The Board of FC United of Manchester is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Beesley as the club’s first-team manager.
The Board of FC United of Manchester is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Beesley as the club’s first-team manager.
Mark joins us from Warrington Town, where he has spent the last eight years, first as assistant manager to Paul Carden, before taking over as manager in December 2021. His managerial success at Warrington, leading them to consistent playoff finishes and securing promotion to the National League North, speaks to his ability to inspire success in challenging environments. This wealth of experience made him a standout candidate during the recruitment process.
Mark’s playing career began at Preston North End’s academy before going on to play over 300 games at Step 1 and Step 2, with notable stints at Chester City, Forest Green Rovers, and Cambridge United. His 15-year career on the pitch gives him a deep understanding of the game at this level, which he has since transitioned into coaching and management roles.
After retiring as a player, Mark turned his focus to coaching and development, working at the Fowler Education Football Academy, where he holds the role of Head of Performance. His managerial career began with his hometown club, Burscough FC, who he led to an Evo-Stik First Division North playoff appearance in 2015-16.
In 2016, Mark joined Warrington Town, working closely with Paul Carden to build a side that regularly contended for promotion. When Carden departed in November 2021, Mark stepped into the managerial role and led Warrington to promotion in 2022-23, securing victory in the playoff final against Bamber Bridge.
A Careful Recruitment Process
Following the departure of Neil Reynolds, the club quickly put in place a thorough recruitment process to appoint a new manager. With significant interest in the role, Mark emerged as the clear front-runner, not only for his experience and success but also for his alignment with the values and vision of FC United. His commitment to developing players and leading teams to success resonated with the board and was instrumental in his selection.
Board Chair Nick Boom said, "On behalf of the club, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Mark. We are confident that his experience and vision will help guide us to the success we all seek. I’d also like to place on record our sincere thanks to Rob Henry and Charlie Ennis for stepping up during this interim period. The recruitment process was rigorous, and Mark stood out as the ideal candidate to lead the club into the next chapter."
Joining Mark in the assistant manager role will be David Raven. In his playing career, David made over 150 appearances in the Football League for Carlisle United. He then went on to play over 100 times in the Scottish Premiership for Inverness Caledonian Thistle. After returning from Scotland, he featured as a player for Wrexham, Warrington Town and Marine, before joining Mark in the dugout at Cantilever Park as his assistant in 2021.
Shared Vision and Fan Engagement
Mark has already demonstrated a deep understanding of the club’s history, ethos, and fanbase. His experience competing against FC United with Warrington Town means he is no stranger to the intense commitment and passion of our supporters.
"I'm delighted to be joining FC United of Manchester, and I’m excited about this new challenge," Mark said. "I’ve always admired the club's community spirit and the connection between the fans and the team. I know how passionate this fanbase is, having been on the opposite side during some of our battles during my time at Warrington."
He added, "Although the start to the season has been difficult, I believe in the quality of the squad and know that the team is capable of much more than what the current league table shows. The priority is getting us back on track, and I look forward to working with the players and staff to make that happen."
Looking Ahead
The club’s leadership is confident that Mark's arrival will mark the beginning of a positive new chapter. His focus on unlocking the squad’s potential and turning the season around will be vital as we look to climb the league. Mark’s past success in both playing and managing at higher levels gives us confidence that he can push the team toward its goals.
Mark also expressed his eagerness to meet the fans and immerse himself in the club’s culture, saying: "Broadhurst Park is a fantastic place to play and watch football, and I’m looking forward to working with the supporters who I know always get behind the team. I can’t wait to get started and meet everyone."
A Message to the Supporters
We encourage all FC United fans to get behind Mark and the team as we continue our journey. The commitment of our supporters has always been at the heart of the club, and together, we can achieve great things.