It’s been an out of sorts season for Manchester United, but
for FC United of Manchester its business as usual as the pursuit for promotion
to Skrill North intensifies.
The Red Rebels currently occupy 2nd in the
Northern Premier League, now just a point behind league leaders Chorley with
two games remaining.
Press Officer Andy Walker believes its Chorley’s title to
lose: “Its in Chorley’s hands now, if they win their games then they’re up,
they’ve got a superior goal difference to us, courtesy of the last couple of
games they’ve had, they’ve got a run they’ll think is winnable.”
Eager to avoid the seemingly cursed play offs after 3
consecutive defeats at the final hurdle, FCUM still have work to do if they’re
to usurp the Magpies from top spot.
“We’ve got to win our games to keep pressure on Chorley and
that’s what we’ll be trying to do.”
A run of 9 wins on the trot came to an end in a 2-2
stalemate with Chorley a week ago, followed by a surprise defeat to Buxton.
However, FC United got back to winning ways courtesy of
their game in hand with a 3-0 victory over Grantham on Tuesday night.
The Rebels followed up that result with another 3 points
over relegated Stamford 2-3 away from home this afternoon, as Chorley dropped
points on the road at Whitby Town.
“The lads are certainly confident that they can go on
another run, last week against Buxton they looked tired and jaded, Buxton
worked hard, people have to understand that teams work hard, they want to win
football matches.”
Nothing but a string of wins will do if they are to continue
their efforts to buck the trend of play off lottery.
“Every single time we cross that white line we’ve got to be
on our mettle till the end of the season.”
The clubs come a long way since its controversial inception
in 2005, born out of American businessman Malcolm Glazers takeover of
Manchester United.
The cynics said it’d never work, but that group of maverick
United fans have stuck to their task and a decade milestone since the clubs
formation is fast approaching, what better way to celebrate than in a brand
spanking new stadium.
Walker said: “I think it talks about the resilience of
football fans, and the determination of people at our club, we wanted to
created a different way, a better way for football, and I think we’re well on
the way to doing that.”
Plans have been announced for a new 5,000 capacity stadium
with construction of ‘Broadhurst Park’ due for completion in September.
Walker admits to a long-term vision for FC United, a club
for the fans by the fans:
“Its not just about
the next couple of years, its about what we may be able to achieve in the
foreseeable future, its about making that facility speak to the values and
founding principles of our football club - affordable football, being able to
come and have a good time at the ground.”
A viable chance to break away from the altogether practical
ground share with Bury at Gigg Lane, to a place they can truly call home is a
testament to the clubs independence.
Evidence shows that the rebels will have no trouble filling
the new stadium on match days, with a strong and loyal fan following of support
flocking week in week out.
“We’ve established ourselves as a club that’s getting over
1,000 season ticket holders, getting crowds close on 2,000 and over 3,000
members.”
To show appreciation to the fans that consistently turn out
each game, the powers that be have made the decision that if the club doesn’t
gain promotion this season, gate prices will stay the same.
Whereas if promotion is secured, adult prices will increase
by £1, concessions and juniors will remain as they are.
By either rate, FC United of Manchester will be the cheapest
in the league they will be plying their trade in next season.
Average attendances at ‘home’ are regularly in the thousands
and 4,152 spectators were present to watch the recent draw with Chorley.
A sizable number through the gate for a club of their
stature, only twice this season have Bury had a higher attendance than the
fixture against the Magpies.
Next up for the Red Rebels is fifth placed Ashton United,
who are the visitors to Gigg Lane on Easter Monday. Kick off is at 3pm.
