Rebels in the dark

September 12, 2007

FC UNITED were left sweating over the availability of prolific marksman Stuart Rudd for Saturday's big FA Cup showdown at Fleetwood after the lights went out on their UniBond first division north clash at Clitheroe.

The game was abandoned after 58 minutes due to floodlight failure with the teams level at 1-1.

Rudd, who was serving out a three-match ban, had seen his strike partner Rory Patterson fire the rebel Reds into a 38th minute lead, only for Craig Sargeson to equalise on the stroke of half time.

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Free Red, Manchester (12/09/2007 at 12:24)

Quick update on Rudd. The FA have unfortunately confirmed that, due to the abandonment of Tuesday night’s fixture at Clitheroe, striker Stuart Rudd will still have to serve the final game of a three match ban which is now scheduled to be against Fleetwood Town this Saturday.

FA guidelines stipulate that a match has to be completed in full for a suspension to be served. Therefore, because Tuesday’s game was stopped after 57 minutes the match does not stand and last season's top-scorer, Rudd will be unavailable for selection for the First Qualifying Round fixture of the FA Cup.

Manager Karl Marginson said: "This is obviously disappointing news for the club and in particular Stuart. However, we have got the players in this squad who can come in and do the job. Simon Carden has been doing very well up front as his two goals in the last two games prove, so we'll remain upbeat about the situation."

Personally I'm not bothered about this. As Karl said we have other players to cover for Stuart and we will get to play a replay v. Clitheroe when Rudd will be available. Viva la revolution, come on FC

bernie, manchester (12/09/2007 at 14:29)

HOW MANY MORE QUALIFIERS DO FC HAVE TO PLAY BEFORE THE 1ST ROUND PROPER?I KNOW THIS IS UNRELATED BUT DO FC HAVE FUTURE PLANS TO MOVE STADIUMS OR BUILD THEIR OWN, SURELY BURY IS OUT OF THE QUESTION FOREVER!

Dash Walny Manchester via Poland (12/09/2007 at 20:59)

I have been saying the FC fans have been in the dark for a couple years now.

Dash Walny Manchester via Poland (12/09/2007 at 21:01)

Turn out the lights, the parteeeeeees over. . . .

Prestwich Red, Prestwich (13/09/2007 at 08:02)

Bernie, there are now 4 qualifying rounds before the 1st round proper. Fleetwood are one of the best sides in the division above us so were not getting carried away.

Yes we plan to build our own stadium. This is expected to cost £6-8M. £500,000 is required to kick this off. We're hoping to boost the development fund by £100,000 this season to help us on our way. Look out for some of the DV activities on the club website.

Free Red, Manchester (13/09/2007 at 09:25)

Bernie, Manchester. Saturdays match will be the first of potentially four qualifying rounds before the first round proper. FC United has a development fund and optimistically targeting getting a ground by 2009.

knightsthatsay, Rossendale (13/09/2007 at 11:16)

I think the big question about our own ground is where? Obviously this will depend on cost and availability as well as the local authority support. What I mean is, is it important that the ground be in the boundries of the City of Manchester. Lets face OT is in Trafford. Should the location stay north side of the city to avoid conjestion with Utd and City and steppin on the toes of other clubs? Personally I like the idea of north manchester location near the M60 as it's usually less busy and the tram already heads that way. What do people think? Has anywhere been muted as possible sites?

Free Red, Manchester (13/09/2007 at 12:30)

Knightsthatsay. North Manchester is central to Greater Manchester so that fits in with location suggested by the Board. As you say it is close to the M60 as well as the inner ring. It has a Metro link, good bus service and reasonable train connection so I think you are right about location. I don't know where the ground will end up though and I doubt at this stage anyone else does.

Ian (13/09/2007 at 13:49)

Somewhere congestion-charge free, for the mid-week games please!

FCUMLeigh, Leigh (13/09/2007 at 14:27)

Stuart Rudd is a big loss. I want the new ground to be Gigg lane surely they must be near closing we could get it on the cheap!!

As the reds go marching on

Redmeister (13/09/2007 at 15:09)

Should look at buying the old British Airways club in Timperley on Clay lane. It's already got a pitch in place.

bernie, manchester (13/09/2007 at 17:29)

thanks for the returned comments.i didn't realise there was so many rounds prior to the first round, my god it's a competition in itself!ive been to a quite a few fc games the past 2 seasons although i still take my kids to o.t.i admire what you did and still do and wont come on here slagging you off like some of the numpties that appear.i think the ground as to be in manchester/trafford myself but this depends on availability,cost etc.

Free Red, Manchester (14/09/2007 at 12:36)

Match going information FLEETWOOD TOWN FC v. FC UNITED. This game is to be played at Highbury Stadium, Park Avenue, Fleetwood, FY7 6TX. The capacity of the ground is 3300 and on police advice this game is to be all ticket. ADDRESS: Highbury Stadium, Park Avenue Fleetwood Lancashire FY7 6TX. TELEPHONE NO: 01253 770702 FAX NO: 01253 770607 E-MAIL ADDRESS: info@fleetwoodtownfc.com. There will be no admission to the stadium on the day of the game without a valid ticket. For safety and security reasons, Fleetwood Town are not able to accept cash payment on the day. Under no circumstances will there be a pay on the day facility on the day of the game. Prices are: £7 Adults £4 Concessions.

Ticket sales arrangements from Fleetwood: Whilst ticket sales for Saturday’s game continue to go extremely well, Fleetwood Town have extended the on-line and telephone purchase options until 11am on Saturday, the day of the game. Whilst they do not propose to post out any further tickets after today (Thursday), any tickets purchased either on-line or by telephone (01253 777607) can be collected in person before the game from a temporary ticket office set up on their car park. Anybody collecting tickets will need to take some form of identification with them, ideally the credit or debit card they used to pay for the tickets. Tickets will also be available from Fleetwood Weekly News offices on Lord Street in Fleetwood (between 9 am and 5.15 pm) or Fleetwood Town’s Social Club (between 6 pm and 8 pm).

DIRECTIONS: M55 to Junction 3 follow signs for Fleetwood (A585) at Nautical College Roundabout (Statue of Eros in the middle) take the first left. At the second traffic island take the sixth exit (Hatfield Avenue). Ground 3/4 mile on the left (Nelson Avenue). Viva la revolution, come on FC

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