forcefully sing ‘Don’t pay Glazer, or work for Sky.’ So we won’t work to their dick and dastardly ways. Obvious really. Course You Can Malcolm will put quality turns on while United are being subjugated to the till of the telly elsewhere. Just as our little United team won’t be shifted when big United are playing, neither will we. We’ve been set a fine, fine, fine example. And as big United will continue to be biffed and bashed by telly over the course of the season, we won’t. We’ve come a long way. We crawled but now we toddle. When we get to Newton Heath we’ll walk.

You can watch the game on MOTD later. We know we will. Heartbreak was not attending that first derby in 2005, this is piddlesticks. Heartbreak was sat at home fiddling while Rome burned. Perhaps, as so, so many of us did, it’s because if we wanted to see United so much pre-2005 that we just went. It was that simple. Lock out? No ticket? We’d still go, so many of us just cared. Many of us just weren’t telly Reds. We’ll be giving score updates over the microphone, why wouldn’t we? This week more than any week, show your support for fight back football and a little bit of Course You Can Malcolm courage that can be traced back to the courage that launched this club in that twinkly summer of 2005. Come into Course You Can Malcolm early for the grandeur and the romance of the FA Cup this Saturday and be met by grandeur and romance. We are all Glaziers. So to you dear Glazier we say this: don’t pay, Glazier.

SAT’S ENTERTAINMENT, SAT’S ENTERTAINMENT…

Sorry to go on but sometimes you have to be clear on why you have made a decision. We hope you can see this, thank you. Anyway, so what, after all that, have we got on? We’re going to have to give this a separate line as it’s so wondrous…

We have a female HARPIST. That’s a HARPIST. A big golden stringy thing that angels play.

Rebecca Joy Sharp will be performing for 22 minutes. We saw her at a venue in town. I didn’t speak as she performed. If you knew me, that’s odd. We were mesmerised. Enchanted. Transfixed. If you don’t love this woman I will eat my shoe. And I broke my leg a while back and my feet have grown a shoe size for some strange reason so it’ll be a right mouthful. Rebecca’s songs are done in a spoken-word style over her harp playing. She has a ‘bring you in’ captivating voice. I’m now going to say the word ‘erotic’ on the official website…this woman has an erotic voice. A very, very erotic voice. I’m also very, very harsh on lyricists. Not with this woman. Truly, truly lovely. Her ‘Belle and Sebastian floating in above the rooftops’ and ‘stones in tarmac being little stars’ lines was all she needed to do for those others who have heard her. Come and see. You will note we almost, almost resisted the ‘sorry to harp on’ joke.

On the subject of fantastic, erotic voices Olga Gerke will be doing a couple of poems half an hour before Rebecca for five minutes. Olga, if you had her voice down as anything, would be the Swedish chef from The Muppets. In an adult movie. And female of course. One of her poems is called ‘Smelly fish’. It’s an insight into her humour. We saw her whilst she was supporting our very own FC United of Manchester’s John Darwin at his book launch. She radiated above the ten or so guest performers there. Radiated. We were instantly charmed by her ‘I’ve not been in England long’ accent. The pleasure will be yours on your visit.

What’s not worth a visit and what won’t give you pleasure is the return of Murrjy’s joke spot. Now much as we love our manager, he had the cheek to tell the ‘Tulips from hamster jam’ joke at the last CYCM and thought he could get away without the deafening chorus of boos that accompanied his hasty departure. Please feel free to come and boo his two jokes again in his ‘Margentiferous’ spot. Boo louder this time please. It’s the only time he will ever, ever be booed by us. And we love that.

EVERYTHING ELSE SUMMED UP IN A PARAGRAPH…

Quick summary because I always try to keep it short but always fail. Sorry again. Anyway, the tater hash is back – hoorah. Eyebrows will be cooking, before your very own not-so-eyebrowy eyes, his unorthodoxedly-cooked veggie sausage hotdogs. Josephine90 will have her brandy fruit cake of drunken death again. The beers are there and in the freezer, the flags will be up including the now on-permanent-loan ‘This thing of ours’ flag, the team will be announced in the way I’m sure no other team sheet is ever read out. Surely you must have sussed the birthplace of the ref and his grasses by now? If not listen carefully. And of course the new pub window, aww.

CYCM will never properly be a CYCM in the eyes of the Oddies until all our members can get in, free from the restrictions of our landlords. This weekend the Manchester Road End is shut so all stands can come in and get a hug off Paul and Carly at the door as you do so. The hippiest door folk ever. Unless you cross them and try to take a beer into the stands…then you die…quite quickly…unless they’re in a bad mood. Together, as always, to the next three points …or Cup round.

Fraternally yours,
The CYCM odd carriers

As oft repeated **** CYCM is an FC United of Manchester members’ pub. That means if you’re an FC United of Manchester member then you get to come in. One guest allowed per member. There will be membership forms as you come in. All bottles to be kept within the bar area because if you take it out on the terrace you won’t be coming in again. It’s a football league ground. Their rules on this one that they’ll take great relish in hurting us for if we transgress. This is our ‘No divs’ policy that we firmly adhere to for the dignity of our club because nobody wants to drink with divs. That is a Mancunian fact ****
]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:41:59 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3084
Winger Chris Ovington got the Reds off to the perfect start on his return to the Horsfall Stadium with a goal inside eight minutes but Dominic Riordan equalised for the hosts within 60 seconds before Tom Greaves put a hat-trick past Sam Ashton in the last 15 minutes of the game.

The match started brightly for the Reds who were on the attack within the first minute when Jerome Wright was fouled right on the edge of the box. The free-kick was headed behind by a BPA defender. From the resulting corner, Mike Norton just failed to make contact with a header.

FC looked to be playing with confidence and took the lead through former BPA player Ovington, who beat the offside trap to run into the box and slot the ball into the corner of the net. Sadly this lead lasted just 60 seconds as a BPA ball into the box was weakly punched out by the recalled Ashton. The ball dropped at the feet of Riordan who fired into the net.

A greater concern for United was goalkeeper Ashton who took a knock in the build up to the goal and was down for some eight minutes whilst he received treatment. Thankfully, with no substitute ‘keeper on the bench, he was okay to continue.

FC United didn’t seem to let the setback of conceding and equaliser get them down as they continued to attack with Wright getting on the end of a long ball forward and beating the keeper only to see the ball go wide of the post. Norton was also guilty of mis-kicking a good chance with the goal at his mercy.

There was a let off for the Reds halfway through the first half, when the home side had a goal ruled out. Riordan powered a header into the goal but the referee saw a push on an FC defender. So at half-time it was all square and all to play for with both sides pretty evenly matched.

The second half began poorly from both sides, with not much football on show and no goalmouth action until the 64th minute when Bradford substitue Marc Smith headed the ball over the bar. With 15 minutes to go, BPA took the lead when Facey broke down the right and drill in a cross for Greaves to blast into the net from close range.

This goal woke FC United up a little and they finally started to create a couple of chances with Ovington shooting straight at the keeper and Richard Battersby unlucky to see a shot deflected wide. But in all honesty, these were just token efforts as the Reds didn’t look anything like a genuine attacking force in the second 45 minutes.

The lead was increased on 86 minutes when Greaves got the better of a tangle with Jacobs, turned and fired a low shot past Ashton at his near post and the Reds’ misery was compounded with two minutes to go when Greaves burst through the middle to fire home and complete his hat-trick.

So yet again, FC United fail to beat BPA and if truth be told, they might not get a better chance at the Horsfall Stadium. BPA looked for much of the game a shadow of the team we have played in the past but sadly FC United were poor in the second half and were made to pay for a lacklustre performance.

Report by Steven Wood


Match information:

FC United
S Ashton
K Jacobs
L Neville (cautioned 58)
J Cottrell
M Parker
S McManus
C Roca
R Battersby (capt)
M Norton
J Wright (cautioned 81)
C Ovington
Subs
J Holden (for 7 61)
M Ayres
S Carden (for 10 85)
K Munroe
N Platt (for 11 79)

Scorer: Ovington 8

Bradford Park Avenue
S Kerr
N Hay
M Drury (capt)
D Briggs (cautioned 19)
J Knowles (cautioned 31)
D Riordan
S Baldry
T Claisse
T Greaves
D Facey (cautioned 55)
K Sanasay
Subs
D Heagney
M Smith (for 10 85)
A Clayton
J Riordan (for 5 63)
L Gibson

Scorers: D Riordan 9, Greaves 76 87 89
]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:38:13 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3082
The former Stalybridge Celtic player was influential in United’s opening three wins of the season but has since missed the defeats to Ashton and Matlock in the last 10 days due to picking up a knock during the 5-1 defeat of Retford. Assistant manager Roy Soule said: “Bats is very close, he’s moving freely and he could well take part in Wednesday’s game.”

Unfortunately, it wasn’t as good news for Steve Torpey. Soule explained: “It’s a reoccurrence of an old groin injury for Stevie, so he may be out for some time. We’ll have to see how he responds to physio work and stretching, we don’t want to aggravate it any further. It’s a real shame because he worked very hard in pre-season.”

Meanwhile, Reds’ forward Ben Deegan, who has missed the last three games, should be available for the weekend’s FA Cup tie with Radcliffe and has a chance of being part of the squad to take on Bradford. Soule was also pleased to report that Chris Ovington and Colin Little, who have both been struggling with hamstring strains, came through Sunday’s defeat and subsequent training without any further problems.

Despite losing five times to Bradford whilst managing only three draws against the West Yorkshire side over the last three years, Soule is unconcerned with the opposition. He said: “I don’t care about the history of results, I care about the future of results. You can’t change history but you can decide the future.”

Soule believes there is no need to panic after Sunday’s thrashing at the hands of Matlock but he wasn’t looking for excuses and has identified a number of areas where United can improve. He said: “5-1 might not reflect the balance of the football that we saw but score-lines don’t tell lies. There were a couple of individual errors but more tellingly Matlock caught us cold for their first two goals. It shows that our attention needs to be focussed before that whistle is blown.

“Also, we lost our momentum during the (28 minute) stoppage. We’ve learnt from that and if anything like that ever happens again we’ll have the players doing a physical activity whilst they wait for the game to be restarted.”

Although Soule doesn’t expect Margy to ring out the changes to the first team after two defeats, he had a few words of encouragement for players on the fringes. “It’s a squad game. We want to keep all the players involved and ready to come in, that’s why we had the practice match at Trafford last week.

"I’ve got a saying – ‘I never take a shirt off a player but sometimes he gives me it back’. If the lads in the team aren’t performing then it’s up to the other players to show us what they can do, the opportunities are there.”

Bradford Park Avenue versus FC United of Manchester is this Wednesday with a 7.45pm kick-off. It’s pay on the gate with prices £8 for adults and £5 for concessions. Bring on United.
]]> Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:17:48 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3081
This means that our game scheduled against Ossett Town on Wednesday 6th October can not take place at Gigg Lane. Therefore the game will now take place at Bower Fold, home of Stalybridge Celtic.
]]> Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:08:46 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3080
FC started brightly and in the fifth minute Jay Walcott put Jake Haslam clear on goal and his effort was well saved by home goalkeeper Ryan Shepherd, unfortunately an offside decision would have ruled it out anyway. Lee Hill was clear on goal in the seventh minute but he too was thwarted by the keeper.

Lee did open the scoring in the 20th minute as a sweeping move involving Matthew Tierney and Josh Burke gave him what looked a slightly harder chance, it was however third time lucky for FC as this time the keeper was given no chance.

Playing into a breeze in the first half Morecambe rarely got beyond the FC defence and without creating any clear cut chances it was FC that looked more likely to score. Midway through the half a strong run by Scott Cheetham saw him fire across goal but the ball evaded everyone and went out for a goal kick. The ensuing ten minutes saw A Josh Burke free kick saved and another from Carl Fitton go wide either side of two breaks by Jay Walcott which the keeper saved on each occasion. Other half chances came and went, the first half drawing to a close with a long shot from Davison Banda going just wide.

The second half began quietly as FC adjusted to playing into the wind and Morecambe had a few chances of their own, with Matthew Parker having a shot saved just after the hour. Shortly afterwards FC doubled the lead with a free kick just outside the penalty area in a central position. Josh Burke stepped up and coolly slotted it into the bottom corner of the net.

The best chance of the game for Morecambe came midway through the second half when Parker had a free kick in a similar position. His effort, heading just under the crossbar was turned away for a corner by Andrew Farrimond. Unfortunately for him his momentum carried him into the post. Although like the Matlock keeper in the first team game at Stalybridge, he had to leave the field after a delay for treatment, an ambulance was not required. Substitute keeper Aron Buckley-Smith saw out the game and ensured the home side stayed goalless.

The third goal came shortly after that change, Ryan Westwood looked to have got beyond the last defender and was pulled back. Consultation between the officials came to the conclusion that the line of play was going away from goal and was punished with a yellow card; the resulting free kick was bundled in by Josh as the ball bounced around the Morecambe area.

That was more or less game over for FC and Morecambe had their best spell of the game as they sought a consolation goal without success.


FC United of Manchester:
1. Andrew Farrimond,
2. Davison Banda,
3. Jake Haslam,
4. Matthew Tierney,
5. Jordan Dainty,
6. Harrison Reeve,
7. Lee Hill (Goal, 20 Minutes),
8. Josh Burke (Goals 64 & 74 Minutes),
9. Jay Walcott,
10. Scott Cheetham,
11. Carl Fitton

Substitutes:
12. Luke Kolakowski,
13. Aron Buckley-Smith (For 1, 72 Minutes),
14. Ryan Westwood(For 7, 59 Minutes),
16. Daniel McLoughlin (For 11, 78 Minutes),
20. Obeid Elghreaw
]]> Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:32:48 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3079 The Dons have made the call below to its supporters

"On Sunday 17 October, the Dons Trust will be holding a sponsored minithon in Morden Park. This is for supporters of all ages, shapes and sizes: if you can run, walk or crawl three miles, then you can take part. And if you can’t do any of those things, then you can volunteer to help on the day, provide sponsorship or just come along and enjoy the fun.

"We’ve done sponsored walks before, of course. But this time it’s a bit different, for a few important reasons. First, we are not alone. We are doing this as part of a network of clubs. FC United of Manchester have been holding a minithon for the past two years. This year, they have persuaded several other clubs, from Merthyr in Wales to Kovalam FC in India to take part. Although this isn’t a competition, the club that raises the most money or gets the highest number of entrants will doubtless enjoy some bragging rights, so please let’s make it AFC Wimbledon."

Manager Karl Marginson is leading the way for the third annual FC United Minithon committing himself and his family to getting around the 5k route in Chorlton Meadows on Sunday, October 17th.

Margy says: “Roy Soule and I will be encouraging all the squad to participate as it’s for two great causes, our club and the Frost children’s charity.”

General Manager, Andy Walsh, has also committed to the Minithon saying:

"I’ll definitely be there. Events like these raising funds for the club are vital stepping stones on the road to Ten Acres Lane. I hope every supporter that is physically able will join Margy walking round the course or will run with the players or just crawl around with the Board.

"It’s a fun event and vital for club funds as we progress our plans for Ten Acres Lane. I hope all our supporters branches will pitch in, the branches in the south and in Los Angeles and Boston are already organising their local events and with Merthyr Tydfil FC, Rochdale Hornets and Mancunians Rugby League also taking up the challenge it will be an excellent day for our clubs and our health.”

Concerned for your health? To view last year’s event please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2bnwmSRgHs&feature=player_embedded

Prizes will be available for the best dressed adult and junior, the best dressed branch, best headgear, fastest dog and owner, and fastest runners. The fun day will be capped by entertainment, prizegiving and refreshments in Chorlton Irish Club.

To join the FC United “Run, Walk or Crawl” Minithon on October 17th all you need to do is go to http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/minithon2010 and register.

To back Margy please click on
http://www.justgiving.com/Marginson-and-The-Family

Here are some supporting documents for this year’s minithon...

• Chorlton Bus Station Information


• Co-operatives Poster for Minithon


• Enquiry Letter and Registration Form


• FC Minithon Poster


• FC Minithon Sponsorship Form


• Fundraising Tips


• If you want to race against the clock


• Justgiving setup


• Road routes


• Route Map

This year’s Minithon is very kindly supported by the Co-operative Membership.]]> Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:59:41 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3078
The work would be part of a project to address the isolation of people (mainly elderly) who live on their own in the community immediately around the site of our proposed new stadium. The long term aim is to help make our new stadium in Newton Heath a focus of social inclusion in the area. We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to do the following;

- Visit somebody who lives on their own and is socially isolated and help them with getting shopping done or accessing health services or just having a cup of tea and a chat with them.

- Help organise a regular luncheon club that would meet in Miles Platting and then accompany members of the club to FC United matches. Volunteers would get a free meal and a free ticket to the match.

- Help to provide administrative support for this project working one day a week in the FC United office.

Volunteers would be able to access training one afternoon per week which would lead to an accredited qualification in community work.

At this stage we are writing a grant application to get some funding to set this up. We want to be able to put into the application the level of interest from amongst our own members and fans. If our grant application is successful we expect the project to start in December. We appreciate that people’s circumstances may change in the future, but if we can get an indication of those people who can spare the time at the moment who might in principle be prepared to volunteer for a few weeks at least, that would be very helpful.

If you are, in principle, interested in volunteering, please email robinpye@fc-utd.co.uk

]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:16:11 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3077 This Weeks News

Keen listeners will already be aware that we have started releasing This Club Is My Club every Thursday as a downloadable podcast on the website. Now, you can subscribe to the FCUM Radio podcast on I Tunes to get all this season’s This Club Is My Club and any other specials. There’s a new arrival this week in the form of Gareth Moore who will be providing Cockers with regular updates throughout the season on the progression of FC United’s Youth Team. Listen to the latest from the Youth Team and everything else FC in This Club Is My Club.

Not wanting to be outdone by their volunteer colleague Michael Ward, Ben and Cockers have announced this week that they will be bringing the next child of FCUM Radio to the world. Ben & Laura’s first child will be arriving in March so we should have him/her presenting a show by April 2011. A huge congratulations to both of them.

Highlights of this week include:

• FC LIVE Join Ben & Marv for pre-match music and build-up from 7pm on Wednesday before FC face Bradford Park Avenue. 7.45pm will see the commentary team join us for live match coverage.
• FC LIVE From 2pm on Saturday join FCUM Radio as FC play their first FA Cup tie of the season - hosting Radcliffe Borough at Gigg Lane.
• FC Kit Man Andy Griffiths appearing on FC’s Bare Necessities (Saturdays at 1pm, repeated Sundays at 9pm)
• Amy & Chantal of the FCUth take control of the airwaves in this week’s Children Of The Revolution (Saturdays at 11am, repeated Sundays at 1pm)
• Ben Hughes introduces Os Mutantes in this week’s Album Of The Week (Tuesdays at 8pm, repeated Saturdays at 5pm)
• This Club Is My Club holds a summary from Swampy, Keg & Co following FC’s defeat to Matlock Town and a full round-up of everything FC United. (Daily at 12:30, 3:30 & 9pm)
• All your regular favourite shows and presenters, of course.
• Catch Up On Sundays - your chance to listen again to any shows you missed.

The best way to find out what’s on week to week is by heading to the ’What’s On’ section of the website - www.fcumradio.co.uk.

Become a FCUM Radio volunteer

Do you ...

Fancy yourself as a DJ or a Presenter?
Have your own ideas for a show, music based or not?
Not quite know where to begin?

If so, we’d love to hear from you. We are open to ideas and can provide training and support to get you up and running.

Get in touch at Station@fcumradio.co.uk All ideas are genuinely welcome and we can help get you up and running to join the team of volunteers here at FCUM Radio.

You can listen to FCUM Radio by clicking on the following links:

i-Tunes: www.fcum.tv/listen.pls
or
Windows Media Player: www.fcum.tv/listen.asx

Firewall? Try this: www.fcumradio.co.uk/listenfw.asx

Stream from the Website: www.fcumradio.co.uk

Follow us at:

http://www.twitter.com/fcumradio
http://www.facebook.com/fcumradio?ref=ts
http://www.fcumradio.co.uk/newsblog/
]]> Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:08:43 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3076
He wanted to repeat some of Mark Atkins’ (Matlock manager) comments made after the match. Mark praised FC’s fans, saying that players would walk and pay money to play in front of them. He continued, "You’ve lost 5-1 and they’ve still applauded you off!" Margy added: "That’s a credit to the fantastic support that you give."

On the match Margy said: "Jerome’s sending off played a massive part and the injury to their keeper also played a big part. We were right in the ascendancy, ripping them to bits but the delay affected us. We wanted the players to continue in the same way after the equaliser - go for the win, rather than go to 4-4-1.

"Indeed, their second goal resulted from a break down of one of our attacks. And again, like against Ashton, the luck was against us - all the breaks fell Matlock’s way, even down to Steve Torpey getting injured as a sub when he was playing well. Then, pressing for a second equaliser, we conceded some cheap goals. That’s one thing we’ll be working on in training."

Margy then gave an update on the recently injured players. Steve Torpey’s groin injury is still being assessed, but he could be out for some time. Chris Ovington returned yesterday to the team and Richard Battersby is now fine. Ben Deegan needs to do some training to see how he reacts, but could be in contention after the weekend. Finally, Colin Little’s 70 minutes yesterday will help with his overall match fitness.
]]> Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:41:22 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3075
FC United wish Adam a continued speedy recovery and look forward to him being able to play again in the near future.

We have also received this from Matlock Town’s Chief Exec, Keith Brown:

I shall be pleased if you pass on our thanks to all of those involved in helping treat our goalkeeper Adam Sollit following his injury during yesterdays match.After X rays and observation I am pleased to confirm that Adam was allowed home from hospital late yesterday although I am sure we all shared the concern that he had suffered a serious injury. Particular thanks to the lady who sat in front of us in the Directors box, an FC fan who was a nurse and also went out to help on the pitch.

I would also like to praise your excellent supporters who fully understood the reasons for the lengthy delay, gave Adam excellent applause when he left the field and maintained terrific support for your team even though they suffered a heavy defeat at the end.

Your supporters are a credit to all football.

Kind Regards
Keith Brown
]]> Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:18:18 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3074
Jerome Wright received a straight red card for violent conduct with United trailing 1-0 and although Mike Norton scored a second half equaliser, the visitors romped to an impressive victory after a lengthy delay saw Sollitt rushed to hospital.

With Ben Deegan out to injury, Colin Little gained his first competitive start for the club, lining up alongside Norton to form a debut starting strike partnership.  Zach Hibbert also retained the number one jersey, playing in goal for the second time this season.
 
After failing to pick up any points at Ashton on Bank Holiday Monday, the Reds would have been hoping to get back to winning ways, and after a convincing friendly victory midweek this looked to be well within reach. However, all plans for this had to be put on hold very early on as United were left chasing the game inside the first two minutes.
 
Matlock’s highlighted threat Ross Hannah was able to receive the ball unmarked in the FC area and made no mistake in putting his shot beyond Hibbert in a one-on-one situation.
 
United had the opportunity to equalise through Wright just short of ten minutes in when the winger carried the ball into the Matlock area and did well to take it past Sollitt who had come off his line.  Unfortunately, there was no end product as Wright’s effort from a tight angle rolled across the face of goal.
 
Despite further opportunities as the half progressed, Matlock controlled the majority of the game and Sollitt was able to claim most efforts on goal as on the whole United’s play lacked tempo and fluency in passing.
 
With just under half an hour played, United were left a man short as Wright was shown a straight red card.  Following an altercation with Steve Warne, the free-kick was awarded FC’s way, however Wright was deemed to have lashed out and the referee made no hesitation in dismissing the United winger from the pitch.
 
Early after the break, FC were on the search for an equaliser, with Jake Cottrell’s ambitious shot from the left wing hitting the roof of the net and Norton’s header going just wide.  Roca then produced an excellent effort from the edge of the area, and the Matlock keeper did well to produce a fine tip-over.
 
At the opposite end of the park, the visitors could have easily doubled their lead as Hannah was given space on the right to set Warne up for a sitter inside the six yard box which the Matlock player blasted over the bar.
 
With just over an hour played, things appeared to be looking up for the Reds as they equalised through Norton.  Man-of-the-match Lee Neville played an excellent ball in from the left and as the keeper went to claim, he mishandled the cross allowing Norton to pounce from close range.
 
Unfortunately, Sollitt was injured as the goal went in and celebrations were cut short as an ambulance was required to carry the player from the pitch after almost half an hour of treatment had elapsed.
 
Despite the obvious severity of the reason for the break in play, United showed glimpses of having used the time to reshape, however Matlock were soon back on top as substitute James Knowles sent the ball across Hibbert from the left hand side of the area to put the visitors in front once more less than two minutes after the restart.
 
A double United substitution closely followed as Steve Torpey and Chris Ovington replaced Roca and Little.  The changes seemed to have a positive impact upon the game but after only a few minutes on the pitch, Torpey pulled up and had to be replaced by Jimmy Holden, making his first appearance of the season.
 
As a result was not yet out of the realms of possibility, United battled in and around the Matlock 18 yard box, however on every occasion, attempts on goal were blocked and it was the visitors who were able to score, as a mistake at the back saw United softly concede the third goal of the afternoon, scored by Dene Cropper.
 
As the game neared full time, Nick Platt had a chance to score as Scott McManus did well to run down the left and loop a ball into Platt who sent a free header over the bar.  
 
Ovington then had a goal disallowed for United and Kyle Jacobs forced a flying save from substitute keeper Nick Buxton, however the final minutes of the game were firmly in the control of Matlock who added two more before the whistle blew.  Hannah’s shot from range caught Hibbert off his line and seconds later Cropper completed the scoring with a simple header to add to United’s woes.
 
The Reds now need to regroup for Wednesday’s clash with old rivals Bradford Park Avenue and regain form to keep the top of the table within sight.
 
Report by Victoria Fullen
 
Team Information:
 
FC United:
1. Zach Hibbert
2. Kyle Jacobs
3. Lee Neville
4. Jake Cottrell
5. Martin Parker
6. Scott McManus
7. Carlos Roca
8. Nick Platt ©
9. Mike Norton
10. Jerome Wright
11. Colin Little
 
Subs:
12. Steve Torpey
14. Simon Carden
15. Mark Ayres
16. Jimmy Holden
17. Chris Ovington
 
 
Matlock Town:
1. Adam Sollitt
2. Kris Witcombe
3. Lee Featherstone
4. Liam King
5. Adam Yates
6. James Lukic ©
7. Danny Wood
8. Steve Warne
9. Nathan Joynes
10. Ross Hannah
11. Kris Bowler
 Subs:
12. Dene Cropper
14. James Knowles
15. Ben Algar
17. Nick Buxton (GK)

]]> Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:42:29 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3073
The answers to members’ questions are now on the members’ section of the site. The 3D elevations of the ground proposals were on display at Stalybridge for the game against Matlock and can be seen below.

All the feedback we have received has been considered and where possible included in the plans, any items not in this initial development can be included at a later date.

As we have stated previously there are three major considerations:

1. The size of the site
2. The need to get a ground of our own to enable the club to become sustainable and achieve our ambitions
3. The available funds and the cost of the build

After extensive site searches across Greater Manchester the board is firmly of the belief that this is the right location for the club, the site is tight and smaller than we would like but it presents a great opportunity for us in partnership with the City Council.

We have planned for a £3.5M budget and have worked hard to put together a funding package to make this possible, the change of Government and continuing economic uncertainty have stretched those plans and caused us to re-evaluate them but we believe that with members’ determination they are achievable.

There is provision for us to borrow money from financial institutions but the board believes that the Community Share initiative is a better option and presents a trailblazing and exciting prospect for us.

Click for more information on Community Shares


Almost £400k has been pledged by supporters already and if we are successful similar schemes may provide a template for other football supporters to gain a major say in the running of their clubs. The response to the Development Fund has been fantastic and is pushing £300k but we need it to get to £500k before we can commit to building the ground.

We have made huge strides over the last few short years but there is a long way to go yet.

The support from the council has been instrumental in getting this far so quickly and the response from Newton Heath residents has been extremely positive.

Any football ground has to work on a matchday but this site is more than a football ground. We are looking to develop the site as a centre of our community work in Newton Heath and as a bricks and mortar statement that FC United is a different kind of football club with ambitions both on and off the field. As important as a matchday is to those plans the site needs to work for 365 days a year and not just for the thirty odd days that we play matches.

We need to get to Ten Acres Lane as soon as possible we are hopeful that these plans will gain planning approval and we have a strong business plan for the site which will generate enough income to sustain the club through the immediate future and provide funds for future developments.

We remain resolute in our belief that football and its clubs should be owned and controlled by the people who care about the game and not by speculators and outside interests but we need to show that it can be done if we are to win that argument, Ten Acres Lane is another brick in the wall and a huge blow to those who said it could not be done.


HASTA VICTORIA SIEMPRE

FORZA FCUM


View 1


View 2


View 3


Aerial Sketch Base Stadium (Click image to download PDF)


Proposed Club House Ground Floor Plan (Click image to download PDF)


Proposed Club House First Floor Plan - Alternative Option 2 (Click image to download PDF)


Site Layout (Click image to download PDF)

]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:55:20 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3072
Battersby and Ovington face a race against time to be fit after both missing the defeat at Ashton United on Bank Holiday Monday whilst striker Ben Deegan is expected to be out for another week.

Manager Karl Marginson has several options in the middle of the park with Torpey, Simon Carden, Nicky Platt and Karl Munroe all hoping to get games.

Possibly Margy’s biggest dilemma is whether to recall Sam Ashton.The 23-year-old goalkeeper has captained the side this season due to the absence of David Chadwick but Zach Hibbert was selected on Monday.

United will be looking to keep the pressure on league leaders Ashton by making it four wins out of five. Get yourself to that football ground.]]> Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:41:34 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3070
As there are no Premiership fixtures all weekend due to the international games, this Saturday has been dedicated Non-League Day. We always like to be a bit different at FC United, so we’re extending that to Sunday (the background to playing at Stalybridge and on Sunday can be found here).

Most of what you’d expect from an FC United home game will still apply on Sunday
– Pound for the Ground halftime draw
– Full colour programme
– Membership/information stall
– Megacabin for FC United scarfs, shirts etc
– DF barrels for all your loose change

Comedy Night tickets will also be on sale from the Membership Stall or by phoning the Club offices on 0161 273 8950 or by contacting Vinny Thompson direct on 07792 833086.

Please note: The Stalybridge social club will be open through the turnstiles, although there is no facility to stage Course You Can Malcolm at Bower Fold.

Oh, and DON’T FORGET YOUR SEASON TICKET!

Pay on the gate prices will be the same as usual, adults £8.00, concessions £5.00 and juniors £2.00.

Of course, the more people that attend our games, the sooner we can get the necessary cash together and be on our way to Ten Acres Lane and then ‘home’ games won’t need to be in inverted commas anymore. For how to make this happen that bit quicker, click the following links:

Community Share Scheme
Donate to the FC United Development Fund
Become an owner of FC United
Find out more about the Development Fund

TRAVEL INFORMATION

If you haven’t been to Stalybridge’s ground or just want a refresher of how to get there, read on…

The address for Stalybridge Celtic’s ground is:
Bower Fold, Mottram Road, Stalybridge, Cheshire, SK15 2RT

By Car:

Exit the M60 at junction 24 (M67, Denton). At the roundabout join the M67. Stay on the M67 to the very end, Junction 4. At the roundabout turn left (exit 1 of 4) onto the A57 (Hyde Road).

After 1/2 a mile you will reach a set of traffic lights (signposted Stalybridge). Turn left onto B6174 (Stalybridge Road).

Almost immediately, there is a mini roundabout. Turn left (exit 1 of 5) onto Roe Cross Road (A6018).

Follow this road for 1 3/4 miles passing the Roe Cross Inn on the right and through the cutting (the road is now called Mottram Road) When you pass the Dog and Partridge on the right, you will be almost there.

Bower Fold is on the left opposite a sharp right turn next to the Hare and Hounds pub.

If the car park is full, parking can be found on the streets on the right of Mottram Road.

By Train:

Trains run from Manchester Piccadilly (taking 14 minutes). The Manchester Victoria service is being a operated by bus (taking 27 minutes) this Sunday, due to engineering works. An off-peak return will cost £2.60.

There are two trains an hour from Manchester Piccadilly, leaving at 11 and 45 minutes past the hour, taking 13-14 minutes.

11:11 – 11:24
11:45 – 11:59
12:11 – 12:24
12:45 – 12:59
13:11 – 13:24
13:45 – 13:59
14:11 – 14:24

The bus replacement service from Victoria runs once an hour, leaving at 23 minutes past and taking 27 minutes.

11:23 – 11:50
12:23 – 12:50
13:23 – 13:50
14:23 – 14:50

From the station, it is a leisurely one mile walk or a short bus journey.

By bus:

Buses 236 and 237 from the railway station go right past Bower Fold and take 7 mins, leaving the station at 07 and 37 minutes past the hour.

On foot:

On leaving the station, turn right and walk under the railway bridge. You will pass a series of pubs and wine bars, a newsagents, a couple of curry houses and kebab shops before reaching the White House inn opposite the bus station.

Continue along this road (Market Street) with the Cosmo Bingo on your left. As you reach Melbourne Street, with the Halifax on your right, and an off-licence on the left, turn right onto Melbourne Street, and cross the bridge into the town centre.

Go right to the end of Melbourne Street and turn left at the top by the Society Rooms (a Wetherspoons) onto Grosvenor Street.

By the Stop and Rest, turn right, and cross Acres Lane at the Pelican Crossing to the Pineapple.

Turn left and stroll along Acres Lane to the traffic lights at the end (Do not confuse this with Ten Acres Lane – that’s in Newton Heath and that football ground hasn’t been built yet – but strolling along this one on Sunday will help us get there!)

At the traffic lights, turn right onto Mottram Road. Walk up Mottram road for 10 minutes, and Bower Fold is on the right.

Be prepared, the second half of this route is up hill – so break up the journey with one of many pubs along the way, ask someone nicely for a lift, catch the bus or use Sunday as a chance to get in training for that minithon that’s fast approaching!

The important thing is to get yourself to that football ground, and don’t forget, it’s a home game so season tickets can and should be used!]]> Sun, 05 Sep 2010 11:33:32 +0200