Rebel Reds backed by armchair army

paul gallagher

March 09, 2007

FC United have an armchair army of 48,000 fans backing the club every week, according to new TV ratings figures.

The Rebels - who are breaking all crowd records in the amateur league - are also winning over a large following in Greater Manchester's living rooms.

Official ratings figures have shown an impressive audience for the FCUM TV show - which features match highlights and interviews with manager Karl Marginson and his players.

The programme is watched by 48,000 people each week on Channel M, making it the station's fourth-most popular show.

A team of producers and cameramen follows FC United at home and away matches to make the programme and also broadcast live commentary on the internet.

FC United are leading the NWCFL Division One and will play against 16th-placed Squires Gate from Blackpool tomorrow It is an away fixture for FC but the match has been moved to the Tameside Stadium, home of Curzon Ashton.

The breakaway Reds scored their biggest win of the season when the two sides met at Gigg Lane in October, with Rory Patterson scoring four and Stuart Rudd hitting a hat-trick in an 8-0 victory.

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Little Jockey (09/03/2007 at 13:43)

This news doesn't surprise me, we are the talk of the Town and fast becoming a great success story and its all down to the fans.

Check the ratings in say 5 years and United will top of the ratings...even beating the Mighty Massive from Eastlands.

Free Red, Manchester (09/03/2007 at 14:12)

SQUIRES GATE v. FC UNITED. Firstly, I've posted match going information on the last thread about Colne for the Squires Gate away if anyone needs it. Regards the 48 thousand. It should be noted that the figure is 12,000 over four shows a week, but this does not include viewing figures from those who watch the programmes on free to air Sky and Cable around the world. FC United now have supporters branches in 31 countries as far away as New Zealand. It was in fact the 'FC Armchair Army' who sponsored our last match against Colne and who tune in live to our online radio match commentary also from FCUM.TV. I will of course be watching a TV match myself this weekend as United have the late kick off with a post match party to boot. Who said you can't have your cake and eat it? This FC experience just gets better and better. Viva la revolution, come on FC.

Dash Walny Manchester via Poland (11/03/2007 at 03:18)

This is the sort of ridiculousness that the delusional FC supporter lives by. So there are apparently 12,000 people that broken remote controls that cannot change their stations from channel M. Does the propaganda of this program have mind-control powers that makes then supporters of the club?? There are less people supporting FC than last season, and the number will continue to slide each season that the Glazers' have United poised to win silverware.

DanMCFC, Middleton (12/03/2007 at 20:00)

HAHA. Just like the united u left. thousands of armchair fans

Little Jockey (13/03/2007 at 08:15)

Dan from Middleton...didnt you lose on saturday...and does it pain you that we can beat you even when we are sat down.

Bring On May!!!!!

Dash Walny Manchester via Poland (19/03/2007 at 13:40)

I think the Blue Man Solo has it right on the money. This may be the first time ever a club has bragged about having supporters who don't go to matches. Is not that a complaint that FC always levels about MUFC??

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