F.C. United of Manchester

(Redirected from FC United of Manchester)

Football Club United of Manchester is a semi-professional football club based in Moston, Manchester, England, that competes in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of the English football league system, and plays home matches at Broadhurst Park.

F.C. United of Manchester
A circular badge with "Football Club United of Manchester" written in white capitals just inside the black circumference with a red trim. Inside is a yellow crest on a red background. The crest has a yellow ship with three sails on a white background, and three yellow stripes on a red background.
Full nameFootball Club United of Manchester
Nickname(s)F.C. United
The Reds
Red Rebels
Founded2005
GroundBroadhurst Park
Capacity4,400[1]
ChairmanNick Boom
ManagerMark Beesley[2]
LeagueNorthern Premier League Premier Division
2023–24Northern Premier League Premier Division, 14th of 21
Websitehttp://www.fc-utd.co.uk/
Current season

Founded in 2005 by Manchester United supporters opposed to American businessman Malcolm Glazer's takeover, F.C. United entered Division Two of the North West Counties Football League, earned three consecutive promotions and were promoted for a fourth time to National League North for the 2015–16 season. In cup competitions, F.C. United reached the second round of the FA Cup in 2010–11 and the fourth round of the FA Trophy in 2014–15. In 2019 they were relegated back to the Northern Premier League.

After ground-sharing between 2005 and 2014 with Bury at Gigg Lane, F.C. United opened their own ground, Broadhurst Park in north-east Manchester, in May 2015. The team was managed by Karl Marginson from its formation in 2005 until October 2017.[3] The current manager is Neil Reynolds, who took over as manager in October 2018 from David Chadwick who acted as temporary manager following Tom Greaves's resignation in August 2018.[4][5] The club's regular kit colours are red shirts, white shorts and black socks. Their badge is based on the Manchester coat of arms and features a ship at sea and three stripes for the three rivers that flow through Manchester.

After Heart of Midlothian and Exeter City, United is the third-largest fan-owned football club in the United Kingdom by number of members,[6] and has one of the highest home attendances in English non-league football. The club is democratically run by its members who have equal voting rights and own one share each in the club.

History

edit

Formation

edit
 
F.C. United's first game was a friendly against Leigh RMI in 2005.

The club was founded in 2005 by disaffected supporters of Manchester United.[7] Although there were varying reasons for their dissatisfaction,[8][9] the catalyst for F.C. United's formation was the 12 May 2005 takeover of Manchester United by American businessman Malcolm Glazer.[10][11] Supporters first considered forming a breakaway club in 1998 during an attempted takeover of Manchester United by BSkyB.[12] The creation of F.C. United in the event of a Glazer buyout was first proposed in February 2005 by Manchester United fanzine Red Issue.[9][12]

Public meetings for fans were held on 19 May 2005 at the Central Methodist Hall in Manchester's Northern Quarter and on 30 May at the Apollo Theatre.[10] Subsequently, a steering group was created to set up the new club.[13] After the name "F.C. United" was rejected by The Football Association for being too generic, those who had pledged money to the club were asked to vote on a name.[14] On 14 June 2005, it was announced that "F.C. United of Manchester" had been chosen, beating "A.F.C. Manchester 1878", "Manchester Central", and "Newton Heath United",[14][15][16] and F.C. United were officially registered with the Manchester County Football Association on the same day.[17]

Karl Marginson was appointed as the club's manager on 22 June, and the club held trials for players four days later.[18][19] Around 900 players applied to take part in the trials, of whom 200 were chosen to take part and 17 selected to play for F.C. United.[20] Jonathan Mitten, great-nephew of Manchester United forward Charlie Mitten, was the club's first signing.[9]

F.C. United's inaugural members' meeting was held on 5 July 2005 at the Methodist Central Hall. Members voted on the club's constitution, badge, and core principles and elected the 11-member board.[21] By 6 July, over 4,000 people had pledged money to F.C. United and the club had over £100,000 in the bank.[22] During F.C. United's formation, the owners of Leigh RMI offered to merge the two clubs, but the parties decided against the idea.[23] F.C. United later arranged to play their first ever game against Leigh RMI on 16 July 2005; the match ended 0–0.[24]

North West Counties years (2005–07)

edit

For the 2005–06 season, F.C. United played in the Second Division of the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL), which is level ten of the English football league system and nine levels below the Premier League.[25] The club played its home matches at Bury's Gigg Lane.[25] F.C. United were ineligible to play in the FA Vase for their first season because the club was formed after the deadline to enter the competition. They were, however, able to play in the North West Counties League Challenge Cup.[26]

F.C. United's first competitive match was a 5–2 away victory against Leek County School Old Boys on 13 August 2005.[27] 2,590 people attended the game.[28] In its home debut on 20 August, the club defeated Padiham 3–2 with two goals from Rory Patterson.[29] During their first season, F.C. United consistently broke NWCFL attendance records. A crowd of 6,032 watched the team during their final home league match of the season against Great Harwood Town, which remains an NWCFL record as of 2016.[30] Despite losing that game 0–1, the team were promoted to Division One.[31]

F.C. United's successful 2006/07 season in Division One of the NWCFL earned the club a promotion to Division One North of the Northern Premier League.[32] They secured their second successive league title with a 7–1 win over Atherton Laburnum Rovers on 18 April 2007.[33] They then won their second cup of the season by beating Curzon Ashton 2–1 in the NWCFL's Challenge Cup final.[34] In the third round of the FA Vase competition, the club was eliminated when it lost 2–3 in the last minute of extra-time to Quorn.[35]

Northern Premier League years (2007–15)

edit

In 2007–08, F.C. United played in the inaugural season of the Northern Premier League (NPL) Division One North. They made their debut in the FA Cup that season, but lost 1–2 to Fleetwood Town in the first qualifying round.[36] They advanced to the final of the 2007–08 NPL President's Cup, in which they beat Radcliffe Borough 2–0 to pick up their fourth trophy in the three years following the club's formation.[37] The club finished the season second in the league, trailing champions Bradford Park Avenue by one point, and entered the play-offs for the other promotion place. After beating Bamber Bridge 3–2 in the semi-finals, F.C. United faced Skelmersdale United in the promotion play-off final, coming back from a goal down to win 4–1 and earn their third successive promotion to play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.[38]

 
F.C. United (in white) playing away against Mickleover Sports, October 2010

In 2008–09, F.C. United made their debut in the FA Trophy, reaching the third qualifying round, and missed out on a play-off place on the last day of the regular season.[39][40] In the 2009–10 season, they finished 13th in the league, their lowest league position in the first five seasons,[25] before progressing to the play-offs in 2010–11.[41] They beat Bradford Park Avenue 2–0 in the semi-finals but lost the final 0–1 to Colwyn Bay.[42][43] Earlier that season, F.C. United reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time, recording victories over Radcliffe Borough, Gainsborough Trinity, Norton & Stockton Ancients and Barrow to play League One side Rochdale. They defeated Rochdale 3–2 after a late winner from Mike Norton,[44] and played eventual 2010–11 League One champions Brighton & Hove Albion in the second round. After a 1–1 away draw at Withdean Stadium, F.C. United lost the replay at Gigg Lane 0–4,[45] in front of their highest home attendance of 6,731.[46]

In the 2011–12 season, F.C. United reached the first round of the FA Trophy for the first time after knocking out Frickley Athletic, Durham City and Altrincham.[47][48] In the league, they qualified for the end of season play-offs, despite finishing 6th, due to the demotion of Northwich Victoria for breaching of financial rules.[49][50] They beat Chorley 2–0 in the play-off semi-final to qualify for consecutive play-off finals but lost 0–1 to Bradford Park Avenue in the penultimate minute of extra time.[51][52]

F.C. United finished third in the 2012–13 season to book a place in the play-offs.[53] They won 3–1 against Witton Albion in the semi-final,[54] but lost the final for the third consecutive time with a 1–2 defeat to Hednesford Town.[55] The following season, the club finished second in the league but lost in the play-offs in the semi-finals.[56][57] During the 2014–15 campaign, F.C. United reached the fourth round of the FA Trophy[58] and recorded a streak of 21 league games without a loss from December to April, including 16 victories.[59] They secured their promotion to the National League North following a 1–0 win against Stourbridge on 21 April 2015; after seven years of trying.[60] The club's top scorer for this championship winning season was Tom Greaves,[46] the same player who scored the winning goal for Bradford Park Avenue against F.C. United in the 2012 play-off final.[52]

National League years (2015–2019)

edit

F.C. United recorded their first victory in the National League North in a 3–2 home win over Brackley Town on 22 August 2015, which was the club's first competitive win at Broadhurst Park.[61] In October, for the second time in the club's history, they secured a place in the first round of the FA Cup with a 3–1 away win over Sporting Khalsa,[62] but were eliminated from the competition after a 4–1 home loss against Chesterfield.[63] In November, the club ended their cup runs for the 2015–16 season after two successive home defeats to Stalybridge Celtic 3–4 in the Manchester Premier Cup and to Telford United 1–2 in the FA Trophy.[64][65] Between September and November 2015, F.C. United lost seven consecutive league matches; their worst run ever as of April 2017.[46] They eventually finished the season in 13th place.[66]

The following 2016–17 season, the team again finished 13th and won the Manchester FA county cup for the first time in their history, beating Stalybridge Celtic 1–0 in the final.[67] After a poor start to the 2017–18 season, Karl Marginson, the team's first and only manager, left the club by mutual consent in October 2017.[3] He was replaced by forward Tom Greaves who took over on a temporary basis and was appointed permanent player-manager the next month.[68] F.C. United finished the season in 16th place and retained the Manchester FA county cup with a penalty shoot-out victory against Trafford F.C.[69] Greaves, who became the club's all-time record goal-scorer in December 2017, saw his contract extended until the end of the 2018–19 season.[70][71]

After a poor start to the 2018–19 season, Greaves left the club at the end of August 2018, with long-serving former player David Chadwick acting as interim manager.[72] In late October, the club appointed Neil Reynolds as first team manager.[73] On 22 April 2019, Easter Monday, FC United were relegated back to the Northern Premier League following a 1–2 home defeat to Blyth Spartans.[74]

Colours and badge

edit
 
F.C. United of Manchester's badge is based on the coat of arms of Manchester City Council.

F.C. United's club colours are red, white and black – the same colours worn by Manchester United.[75] The shirt bears no sponsorship logo, as it was written into the club's constitution that the club should not have a shirt sponsor.[76] The club's first kit was a plain red shirt, white shorts and plain black socks.[77] The club introduced a new home shirt for the 2007–08 season with a striped collar and striped ends on the sleeves which lasted until 2009.[78] This was changed for the 2009–11 seasons to a red shirt with a black and white stripe down the left side, manufactured by Admiral Sportswear.[79] For seasons 2011–13 the club reverted to a plain red shirt, manufactured by O'Neills.[80] At the start of the 2018–19 season, Errea replaced O'Neill's as kit supplier.[81]

The club's second kit, worn when playing away against a team with a predominantly red kit, is a white shirt, white shorts and socks.[82] The club has an alternative plain blue kit with the clenched fist logo and the words "Our Club Our Rules" on the shirt front for playing against a team with a red and white kit.[83] In past seasons white shirts with diagonal black or red stripes[77][84] and a white shirt with a red trim, black shorts and white socks have all been used as the second kits.[85]

The club's badge is red, white, black and yellow, and incorporates elements from the coat of arms of Manchester City Council; a ship representing Manchester's industry and three stripes representing the three rivers that flow through Manchester: the Irk, the Irwell and the Medlock.[17]

Stadium

edit
 
Gigg Lane decorated with the club's flags and banners. This was the club's home in its formative years.

F.C. United play at the 4,400 capacity[1] Broadhurst Park, which opened in May 2015.[86] The ground was built at a cost of £6.3 million, using £2 million from a Community Share Scheme and the remainder from a variety of governmental and charity grants.[87] The ground is surrounded on all sides by covered stands: the St. Mary's Road End (east), the North Stand, the Lightbowne Road End (west) and the Main Stand (south), the latter of which has seating sections.[1] Within the Main Stand is a clubhouse with a bar and catering facilities, club offices, changing rooms, a medical suite and a classroom.[88] The stadium is shared with a local junior team, Moston Juniors F.C.[89]

From their foundation in 2005 until 2014, F.C. United were based at Bury F.C.'s Gigg Lane stadium. F.C. United's first proposed stadium was announced in 2010 for Newton Heath, the original home of Manchester United.[90] The development was planned to be located on the site of the Ten Acres Lane sports centre and would have cost £3.5 million, to be financed by public donations, a Community Shares issue and grant funding.[91] However a year later, in March 2011, Manchester City Council backed out from funding the stadium.[92] The Broadhurst Park site in Moston, north-east Manchester, was announced in April 2011.[93] Detailed information about the new facility was released in June 2011[94] and Manchester City Council approved the planning permission for the site on 27 October 2011.[95] F.C. United had to overcome some obstacles including funding agreements, contractor and lease negotiations and a legal challenge from local residents which caused a further two-year delay before building commenced in November 2013.[96]

 
The club's home ground, Broadhurst Park, opened in May 2015.

During their time at Bury, fixture clashes meant that F.C. United used a further six stadia for home fixtures: Altrincham's Moss Lane;[97] Radcliffe Borough's Stainton Park;[98] Hyde United's Ewen Fields;[99] Stalybridge Celtic's Bower Fold;[100][101] Curzon Ashton's Tameside Stadium;[102] and Flixton's Valley Road.[103]

For the 2014–15 season, F.C. United ended their groundsharing agreement with Bury after nine seasons in preparation for their move to Broadhurst Park. As the ground was not ready at the start of the season, they used Bower Fold as a temporary home. Delays with Broadhurst Park meant that F.C. United were unable to move in until May 2015, and following fixture clashes with Stalybridge Celtic the club moved in December 2014 to the Tameside Stadium for the remainder of the season.[104][105] F.C. United hosted a test event at Broadhurst Park on 16 May 2015, staging a short match between their first team and an Invitational XI made up of past players.[86] The official opening game was a friendly against Benfica B on 29 May,[106] the anniversary of Manchester United's victory over Benfica in the 1968 European Cup Final. Benfica won the opening game 1–0 in front of a crowd of 4,232.[107][108]

Supporters

edit

F.C. United are owned by around 2300 of their members and are the third [109] supporter-owned football club in the United Kingdom by number of members.[6] Each member can vote on how the club is run, including voting for board members, kit designs and season ticket prices.[12] F.C. United fans are known for the large range of songs that they sing at matches, and the atmosphere created by fans has been praised in the media.[110][111][112][113]

During their first season (2005–06), F.C. United had the second-highest average attendance in English non-League football with an average gate of 3,059 and were the 87th best supported club across all divisions.[114] Attendances fell in the next two seasons and they were the 92nd best supported club in 2006–07 and 100th best supported club by 2007–08.[115][116] Their average league attendance then levelled out at approximately 2,000 per game,[117] before rising to an average of 2,155 in 2014–15, the then-seventh highest attendance in non-League football.[118] After moving to Broadhurst Park in May 2015, the club averaged a gate of 3,394 in 2015–16, a season-on-season increase of over 57% and the fourth highest attendance in non-League football.[119]

Organisation

edit

F.C. United operate as a community benefit society.[7] Membership is obtained by paying an annual fee of £15 to the club (£3 for children) but each member receives only one share in the club and is entitled to a single vote at meetings, regardless of the amount donated.[120][121] The board consists of up to 11 members who are elected by the members of the club.[21] Day-to-day operations of the club are overseen by a chief executive officer; Andy Walsh, a founding member of F.C. United, was appointed to the position in 2005.[6] He stepped down from the role at the end of June 2016.[122] Damian Chadwick, another founding member of the club, took up the position in November 2016. Chadwick stood down in 2018 and was replaced by Paul Smith.[123] In 2023 Danny Davis was hired as General Manager

The club's manifesto includes the following core principles:[120]

  1. The Board will be democratically elected by its members;
  2. Decisions taken by the membership will be decided on a one-member, one vote basis;
  3. The club will develop strong links with the local community and strive to be accessible to all, discriminating against none;
  4. The club will endeavour to make admission prices as affordable as possible, to as wide a constituency as possible;
  5. The club will encourage young, local participation—playing and supporting—whenever possible;
  6. The Board will strive wherever possible to avoid outright commercialism;
  7. The club will remain a non-profit organisation.

The club accepts sponsorship but does not allow sponsors' logos to be displayed on the team's shirts.[76] The club's main sponsor in its inaugural 2005–06 season was the Bhopal Medical Appeal and in the 2006–07 season it was the Williams BMW Group.[124][125] Between 2011 and 2016, F.C. United were sponsored by mxData, a Manchester-based mobile app development company.[76][126] In October 2014, F.C. United became the first football club in the United Kingdom to be accredited as a living wage employer by the Living Wage Foundation.[127]

Criticism

edit

F.C. United and their founders have been criticised and supported by fans of Manchester United and the media; some fans view those who chose to leave to follow F.C. United as "traitors".[128][129] Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson questioned the loyalty of fans who decided to form the club and the motivation behind the forming of F.C. United in a 2006 book:[130]

I'm sorry about that. It is a bit sad, that part, but I wonder just how big a United supporter they are. They seem to me to be promoting or projecting themselves a wee bit rather than saying, "at the end of the day the club have made a decision, we'll stick by them." It's more about them than us.

— Sir Alex Ferguson, The Official Manchester United Diary of the Season (2006)

Former Manchester United forward Eric Cantona has supported the club, describing them as "having a great idea" and expressing hope that F.C. United will "become a great club and win the European Cup in 50 years' time".[131] In 2010, aged 43, he said that he would be prepared to play for the club.[132] Steve Coppell, Manchester United winger between 1975 and 1983, joined the club as a co-owner in April 2016.[133]

F.C. United have been criticised by their own members for abandoning their principles, including agreeing to a photo op with a Conservative Party government minister in October 2015, despite a club policy not to be used for political promotion, and a day after some club members took part in a march against government cuts in Manchester.[134][135] F.C. United defended the visit as "an essential part" of the development of financial vehicles for football fans, arguing that it will help government representatives to better understand the benefits and challenges of social investment.[136]

The club's programme editor resigned from his position in June 2015 over a one-off price rise of the programme for Broadhurst Park's opening game against Benfica the previous month; a Board decision that was described as breaching the club's founding principle of avoiding outright commercialism.[134][135] F.C. United were also criticised at the time for a deficit in democracy, transparency and accountability between their officials and the membership.[134][135]

In 2016, protests by supporters led to several board members stepping down and an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) to elect a new board was subsequently called. The protests culminated in several fans invading the pitch during the last home game of the 2015–16 season, calling for the remaining board members deemed responsible for the lack of democracy and transparency at the club to resign.[137] Three board members resigned within a week of the on-pitch protest,[138] along with the club's Press and Communications Officer.[139] On 5 June, the EGM took place and a new board of 11 members were elected, leading to "a sense of progression and an air of optimism" among the club's members.[137]

Statistics and records

edit
 
Rory Patterson scored 99 goals for F.C. United in all competitions. He later represented Northern Ireland.

The record for the most appearances for F.C. United is held by Jerome Wright, with 400 as of March 2018.[46] Tom Greaves is the club's all-time record goal-scorer with 102 goals in all competitions, which includes 86 in the league and 16 in cup matches as of January 2018.[140] Six other players, Rory Patterson, Mike Norton, Matthew Wolfenden, Jerome Wright, Simon Carden and Stuart Rudd have also scored more than 50 goals for the club.[46] Rudd holds the record for most goals scored in a single season, having scored 45 goals in the 2006–07 season.[141]

The largest number of points the team accrued is 112 in the 2006–07 season, and the highest number of goals scored in a season is 157, achieved in 42 matches in 2006–07.[142] The club's best performance in the FA Cup was a second round appearance during the 2010–11 season. After a 3–2 first round win over Rochdale, F.C. United recorded a 1–1 away draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, forcing a home replay which they lost 0–4.[45] The team has since advanced to the first round of the FA Cup twice, losing 1–4 in 2015–16 to Chesterfield[63] and 1–5 in 2020–21 to Doncaster Rovers.

In the 2006–07 season, F.C. United reached the third round of the FA Vase, beating Padiham and Salford City in the first two rounds but lost 2–3 at home to Quorn after extra time.[35] In the 2014–15 season, they progressed to the fourth round of the FA Trophy, defeating Harrogate Town, Chorley and AFC Fylde in the first three rounds before losing 0–1 away to Torquay United.[143]

The club's record league victory was a 10–2 win over Castleton Gabriels on 10 December 2005 in the North West Counties Football League Division Two; Simon Carden scored five of the goals, which is the club record for the highest number of goals scored by a player in a single game.[141] F.C. United achieved eight-goal victory margins on three further occasions, in 8–0 wins over Squires Gate, Glossop North End and Nelson, all during the 2006–07 season.[46] The club's heaviest league defeat is 0–6 away to Harrogate Town on 10 March 2018 in the National League North.[46]

F.C. United's highest home attendances are 6,731 against Brighton in the second round of the 2010–11 FA Cup on 8 December 2010 and 6,023 against Great Harwood Town in the North West Counties Football League Division Two on 22 April 2006, both at Gigg Lane.[46]

Players

edit

First team squad

edit
 
F.C. United players in 2011 thanking fans for their support
As of 16 October 2024[144]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
GK   ENG Ollie Byrne
GK   ENG Charlie Casper (on loan from Burnley)
GK   ENG Conor O'Keefe
GK   ENG Flynn Proctor
DF   ENG Dominic Doyle
DF   ENG Declan Evans
DF   ENG Joe Ferguson
DF   ENG Guy Hall
DF   ENG Curtis Jones (vice-captain)
DF   CZE Jan Palinkas
DF   ENG Charlie Oliver
MF   ENG Charlie Cowin
MF   ENG Michael Donohue
MF   ENG Paul Ennis (captain)
MF   ENG Jay Fitzmartin
No. Pos. Nation Player
MF   ENG Callum Gribbin
MF   ENG Alfie Henstock
MF   ENG Hayden Lindley
MF   ENG Declan McLoughlin
MF   ENG Charlie Munro
MF   ENG Luca Navarro
FW   ENG Jordan Buckley
FW   CAN Robbie Cleary
FW   ENG Sam Dunstan
FW   GAM Mo Jammeh
FW   ENG Adam Le Fondre
FW   ENG Dallas Omoruyi
FW   SCO Jordan Preston
FW   ENG Gez Sithole

Out on loan

edit

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player

Former players

edit

See Category:F.C. United of Manchester players to see a list of notable F.C. United players, past and present.

International representation

edit

F.C. United have assisted in providing several players for the international football scene; the club's all-time record goal-scorer Rory Patterson went on to play and score for Northern Ireland at senior level and forward Matthew Walwyn debuted for Saint Kitts and Nevis in a friendly against Andorra in November 2015.[145][146] F.C. United's youth team were represented in the England Schoolboys squad by Scott Cheetham in 2011[147] and in 2013, the club signed Pakistan international defender Amjad Iqbal from Bradford Park Avenue.[148] Other F.C. United players to have played international football include Stephen O'Halloran (Republic of Ireland), Ludovic Quistin (Guadeloupe), Jason St Juste and Jacob Hazel (both St Kitts and Nevis).

Managerial history / Coaching staff

edit
 
Karl Marginson was the manager of F.C. United for 12 years, from its formation to 2017.

Upon its formation, F.C. United appointed Karl Marginson as its manager. He led the team to four promotions, three league titles, two league cups and a county cup. He left the club by mutual consent in October 2017 after a poor start to the 2017–18 season. He was replaced by forward Tom Greaves who took on the role of a caretaker player-manager, a decision that was made permanent on 21 November 2017.[3][149][68] He was subsequently replaced by Dave Chadwick as Caretaker Manager in August 2018 when he resigned.[4] Neil Reynolds is the most recent manager of the club having been in position from 18 October 2018, taking over from Chadwick, until 11 September 2024.

List of managers

edit

Information correct after match played on 12 March 2022.[150] Only competitive matches are counted.

Key
  • Names of caretaker managers are supplied where known, and the names of caretaker managers are highlighted in italics and marked with an asterisk (*).
  • Names of player-managers are supplied where known, and are marked with a double-dagger (‡).
List of F.C. United of Manchester managers
Name Nationality From To Matches Won Drawn[a] Lost Win%[b] Honours Refs.
Karl Marginson   England 22 June 2005 24 October 2017 450 215 96 139 047.78 Northern Premier League Premier Division:
Champions: 2014–15
Play-off runners-up: 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13
Northern Premier League Division One North:
Runners-up: 2007–08
Play-off winners 2007–08
Northern Premier League President's Cup winners: 2007–08
North West Counties League Division One champions: 2006–07
North West Counties League Challenge Cup winners: 2006–07
North West Counties League Division Two champions: 2005–06
Manchester Premier Cup winners: 2016–17
Supporters Direct Cup winners: 2006
[151]
Tom Greaves* ‡   England 24 October 2017 21 November 2017 [152]
Tom Greaves   England 21 November 2017 29 August 2018 35 12 6 17 034.29 Manchester Premier Cup winners: 2017–18 [152]
David Chadwick*   England 29 August 2018 18 October 2018 6 0 3 3 000.00 [153]
Neil Reynolds   England 18 October 2018 11 September 2024 114 45 26 43 039.47 Brian Lomax Trophy winners: 2021 [154]
Mark Beesley   England 22 September 2024 Now

Current coaching staff

edit
Name Role
  Mark Beesley Manager
  David Raven Assistant manager
  Callum Greenwood Goalkeeper coach
  Olivia Smith Head physio
  Joseph Winskill Kitman
  Sam Irvine Women's Team Coach
  Mark Thomas Assistant head coach
Source:[155][156][157][158]

Honours

edit

F.C. United have won three league titles, two league cups and two county cups in their history.[159]

 
F.C. United were crowned champions of the North West Counties Football League Division Two in their inaugural season (2005–06).

Records

edit

In European competitions

edit
Season Competition Round Opposition Home Away Aggregate
2021–22 Fenix Trophy Group B   AKS Zły 10–0 1–6 1st
  Brera 2–1 1–3
Final   Prague Raptors 2–0 (N)
2022–23 Fenix Trophy Group A   KSK Beveren 4–1 2–3 1st
  CD Cuenca-Mestallistes 12–0 2–5
Semi-final   BK Skjold 3–2 (N)
Third place play-off   Brera 1–0 (N)
2023–24 Fenix Trophy Group C   Krakow Dragoons 14–0 1–4 1st
  Vinsky FC 4–1 0–4
Semi-final   Lewes 1–0 (N)
Final   Prague Raptors 4–0 (N)
2024–25 Fenix Trophy Round of 16   Prague Raptors 5–0 25 Nov. TBC

Women's team

edit

F.C. United's women's team competed for the first time in the 2012–13 season. They finished second in the Greater Manchester Women's Football League behind Manchester City Ladies.[161] They also reached the GMWFL League Cup final but lost 0–1 to Manchester City Ladies.[161] After finishing runners-up again in 2013–14,[162] the team won a league and cup double in 2015, gaining promotion to the North West Women's Regional Football League Division One South.[163] They finished runners-up in the two following seasons, behind MSB Woolton Ladies in 2015–16 and Merseyrail Bootle in 2016–17, winning a league and county cup in the latter season.[164][165][166] In 2017–18, the team won their first Treble, defending the league and county cups and securing a promotion to the North West Women's Regional Football League Premier Division after an unbeaten league campaign.[167][168][169] After two seasons that were curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic with no promotion or relegation,[170] F.C. United were among various women's teams that gained promotion through an application process. As a result, the team reached the 4th division for the first time in their history.[171]In 2023-24 they were relegated back to North West Women's Regional Football League

They are currently managed by Sam Irvine.

F.C. United of Manchester Women's league and cup history
Season Division Level Position Average league att. Top league goal scorer FA Cup Cup
2012–13 Greater Manchester Women's Football League Premier Division[172] 7 2nd/9 Final
2013–14 Greater Manchester Women's Football League Division One[172] 7 2nd/7 Semi-finals (Challenge Cup)
Winners (League Cup)#
2014–15 Greater Manchester Women's Football League Division One[172] 7 1st/6 Winners (Challenge Cup)
Semi-finals (League Cup)
2015–16 North West Women's Regional Football League Division One South[164] 6 2nd/8 Runners-up (Manchester FA Cup)
2016–17 North West Women's Regional Football League Division One South[165][173] 6 2nd/12 3QR Winners (Manchester FA Cup)
Winners (Argyle Cup)
2017–18 North West Women's Regional Football League Division One South[167][174] 6 1st/10 115 Jessica Battle (46) 2QR Winners (Manchester FA Cup)
Winners (Argyle Cup)
2018–19 North West Women's Regional Football League Premier Division[175][176] 5 2nd/11 105 Jessica Battle (32) R1 Winners (Manchester FA Cup)
Winners (Argyle Cup)
2019–20 North West Women's Regional Football League Premier Division[177][178] 5 N/A[c] N/A[d] 2QR
2020–21 North West Women's Regional Football League Premier Division[179] 5 2nd/11[e] R1
2021–22 FA Women's National League Division One North[180] 4 10th/12 R1
2022–23 North West Women's Regional Football League Premier Division 5 1st/11 R1
2023-24 FA Women's National League Division One North[180] 4 12th[181] Winners (Manchester FA Cup)

# Shared with Middleton Athletic

See also

edit

Notes

edit
  1. ^ Drawn matches decided by penalty shoot-outs are counted as draws.
  2. ^ Win% is rounded to two decimal places.
  3. ^ The 2019–20 season was cancelled partway through due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the FA ruled that league results would be expunged for Tiers 3 to 7.
  4. ^ Due to the season's results being expunged, there were no goals officially recorded
  5. ^ The 2020–21 season was ruled as incomplete, with the club gaining promotion though the FA's application process.

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c "F.C. United of Manchester – Broadhurst Park". fc-utd.co.uk. FC United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 8 August 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  2. ^ https://fc-utd.co.uk/news-story/club-statement-neil-reynolds-departs-as-first-team-manager
  3. ^ a b c "Manager Karl Marginson to leave F.C. United of Manchester after twelve years in charge". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 24 October 2017. Archived from the original on 19 November 2017. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Tom Greaves resigns as manager of FC United of Manchester". FC United. 28 August 2018. Archived from the original on 19 April 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  5. ^ "News Story – Neil Reynolds appointed as FC United Manager". Archived from the original on 19 April 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  6. ^ a b c Steven Coney (23 March 2016). "FC United of Manchester general manager Andy Walsh to step down". The Non-League Paper. Greenways Publishing. Archived from the original on 8 May 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  7. ^ a b "Governance – Manifesto". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 7 November 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  8. ^ Matt Rickard (5 July 2005). "United We Stand". ESPN. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 12 July 2005.
  9. ^ a b c Andy Mitten (12 May 2015). "Glazers, disgruntlement and grit: The inside story of FC United of Manchester's birth". FourFourTwo. Haymarket Media Group. Archived from the original on 9 January 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  10. ^ a b Robert Brady (2006). An Undividable Glow – The story of FCUM's first season. Manchester: Rubberybubberyboy Parchment. pp. 37, 39, 43, 51, 68. ISBN 978-0-9553620-0-2.
  11. ^ Grahame Lloyd (25 July 2005). "Rebel fans stand united: AFC Wimbledon 1–0 FC United". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 8 October 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  12. ^ a b c Adam Brown (3 July 2008). "'Our club, our rules': fan communities at FC United of Manchester". Soccer & Society. 9 (3). Routledge: 347, 353. doi:10.1080/14660970802008967. ISSN 1466-0970. S2CID 143335100.
  13. ^ "Steering Group Announcement". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 3 June 2005. Archived from the original on 15 March 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  14. ^ a b Howard, Tony (5 October 2005). "The rise and rise of F.C. United". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2011.
  15. ^ "Steering group announce name of new football club". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 14 June 2005. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  16. ^ "Voting now started to choose the name of the club". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 9 June 2005. Archived from the original on 24 February 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  17. ^ a b Christopher Porter. "Cultures of Resistance and Compliance: Football Fandom and Political Engagement in Manchester" (PDF). Manchester Metropolitan University. pp. 232, 296. Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  18. ^ Stuart Brennan (22 June 2005). "Karl the man for Red rebels". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 19 May 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  19. ^ "F.C. United Player Trials". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 21 June 2005. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  20. ^ "F.C. United Trials a Success". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 28 June 2005. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  21. ^ a b "The F.C. United of Manchester board and club badge announced". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 6 July 2005. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2011.
  22. ^ Brennan Stuart (6 July 2005). "Mitten's family affair". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2005.
  23. ^ "F.C. United in Leigh RMI merger talks". The Lancashire Telegraph. 22 June 2005. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2007.
  24. ^ Stuart Brennan (22 July 2005). "The Direct route for FC United". Manchester Evening News – via Newsbank.
  25. ^ a b c "F.C. United history". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 23 January 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  26. ^ Tony Howard (22 September 2006). "To the next step". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2011.
  27. ^ Tony Glennon (19 August 2005). "Rebels on new ground". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 19 May 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  28. ^ "Red Army fight for new soul of United". The Independent. 12 January 2006. Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  29. ^ Tony Glennon (22 August 2005). "Rory's double is no mystery". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 19 May 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  30. ^ "North West Counties Football League History 1982–2015". North West Counties Football League. Archived from the original on 1 April 2016. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  31. ^ "F.C. United crowned champions". Manchester Evening News. 22 April 2006. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  32. ^ "Promotion party gets a kick from derby joy". Manchester Evening News. 19 April 2007. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
  33. ^ "Rebels win title with goal glut". Manchester Evening News. 19 April 2007. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
  34. ^ Stuart Brennan (4 May 2007). "Howard's way wins Rebels the cup". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 31 May 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  35. ^ a b "FCUM out of FA Vase". BBC News. 13 December 2006. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
  36. ^ "Fleetwood Town 2 F.C. United 1". Fleetwood Today. Johnston Publishing. 2 September 2007. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
  37. ^ Robson, James (18 April 2008). "Cup win is part one of double for Rebels". Manchester Evening News – via Newsbank.
  38. ^ Howard, Tony (8 May 2008). "F.C. United 4–1 Skelmersdale United". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
  39. ^ Brennan, Stuart (26 November 2008). "F.C. United 1 Boston United 3". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
  40. ^ Fullen, Victoria (25 April 2009). "F.C. United of Manchester 1–1 Bradford Park Avenue match report". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  41. ^ Partington, Richard (28 April 2011). "Final push by FC's nomads". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 26 March 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  42. ^ "FC United one step from glory". Manchester Evening News. 29 April 2011. Archived from the original on 31 May 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  43. ^ Partington, Richard (5 May 2011). "We'll be back". Manchester Evening News – via Newsbank.
  44. ^ "Rochdale 2 – 3 F.C. United of Manchester". BBC News. 5 November 2010. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 5 November 2010.
  45. ^ a b "FC United of Manchester 0–4 Brighton". BBC News. 8 December 2010. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
  46. ^ a b c d e f g h "Football – Statistics and Records". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 20 January 2011. Archived from the original on 15 February 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  47. ^ "Fixtures and Results – First Team 2011/12 Season". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 24 January 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  48. ^ Ostick, Chris (12 December 2011). "Droylsden backed to keep shocking giants". Manchester Evening News – via Newsbank.
  49. ^ Simpson, Andrew (14 April 2012). "Northwich Victoria have been expelled from the Northern Premier League for breaking finance rules". The Northwich Guardian. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  50. ^ "Rebels take over Vics' berth in the play-offs". Manchester Evening News. 25 April 2012. Archived from the original on 31 May 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  51. ^ Vermiglio, Jamie (30 April 2012). "Red Rebels shatter Chorley's dreams". The Lancashire Evening Post. Johnston Publishing. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  52. ^ a b Whiting, Ian (6 May 2012). "Extra-time Greaves winner puts Bradford Park Avenue in dreamland". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  53. ^ Simpson, Andrew (4 May 2013). "FC United of Manchester to host Witton Albion in Premier Division play-offs semi finals in midweek". The Northwich Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 5 May 2013.
  54. ^ Simpson, Andrew (8 May 2013). "FC United of Manchester end Witton Albion's bid to be promoted for a second successive season". The Northwich Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  55. ^ "Heartbreak for Rebels". Manchester Evening News. 13 May 2013. Archived from the original on 31 May 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  56. ^ Collins, Ben (29 April 2014). "Rebel Reds are finally aiming to be up for it". Manchester Evening News. p. 51 – via Newsbank.
  57. ^ Collins, Ben (30 April 2014). "Late strikes fire Ashton into final". Manchester Evening News. p. 53 – via Newsbank.
  58. ^ Collins, Ben (10 February 2015). "FC United boss hails support despite FA Trophy exit". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 8 April 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  59. ^ "FC United of Manchester results & fixtures for the 2014–2015 season". Statto.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  60. ^ Keay, Sheldan (21 April 2015). "FC United promoted to Conference North as champions after 1–0 victory over Stourbridge". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 31 May 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  61. ^ Delaney, Andy (22 August 2015). "Match report: FC United 3 Brackley Town 2". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  62. ^ "Khalsa 1 FC United 3 – Report and pictures". Express & Star. The Midland News Association. 24 October 2015. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  63. ^ a b Slater, Chris (9 November 2015). "Hopes of FA Cup shock dashed as FC United are knocked-out with 4–1 first round defeat to Chesterfield". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
  64. ^ Phillips, Craig (25 November 2015). "Stalybridge knock FC United out of cup in seven goal thriller". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 24 February 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  65. ^ Delaney, Andy (27 November 2015). "FC United 1 AFC Telford 2: FA Trophy match report". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  66. ^ "Match preview: Detroit City FC vs. FC United of Manchester". National Premier Soccer League. 27 May 2016. Archived from the original on 1 June 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  67. ^ Phillips, Craig (4 May 2017). "FC United win the Frank Hannah Manchester Premier Cup". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 24 February 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  68. ^ a b "Tom Greaves appointed new Manager at FC United". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 21 November 2017. Archived from the original on 21 November 2017. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  69. ^ "National League North table". Vanarama National League. Pitch Hero. Archived from the original on 30 April 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  70. ^ "Record breaker Greaves give FC United victory over Harrogate". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 2 December 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  71. ^ "Tom Greaves named as player manager for 2018–19 season". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 27 April 2018. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  72. ^ "Tom Greaves resigns as manager of FC United of Manchester". F.C. United of Manchester. 19 September 2018. Archived from the original on 19 April 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  73. ^ "Neil Reynolds appointed as FC United Manager". F.C. United of Manchester. 28 October 2018. Archived from the original on 19 April 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  74. ^ "FC United relegated from Vanarama National League North". Fc-utd.co.uk. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  75. ^ Lawrence, Amy (20 May 2015). "'Ted of Manchester' – the character and soul of FC United's new home". BBC News. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  76. ^ a b c "New F.C. United sponsor won't appear on shirts". How-do.co.uk. Archived from the original on 14 August 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  77. ^ "Match Day Photos – First Team 2009/10". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  78. ^ "Pre-order your new FC United home kit". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 30 March 2012. Archived from the original on 24 February 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  79. ^ "Erreà is FC United of Manchester's new technical sponsor – Erreà". Archived from the original on 28 January 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  80. ^ "General Meeting Count and New Away Kit". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 19 May 2016. Archived from the original on 24 May 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  81. ^ "Pre order the 2012–14 away shirt". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 1 July 2011. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  82. ^ a b Slater, Chris (13 May 2015). "FC United in plea for 3,000 fans to help test their new ground ahead of official opening of Broadhurst Park". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  83. ^ David Conn (26 May 2015). "FC United of Manchester: the success story that proves what fans can achieve". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 April 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  84. ^ Ben Collins (16 April 2015). "Exclusive: FC United's new ground at Broadhurst Park in first behind-the-scenes tour". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 17 April 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
  85. ^ Ben Collins (28 January 2015). "Rebels ready to host Benfica at new home". Manchester Evening News. p. 49 – via Newsbank.
  86. ^ "Manchester's F.C. United plans new stadium move". BBC News. 25 March 2010. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2011.
  87. ^ Amy Glendinning (16 September 2010). "FC United reveal stadium plans". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 23 December 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  88. ^ Deborah Linton (4 March 2011). "FC United scrap Newton Heath stadium plan after council withdraws £650,000 funding". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 1 June 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  89. ^ Keegan, Mike (5 April 2011). "Home win: FC United to build 5,000 capacity stadium in Moston". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
  90. ^ Keegan, Mike (8 June 2011). "Revealed: FC United's plans for new stadium in Moston". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 2 June 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
  91. ^ "F.C. United stadium plans for Moston passed by council". BBC News. 27 October 2011. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  92. ^ Keegan, Mike (8 November 2013). "Building work finally begins on FC United's new stadium". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  93. ^ Clark, Wayne (25 February 2006). "F.C. United 4–1 Holker Old Boys". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 30 August 2011.
  94. ^ "F.C. United 2–1 Rossendale United – F.C. United fixtures 2007–08". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 1 December 2007. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
  95. ^ Fullen, Victoria (7 October 2009). "F.C. United 4–0 Nantwich Town match report". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
  96. ^ "F.C. United 6–3 North Ferriby United". F.C. United of Manchester. 17 August 2011. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 30 August 2011.
  97. ^ Fullen, Victoria (5 September 2010). "F.C. United 1–5 Matlock Town". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 30 August 2011.
  98. ^ McAteer, Paul (29 August 2011). "Five star F.C. United beat Bradford in Bank Holiday bonanza". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 30 August 2011.
  99. ^ "FC United of Manchester 4 – 1 Flixton". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 23 January 2008. Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
  100. ^ "F.C. United of Manchester – Continuing Where We Left Off – League Fixtures Announced". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 17 July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  101. ^ "Rebels' first game at their new home". Manchester Evening News. 20 December 2014. p. 44 – via Newsbank.
  102. ^ Degnen, Kelly. "WANTED – 3,000 FC United of Manchester Football Fans". Manchester Confidential. Confidential Direct. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  103. ^ Flanagan, Aaron. "FC United of Manchester open new stadium against Benfica". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  104. ^ Collins, Ben (29 May 2015). "FC United 0 Benfica 1: Match report of official opening of new Broadhurst Park stadium". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  105. ^ "Hearts become UK's largest fan-owned club". 31 August 2021.
  106. ^ Tony Howard (26 October 2005). "We all know that Torpey wears a thong". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2005.
  107. ^ Julian Coman (7 November 2010). "F.C. United's impossible dream goes on". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  108. ^ Tim Rich (9 December 2010). "Bennett ends F.C. United's dream but supporters remain on song". The Independent. Independent Print. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  109. ^ Rory Smith (8 December 2010). "F.C. United of Manchester 0 Brighton and Hove Albion 4: match report". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  110. ^ Tony Kempster. "Attendance comparison 2005–06". tonykempster.co.uk. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
  111. ^ Tony Kempster. "Attendance comparison 2006–07". tonykempster.co.uk. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2011.
  112. ^ Tony Kempster. "Attendance comparison 2007–08". tonykempster.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
  113. ^ Mike Avery (2011). "Northern Premier League Premier Division Attendances 2009–10 and 2010–11". mikeavery.co.uk. Archived from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2011.
  114. ^ "Turnstile League". thelinnets.co.uk. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
  115. ^ "Turnstile League". thelinnets.co.uk. Archived from the original on 1 May 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  116. ^ a b "The Manifesto: Who We Are and What We Mean". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 9 April 2006. Retrieved 11 December 2005.
  117. ^ "Membership of F.C. United of Manchester". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 18 May 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
  118. ^ Paul Britton (23 March 2016). "Key founder of FC United to stand down after 11 years". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  119. ^ "Welcome Damian Chadwick, FC United's new CEO". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 7 November 2016. Archived from the original on 11 November 2016. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
  120. ^ "Bhopal Medical Appeal Collection". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 26 September 2005. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2011.
  121. ^ Simon Donohue (5 December 2006). "F.C. United hires ad agency". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2011.
  122. ^ "mxData signs new community sponsorship deal with FC United". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 3 August 2016. Archived from the original on 2 September 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  123. ^ Luke Marino (17 October 2014). "FC United beat Premier League giants to first football club awarded Living Wage employer title". Mancunian Matters. News Associates. Archived from the original on 24 May 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  124. ^ White, Jim (19 February 2010). "Manchester United supporters still hold club's heart and soul dear not their bottom line". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2011.
  125. ^ Coman, Julian (21 November 2010). "F.C. United: A punk football fairytale". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2011.
  126. ^ Brennan, Stuart (5 September 2006). "Fergie lays into F.C. United". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2011.
  127. ^ Mitten, Andy (22 January 2015). "Eric Cantona: I didn't punch him strong enough. I should have punched him harder". FourFourTwo. Haymarket Media Group. Archived from the original on 25 April 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  128. ^ "Cantona: I would play for FC United". Manchester Evening News. 19 April 2010. Archived from the original on 14 May 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  129. ^ "Detroit City FC to welcome United legend Steve Coppell for FC United match". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 21 April 2016. Archived from the original on 14 May 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  130. ^ a b c Taylor, Daniel (31 March 2016). "FC United of Manchester: how the togetherness turned into disharmony". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  131. ^ a b c Ford, Matt (20 April 2016). "'Siege mentality': FC United supporters attack state of democracy at fan-owned club". Mancunian Matters. News Associates. Archived from the original on 21 April 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  132. ^ "Treasury minister visits Broadhurst Park to see benefits of social investment at FC United". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 7 October 2016. Archived from the original on 14 May 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  133. ^ a b "'An air of optimism': Board changes could signal return of happiness at FC United". Matt Ford. Mancunian Matters. 9 July 2016. Archived from the original on 10 July 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  134. ^ "Club statement: Three FC United board members to resign". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 6 May 2016. Archived from the original on 27 July 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  135. ^ "Club press and communications officer to step down". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 27 July 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  136. ^ "All time players statistics". F.C. United of Manchester in Russia. Archived from the original on 22 January 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  137. ^ a b "Records and trophies". F.C. United of Manchester in Russia. Archived from the original on 3 April 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  138. ^ "F.C. United of Manchester". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  139. ^ Haley, Matthew. "F.C. United of Manchester 1–0 Torquay United match report". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
  140. ^ "Squad – Men's Team | FC United of Manchester". fc-utd.co.uk. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  141. ^ "Coleraine's Rory Patterson is in Northern Ireland squad". BBC News. 22 February 2010. Archived from the original on 8 February 2016. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  142. ^ "Friendlies 2014–16 – Andorra–St. Kitts". UEFA. 12 November 2015. Archived from the original on 11 May 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  143. ^ "F.C. United youngster shocked by England call-up". Manchester Evening News. 20 January 2011. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
  144. ^ "FC United ready for trip to Witton for Trophy tie". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 18 October 2013. Archived from the original on 18 October 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
  145. ^ "Karl Marginson: FC United of Manchester part company with first boss after 12 years". BBC. 24 October 2017. Archived from the original on 19 November 2017. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
  146. ^ "FC Utd Managers List". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  147. ^ "Karl Marginson". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  148. ^ a b "Tom Greaves". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  149. ^ "David Chadwick". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  150. ^ "Neil Reynolds". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  151. ^ "First Team Squad". F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  152. ^ "Reserve Squad". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. 13 November 2015. Archived from the original on 11 March 2016. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  153. ^ "Squad - Men's Team | FC United of Manchester". fc-utd.co.uk. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  154. ^ "FC United of Manchester appoints Mark Beesley as First Team Manager". fc-utd.co.uk. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  155. ^ "F.C. United honours". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
  156. ^ a b c FC United of Manchester at the Football Club History Database
  157. ^ a b "Greater Manchester Women's Football League 2012–13". FA Full Time. The Football Association. 2013. Archived from the original on 18 May 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  158. ^ "Greater Manchester Women's Football League 2013–14". FA Full Time. The Football Association. 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2015.[permanent dead link]
  159. ^ Fullen, Rob (10 May 2015). "Women's team complete league and cup double after 3–0 final win over Little Lever". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  160. ^ a b "North West Women's Regional League Division One South 2015–16". FA Full Time. The Football Association. 2016. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  161. ^ a b "North West Women's Regional Football League Division One South 2016–17". FA Full Time. Archived from the original on 27 June 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
  162. ^ Fullen, Rob (17 May 2017). "FC's Women complete Cup Double in 10 goal thriller on Merseyside". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 18 May 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
  163. ^ a b "North West Women's Regional Football League Division One South 2017–18". FA Full Time. Archived from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
  164. ^ Fullen, Rob (12 May 2018). "FC's Women end league campaign unbeaten with a 10–1 victory at Curzon". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 18 May 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
  165. ^ Fullen, Rob (16 May 2018). "Treble Heaven for FC's Women in thrilling League Cup Final Victory". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 18 May 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
  166. ^ "FA PROVIDES UPDATE ON TIERS 3–6 OF THE WOMEN'S FOOTBALL PYRAMID". 15 March 2021. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  167. ^ "FC United's women's team accepted into National League Division One North". fc-utd.co.uk. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  168. ^ a b c "Greater Manchester Women's Football League". FA Full Time. The Football Association. Archived from the original on 15 August 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  169. ^ "F.C. United Women 2016–17 results". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
  170. ^ "F.C. United Women 2017–18 results". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
  171. ^ "North West Women's Regional Football League Premier Division 2018–19". FA Full Time. Archived from the original on 24 February 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  172. ^ "F.C. United Women 2018–19 results". fc-utd.co.uk. F.C. United of Manchester. Archived from the original on 19 August 2019. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  173. ^ "North West Womens Regional League". The Football Association. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  174. ^ Association, The Football. "Chelsea Women awarded Barclays FA WSL title and Aston Villa win Women's Championship". The Football Association. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  175. ^ Association, The Football. "North West Womens Regional League". The Football Association. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  176. ^ a b "The FA Women's National League". The Football Association. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  177. ^ "The FA Women's National League". The Football Association. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
edit

53°31′0″N 2°10′49″W / 53.51667°N 2.18028°W / 53.51667; -2.18028