FC clinch promotion

Graham Hardcastle

May 05, 2008

ON THE UP: FC United celebrate

FC United manager Karl Marginson has set his sights on what would be an amazing four successive promotion.

The Rebels safely confirmed their passage to the Unibond Premier Division with a pulsating victory over Skelmersdale in the Division One North play-off final at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

And with it came their third promotion in three years of existence. Two penalties from Nicky Platt and Rory Chadwick were complimented with strikes from captain marvel Dave Chadwick and sub Chris Baguley.

The visitors had gone ahead in front of a bumper crowd of 3,258 thanks to Sean McConville's stunning tenth minute free-kick.

But Skem finished the game with nine men after referee Billy Khatib dismissed skipper Michael White and Kevin Leadbetter.

Marginson said: "We've had three fantastic seasons - this promotion is the best of the lot.

"Four promotions has got to be the aim. We will be setting our stall out to go as far as we can. We will start off with the first game, try and win that, and then see where it takes us.

"I know they are all clichés, but there is nothing more true. You have got to take each game as it comes. We have got to judge each game on its own merit, and try and win football matches. That has been our philosophy in three years - it's not been a bad one."

After going behind early on, the Reds drew level six minutes before the break when White saw red for handling Jerome Wright's goalbound header. Platt clinically converted from the spot.

Defender Chadwick, who had been a doubt with a hamstring strain, gave the hosts the lead when he nodded home a long free-kick on 51 minutes.

Any hopes of a Skem recovery were completely banished just after the hour. Michael Duffy was harshly penalised for deliberately handling in the box.

Platt smashed the ball against the bar, only to see it balloon to the edge of the box where another penalty was awarded for minimal contact in a scramble.

Star striker Rory Patterson converted but only after the ball had spun into the net off the hand of keeper Rory McMahon.

Skem sub Leadbetter was dismissed for referee abuse, while sub Chris Baguley added a fourth with a low 20-yard drive ten minutes from time.

Will FC go up again next season? Have your say.

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owlsi (05/05/2008 at 20:11)

Well done to the boys. I honestly thought this would be a season of consolidation when I saw the step up in terms of pace and power in this league, but the lads came through in spite of a horrendous fixture build up and lack of reliable (experienced) defensive cover. Looking forward to some more adventurous away trips and bigger crowds, but it will be tough and the squad will need to strengthen. A special mention to the revelation which has been Jerome Wright, and the fantastic contributions of Rory, Chaddy and Rob Nugent. Don't stop believing!

It won't be long now that we are in our own ground and enjoying more success as a club owned and run by the fans, maybe then journalists will drop the lazy 'rebels' tag and see this as the revolution it really is.

Well done to Margy and the backroom staff, and Andy and the others who devote their time to running the club.

Drifter, Mancunia (06/05/2008 at 07:30)

C'mon Margie and the boys lets make it four in a row. And well done AFC Wimbledon on making it into the Conference South. Up the Reds!

Eric Samuels (06/05/2008 at 09:33)

No-one should underestimate the three promotions in three seasons that FC have produced. Even when the chance appeared to have gone this term, they plugged away and eventually manged it with a little help from the Ref!

As they climb, the task surely gets more difficult exponentially and the nature of the beast will have to change. They were set up with a "Ten Season Dream", i.e. from start to Premiership but are the fans are still naive in their thinking that they can achieve this without a lot of money.

Shirt sponsorship, thus far outlawed, has to come, as has their refusal to play on other than a Saturday at three or Wednesday at 7:45pm. TV sponsorship will dictate this.

Business will take over from idealism, otherwise they'll plateau in a league close to this level and lose interest among other than a hard core of supporters. When the really big money sloshes about, so do principles.

Many congratulations FC, but let's keep it going!

Philip MaRSHALL (06/05/2008 at 09:57)

Brilliant on Saturday, my ears were ringing after the game. Well done to the players, have to agree that Jerome has been magnificent this season. Excellent achievement and it's all gone quite on the wind-up merchant front, must have homework to be getting on with.

Free Red, Manchester (06/05/2008 at 10:10)

Eric Samuels. As I remember we boycotted the Curzon away match because the LMC went back on their word about changing k.o. times. If a change of k.o. times had been agreed with members before the season startedm, as we agreed to accept a change in k.o. times before we entered the FA cup, there wouldn't have been a problem.

Also, who said anything about having a "Ten Season Dream"? It's the first I've heard of it and I've followed this club week in week out from the start. Although I have no doubt we will make the football league before 2015 a lot of FC fans I have spoke to would be happy playing at Conference level.

owlsi (06/05/2008 at 12:46)

Eric, I suspect a little mischief making has guided your fingers over the keyboard. 'with a little help from the ref'? I suppose if a centre half makes a diving save on the line he should just get a ticking off? And if you are a gifted lipreader maybe you could tell me what Leadbitter said to the ref? It usually has to be pretty ripe to justify a straight red.

The ten season dream is your interpretation of the ten season love song banner, which itself is a play on the Stone Roses song title. It refers to the place Big United has in our hearts and doesn't mean that ambition to reach the premier league is everything. In fact, looking at the premier league I'd rather not be involved. Principles come first at FC. If you asked the fans whether we should boycott the televised fixture at Curzon Ashton if it meant not being promoted the majority would still have supported the boycott. The fact that many people still don't understand why everyone doesn't want to chase the money is what makes this thing of ours so special.

Free Red, Manchester (06/05/2008 at 14:17)

FC ALL OVER THE WORLD - AGAIN. FC United have been approached by supporters who have links with the City of Marburg to play a post season friendly against a Marburg Select XI. The board have announce, that we have signed a contract to play on Friday 6th June 2008, kick off time to be confirmed. Marburg is a city in Hesse, Germany, on the Lahn river. The nearest airport is Frankfurt which is approximately 97km from Marburg.To find out more about Marburg the English website has information on the City with maps and accommodation listings .

Free Red, Manchester (07/05/2008 at 09:39)

MANCAT and FC United are inviting MANCAT sixth form applicants to a football player assessment session.

The session will be run by coaching staff from MANCAT and FC United of Manchester and could lead to players being selected to represent MANCAT in the British College's League and the FC United of Manchester Youth Team in the Youth Alliance League.

Last year the session attracted 70-80 young players, several of whom went on to play for a championship winning MANCAT team and FC United U18's.

"The trails attract a lot of kids who are good footballers but not interested in attending Sixth Form College" said MANCAT coach Craig Thomas "The MANCAT FC United scheme can help them become better players and gain good qualifications"

"the partnership with MANCAT is very important to us and the development of the young players" added FC's Karl Marginson "We look forward to building on last seasons successful partnership"

The session will take place at 10.00am on Tuesday 27th May at the Nicholls Football Centre of Excellence, which is based at MANCAT's Nicholl's Campus.

If you would like to know more, just call the MANCAT Schools Liaison Team on 0800 068 8585.

JOHN STENSON (07/05/2008 at 13:07)

Superb contribution from owlsi, particularly re. those who "don't get it" as far as our disinterest in money is concerned. It is sad but true that the majority of fans these days, irrespective of their allegiance, are delighted when obscene amounts of money pour into their club, and the majority couldn't care less where it comes from. Just look at City for a start. Have any of them questioned where Shinawatra's money came from ? Do any of them care anyway ? Not if it means money for a new striker they don't. The joy of F.C. is that there is no obsession with money - we are all too busy having the time of our footballing lives. If we "level off" at Conference or thereabouts, I am sure our fanbase will remain the same.

Well done to all at the club on the latest promotion.

Si, East Manchester, Audenshaw (07/05/2008 at 22:55)

As other posts on here convey, most FC United fans don't give two hoots about how much money comes into the club. They just want to enjoy the amazing atmosphere which is created every time we play. As Free Red states, i've never heard of any "ten year plan" from non league to PL being spoken about either amongst our support. In any case one of the reasons i started coming to FC was to escape the money obsessed PL which had been depressing me for years so i'd rather FC didn't make it anywhere near it to be honest. That would mean sacrificing what we have now i.e affordable football/standing up watching the game etc so no thanks. Having witnessed the fresh misery amongst my City supporting mates of late it proves to me that it doesn't necessarily mean being a football fan is any better having shed loads of cash sloshing around your club. Perhaps one day maybe more people will realise why FC United exists.

JOHN STENSON (08/05/2008 at 10:36)

Anyone else noticed the rather conspicuous absence of our Bertie friends on here recently ? McClaren, Dukinfield Blue and of course the Bertie based in New Zealand. We haven't had ANY comments about pub teams etc. lately. I wonder why that is ? Has it finally dawned on them that we at F.C. with "This Thing Of Ours" have something really special that they can only wonder at ? A team to be proud of, fantastic fans creating the best atmosphere around and we're going up through the leagues even faster than City have ever gone down them !

Free Red, Manchester (08/05/2008 at 14:36)

JOHN STENSON, I think at least one of them is still coming to terms with Tampa Bay Buccaneers tickets going up 30%.

keithmat (09/05/2008 at 01:36)

Fantastic - the fastes rising team in the first ten levels !!!! Will need some new players but with the support why not. When MU's finances collapse FCUM will pass them on the way up!!!

Free Red, Manchester (09/05/2008 at 09:24)

Next up, TARPORLEY VICTORIA v. FC UNITED Res. Saturday 10th May 2008 k.o. 3.00pm. Last saturday was a great day for FC United but it wasn't just the first team that were celebrating. The reserve team were crowned champions of the Mid Cheshire Football League and they play their final game this weekend. Loz Greenhalgh's youngsters were defeated by Broadheath last Saturday leaving the door open for Club AZ to snatch the title from them. However, AZ could only manage a 3-3 draw with Golborne Sports and so they are now seven points behind with two left to play. FC United reserves will hope to go out with a big bang in their final match which will surely be the icing on the cake for what has been such phenomenal season for everyone.

Then on Sunday before the United match, FC United under-18s take on Leigh RMI at Hilton Park, k.o. 10.00am. They have had a tough season, so far sitting ninth in the table, but there have been plenty of good performances to cheer and the young lads have plenty of years to improve.

So, if you fancy another fix of live, affordable football and you want to watch yet another trophy being lifted by the mighty Reds get yourself down to those football grounds. Go and cheer on the lads - they deserve it!

Directions to Tattenhall Recreation Club for the reserves match. Follow A49 to Tarporley roundabout and turn off into Tarporley Village High Street. After Forrester's Arms public house, turn right and follow signs for Tattenhall. After approx 5 miles, at T-junction in Tattenhall turn left (Letters Inn pub on right), ground is 100 yards on the right hand side.

Directions to Hilton Park for the u18's match.

From the North: Exit J23 from M6, towards Manchester on A580. Take the A579 (Bolton, Pennington Flash). Continue along this road (passing our new ground on your right hand side) until you see the ASDA store on your left and the football ground on right, turn right at the traffic lights then right again at the next set of traffic lights. Take the first right (Chadwick St.) and the ground is straight ahead.

From the South: Exit J22 from M6. Take A572 (Winwick Lane) towards Leigh, then the A580 (Manchester). Left onto the A579 (Bolton, Pennington Flash). Continue along this road (passing our new ground on your right hand side) until you see the ASDA store on your left and the football ground on right, turn right at the traffic lights then right again at the next set of traffic lights. Take the first right (Chadwick St.) and the ground is straight ahead.

From the East: M1, M62, M60 (anti-clockwise): Leave the M60 at junction 14 for the A580 towards Liverpool, take the A579 (Bolton, Pennington Flash). Continue along this road (passing our new ground on your right hand side) until you see the ASDA store on your left and the football ground on right, turn right at the traffic lights then right again at the next set of traffic lights. Take the first right (Chadwick St.) and the ground is straight ahead.

General: Travel by rail; the nearest station is Atherton, on the Rochdale-Southport line. Trains run every 30 minutes, taking approximately 24 minutes from Manchester Victoria. The 582 bus service (every 6 minutes) runs from opposite the station and passes Hilton Park on it's way to Leigh Bus Station. The nearest West Coast Main Line station is Wigan North Western, which is served by the 600 and 658 bus services that run to Leigh Bus Station.

NEIL, stalybridge (09/05/2008 at 13:45)

SORRY IVE NOT BEEN ON BUT BEEN BUSY SORTING MY MOSCOW TRIP OUT.NO DOUBT FREE RED WILL BE CHEERING CHELSEA ON. ANYWAY GOOD LUCK FOR NEXT SEASON LADS YOU GUYS ARE GREAT.(NICE TROPHY I WILL SEND FREE RED SOME FLOWERS TO PUT IN IT)

Dash Walny Manchester via Poland (09/05/2008 at 18:18)

Hopefully the North Korean censors will allow me to say: I'm still here until Andy Walsh gives up control of the club and then I will head back to Poland.

phil m, cumbria (10/05/2008 at 19:20)

Thank God you're back, we've been worried sick. Dead jealous too that I'm not paying many hundreds of pounds to go to Moscow. No really.....

Free Red, Manchester (12/05/2008 at 09:50)

phil m, Cumbria. I think he's been recovering from the shock of his Tampa Bay Bucs bottom feeders season ticket going up 30%.

ged (12/05/2008 at 21:12)

well done fc united keep this
thing of yours going and well done man utd bring on the double for one have enjoyed watching both teams this season and would urge more fans to do the same two uniteds but the soul is one
stretred

Free Red, Manchester (14/05/2008 at 11:12)

FC United Participate in Parliamentary Investigation. Feedback from the Board:

FC United were pleased to be invited to give evidence to the All Party Football Group Inquiry into Governance of Football.

Our involvement kicked off with a request to give verbal evidence in Whitehall on Wed 7 May. Andy Walsh attended with Board Members Adam Brown and Alison Watt and gave an account of the background to the formation of FC United, focussing on the poor governance in the game, which allows hostile takeovers such as that suffered at Manchester United and how our model of fans owning the club in an Industrial and Provident Society (IPS) is an excellent protection against predators who wish to use our clubs for personal profit.

Other groups gave evidence to the same forum, including Supporters Direct, the Football Supporters Federation (FSF) the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and Howard Wilkinson representing the League Managers Association (LMA).

This is a wide ranging inquiry and other groups and individuals either have been or will be asked to submit evidence.

We also provided a pack of information about our club and now have a few weeks in which to submit written comments on issues related to the governance of our national game.

A further suggestion was made by the Chair of the All Party Football Group, Alan Keen that FC United supporters/owners could become involved by writing to their MPs. Independent Inquiries such as this benefit greatly from interest being taken by other Members of Parliament and MPs usually respond to requests from their constituents. Therefore, you could help raise the profile of this inquiry by writing to your local MP asking him/her to support the All Party Football Group in their work.

Kiwi-blue, Christchurch NZ (14/05/2008 at 14:15)

FC United Participate in Public Houses Investigation. Feedback from the Landlord:

FC United were pleased to be invited to give evidence to the All Pub Football Group Inquiry into half time drinks in Pub Football.

Our involvement kicked off with a request to give verbal evidence in the Cheshire Cheese on Wed 7 May. Andy Walsh attended with Pub Members Adam Brown and Alison Watt and gave an account of the background to the refreshments at FC United, focussing on the poor half time pies in the game, which allows drunken supporters such as those at the Red Lion and how our model of fans owning the club in an Alcohol and Leisure Environment (ALE) is an excellent protection against drinkers who wish to use our pubs and clubs for home brew.

Other pubs gave evidence to the same forum, including Suppers Direct, the Football Suppers Federation (FSF) the Professional Suppers Association (PSA) and the League Suppers Association (LSA).

This is a wide ranging inquiry and other pubs and clubs either have been or will be asked to submit evidence.

We also provided a packet of peanuts from our club and now have a few weeks in which to submit comments written on the back of beer mats.
A further suggestion was made by the Chair of the Real Ale Party Football Group that FC United regulars could become involved by writing to their MPs. Public House Inquiries such as this benefit greatly from interest being taken by other Members of Pubs and MPs usually respond to requests from their locals. Therefore, you could help raise your glasses and drink to your local MP asking him/her to sup for the All Pub Football Group in their pub.
Free Red, Manchester

Dash Walny Manchester via Poland (14/05/2008 at 20:12)

Free Read, Man United won the PL for the second consecutive year and will win the CL again next week. I don't know too much about the Tampa Bay Buccanners, but looking online I see they finish at the top of their table this past season. Could anything be going better for the Glazers?? And the best part is they don't have to see your mug at the OT, not that you were ever there in the first place.

Philip MaRSHALL (15/05/2008 at 11:50)

Nothing to do with the article but please carry on being obsessed about our club, you're doing a sterling job. Get cracking on with that homework tonight as well, don't want to miss any of your playtime, you may even have your milk confiscated. Sounds like some of the drivel you dullards would write. We're Fc United, we're going up.

Free Red, Manchester (16/05/2008 at 10:31)

Following a meeting held on the 14th May 2008 The Football Association Leagues Committee has confirmed the allocations for Steps 1 to 4 of the National League System for Season 2008/09. The confirmed line up for the Premier Division. Ashton United, Bradford Park Avenue, Buxton, Cammell Laird, Eastwood Town, FC United of Manchester, Frickley Athletic, Guiseley, Hednesford Town, Ilkeston Town, Kendal Town, Leigh RMI, Marine, Matlock Town, Nantwich Town, North Ferriby United, Ossett Town, Prescot Cables, Vauxhall Motors, Whitby Town, Witton Albion, Worksop Town.

Dash Walny Manchester via Poland (19/05/2008 at 17:39)

Which pub will be holding the FC United Champions League Final watching party?

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