Neil Reynolds signs contract extension at FC United

FC United of Manchester is delighted to announce that men’s first team manager Neil Reynolds has signed a new contract to extend his commitment to the club for a further two years to April 2026. 

As we set our sights on growth and progress, we firmly believe that Neil is the right football manager to lead us on this journey. His track record of success, player development, dedication, and passion for FC United makes him an integral part of our vision. 

The Board came to this decision unanimously, following an exhaustive review process in which we assessed Neil’s performance against a number of critical factors (detailed in a separate Q&A for co-owners on members forum). 

Neil also recently presented his vision for men’s and academy football to the Board, and answered a series of questions. The presentation is available in the club documents section of the members forum. 

Development
In particular, the Board noted Neil’s proven record of developing players, with the likes of Regan Linney, Tunde Owolabi, Elliot Simoes and Sandro Da Costa going on to feature at higher levels.

Neil also recently presented his vision for men’s and academy football to the Board, and answered a series of questions. The presentation is available in the club documents section of the members forum.
In total, more than 30 players who have pulled on the FC United shirt during Neil’s tenure have gone on to play at a higher level, including 16 who have featured in the Football League.

Neil has developed strong relationships with a number of Football League clubs which has seen us able to attract a string of high-quality loan signings – something which is vital to our ambitions given our present resource constraints.

Neil has also assembled a highly capable and experienced backroom team and together they have recruited, and are in the process of developing, a talented young squad. Our discussions with Neil and his coaching staff have demonstrated a commitment to the exciting style of play that we believe our supporters want to see.

Success
In Neil’s five years with us, he has been a fantastic ambassador for the Club, and has led us to some memorable moments on the pitch.

Following the disappointment of relegation from the National League North in 2019, we came close to bouncing straight back the following year, sitting in second position when the season was declared null and void due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The following pandemic-disrupted season saw us reach the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, with our tie against Doncaster Rovers being televised on the BBC, generating a significant amount of positive coverage for the Club.

The 2021/22 season delivered a ninth-place finish, and some silverware as we won the inaugural Fenix Trophy on a memorable weekend in Rimini. Last season saw us improve both our league position and points total, as we finished just five points off the play-off.

Sustainability
There is no escaping the reality of the rampant wage inflation that we have seen across non-league football in recent years. Whilst Neil always remains positive about our ambitions, we are acutely aware of the constraints on our resources and the impact this has on what we are able to do on the pitch.

We have been especially impressed with Neil’s discipline in adhering to his playing budget during his tenure at the Club. We understand how much our supporters value financial sustainability, and this is a value that is strongly shared by Neil.

We believe that we are making positive strides as a Club to put ourselves on a stronger financial footing over the next few years, which will help deliver the sort of playing budget that will allow us to really push on with our ambitions.

Ambitions
Neil confirmed his delight in agreeing the contract extension. He said: “I’m immensely proud to be the manager of FC United and to be given this opportunity to continue the work that we’ve begun.

“I love this club and care deeply about it – both in what we do on and off the pitch. The potential of this club excites me and I’m very much looking forward to continuing to lead the club to the ambitious targets we’ve set ourselves in our business plan.

“I’d like to thank the Board, my backroom staff, the players, all our other staff and volunteers and, of course, the club’s fans and owners for all the support you’ve given me.” 

Speaking on behalf of the Board, Chair Nick Boom added “I’m delighted to announce the extension of Neil Reynolds’ contract as the manager of FC United. Neil's passion, commitment, and high standards make him an excellent fit for our club's vision.

“This extension not only signifies our confidence in Neil but also provides stability and certainty, allowing the club to focus on a strong performance in the second half of the season.

“It also facilitates meticulous planning for next season, ensuring we are well-prepared for player contracts, retention, and recruitment from February onwards. We look forward to a successful future under Neil's leadership."

​​​​​​Hear from Neil interviewed this week following the agreement - click here to watch the interview on YouTube

Member Q&A
Further details regarding Neil’s contract extension, including a presentation and a Q&A, can be viewed by FC United co-owners on the members’ forum. Join the discussion now and share your views. If you’re not already a member, why not join today?

Additionally, Neil will give a brief overview of his footballing vision and answer supporters’ questions from 1:30pm at Course You Can Malcolm in the Saint Mary’s Road End bar before our fundraising friendly against Stalybridge Celtic this Saturday. We hope to see you there.