Rudd and Chadwick boost rebels

James Robson

February 14, 2008

KARL Marginson reckons FC United are right on course for a third successive title thanks to the return of Stuart Rudd and David Chadwick.

Both players have recovered from cruciate ligament injuries which kept them out for more than three months.

Last season's top scorer Rudd and club captain Chadwick are both in line to face league leaders Skelmersdale on Saturday - a game that could prove crucial to the Rebels' promotion hopes.

Marginson said: "Stuart got 48 goals for us last year and has been a big miss. Having him back is like a big money signing.

"The lads who came in for him and Dave have been amazing, but one thing we lost with those two was experience.

"A lot of young lads came in and had to learn what this club was all about."

United are 10 points behind Skelmersdale, but have four games in hand on the UniBond First Division North leaders, who slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Giant Axe on Tuesday.

After seeing their last three matches postponed, Marginson says his players are desperate to resume their title challenge.

"It's been frustrating but hopefully they will have that added hunger," he said.

"You can see in training how much they want to get back out there because they know they've got a chance of winning the league.

"One of the bonuses about not playing is the fact that no one has stretched too far clear of us.

"We can go above both Skelmersdale and Curzon Ashton if we win our games in hand. The only team we can't go above is Bradford Park - but we've still got them to play.

"We've been in great form and if we keep on going the way we are, I'm confident we can mount another title challenge."

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Free Red, Manchester (14/02/2008 at 15:28)

The next month will in my opinion make or break our season and its one hell of a run-in. With games being called off for one reason or another we will be playing two or even three games a week and the majority are against the top six. Here's what we've got.

Saturday 16th Febuary 3.00pm Skelmersdale United Gigg Lane, Pres cup Monday 18th February 7.45pm Nantwich Weaver Stadium, Water-lode, Nantwich CW5 5BS, Wednesday 20th February 7.45pm Chorley Gigg Lane, Saturday 23rd February 3.00pm Bamber Bridge Irongate Ground, Brownedge Road, Preston, PR5 6UX, Wednesday 27th February 7.45pm Clitheroe Gigg lane, Saturday 1st March 3.00pm Bamber Bridge Gigg lane, Wednesday 5th March 7.45pm Curzon Ashton Gigg lane, Saturday 8th March 3.00pm Bradford Park Avenue Horsfall Stadium, Cemetry Road, Bradford, BD6 2NG, Wednesday 12th March 7.45pm Ossett Albion Queens Terrace, Dimple Wells, Ossett, WF5 8RN, Saturday 15th March Newcastle Blue Star Gigg lane with the small matter of a Mcr Prem Cup semi-final on Wednesday 18th March 7.45pm Radcliffe Borough Stainton Park, Pilkington Road, Radcliffe,M26 3PE.

If we come through that little lot in poll position then I'll start to believe we're on for three in a row. Phil Priestley has been brought back into the first team as cover for Sam Ashton and all our injured first team players are back so it's going to be a rollercoaster from here on in. Viva la revolution, come on FC.

Free Red, Manchester (15/02/2008 at 10:43)

More team news. Veteran goalkeeper Phil Priestly is set to return to the club once again to cover for the injured Sam Ashton in a FC United side that should be boosted by the return of captain David Chadwick and striker Stuart Rudd for Saturday’s crunch clash against Skelmersdale United.

Former Bangor stalwart, Priestly is being drafted in for his third term at the Reds to fill in for the young shot stopper who dislocated his hand during Wednesday night's friendly with Flixton. Despite that setback United are hoping to be able to welcome back the experienced duo of Chadwick and Rudd.

Manager Karl Marginson knows that losing Ashton is a blow but he was keen to focus on the positives going into the big match. He said: "Stuart got 48 goals for us last year and has been a big miss. Having him back is like a big money signing.

"The lads who came in for him and Dave have been amazing, but one thing we lost with those two was experience. A lot of young lads came in and had to learn what this club was all about."

After seeing their last three matches postponed, Marginson says his players are desperate to resume their title challenge: "It's been frustrating but hopefully they will have that added hunger. You can see in training how much they want to get back out there because they know they've got a chance of winning the league.

And Margy added: "One of the bonuses about not playing is the fact that no one has stretched too far clear of us. We've been in great form and if we keep on going the way we are, I'm confident we can mount another title challenge."

Stad, Manchester (15/02/2008 at 13:44)

Just having a game will be a boost to everyone, not just the players returning from injury.

SoftCentaur (15/02/2008 at 17:39)

Cold night forecast - let's just hope yet another match is not called off. All being well, I'll be there to see FC win this important game then off to the pub to watch Big United do the business. The old double-whammy :-}

Free Red, Manchester (18/02/2008 at 08:38)

FC United 3-0 Skelmersdale Bury's stand in keeper had a good game and made a couple of class saves that kept Skem off the score sheet. FC United have gained the signature of goalkeeper Aaron Grundy. 20 year old Aaron has been signed from Bury FC on a short term loan while Sam Ashton recovers from his dislocated finger. Karl Marginson said before the match "What's happened to Sam is unfortunate but after his minor operation revealing no tendon damage, we are hopeful Sam will be back to full fitness in the next 2-3 weeks. Aaron's played in Bury's first team and we are looking forward to working with him at FC United" He went on to say "We did consider bringing Phil Priestly back but he is cup tied for both competitions, whilst Aaron would be available to play". Aaron will be in action again tonight.
Next up NANTWICH TOWN v. FC UNITED in the Presidents Cup Quarter Final away fixture to be played tonight Monday the 18th of February kick off at 7.45pm. FC United have been informed by the League that should there be "the slightest prospect of the Nantwich pitch not being fit to play the game on tonight then Nantwich must make alternative arrangements to play the game at a neutral venue." so keep an eye on the official website http://fcumfiles.co.uk/index.php

As things stand This game is to be played at Nantwich Town, The Weaver Stadium, Water Lode, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 5BS. (Note as this is a new ground the post code does not work with satellite navigation systems). The match will be pay on the gate; £7 Adults £5 Senior Citizens & NUS £2 Under 16s. Fans have been advised to arrive early to avoid congestion at the turnstiles.

Directions: M6 Junction 16 A500 towards Nantwich. Over 4 roundabouts onto A51 towards Nantwich Town Centre, through traffic lights and over railway crossing. Over next r/bout then left at next r/bout past Morrisons supermarket on right. Continue over r/bout through traffic lights. Ground on right at next set of traffic lights.

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