Nadim is raising money for the Development Fund by taking on the gruelling 26.2 miles on Sunday 26th April and you can sponsor him now.
Here are the 20 questions we fired at him as he was managing the office and selling season tickets whilst running on a treadmill…
1. Last year, it was announced that you were leaving FC United, but you’ve not only stayed, but you’re also now running the London Marathon for the club. That’s some turnaround! How’s that happened?
I thought my time in the office had come to an end. My plan was to be relaxing on a beach somewhere by now sipping gin cocktails. The reality is I’m still getting the 181 bus to Moston every day and I foolishly agreed to raise some extra cash for the Development Fund. Funny how life turns out.
2. So why have you decided to run the London Marathon?
That’s a question I’ve been asking myself quite a lot the past few weeks. I’ll have to come back to you on that one.
3. Any regrets?
Yep. Two months sober has made me realise how annoyingly repetitive all my friends are.
4. Why do you want to raise money for the Development Fund?
We’ve built a fantastic ground, that we want to develop further and maintain. If I can help in a small way with that, then it can only be a good thing.
5. How much are you aiming to raise?
£2005 seems to have been the magic number in previous years.
6. Why are fundraising initiatives like this so important for the club? What advice would you give to other supporters wanting to raise money for the club?
Fundraising has always been an integral part of what we do. On so many occasions, members have stepped up to bolster the club’s fundraising efforts, most recently with the Missing Matches Crowdfunder. If any supporters would like some help with getting an idea off the ground, the office is always ready to help!
7. What was your first FC United game?
I can’t actually remember. I have a vague memory of being dragged to Stalybridge Buffet Bar for the afternoon and staying there well past kick-off, eventually turning up sometime in the second half. I’ve never quite been able to pinpoint which game it was (it may even have been a friendly), but it was presumably at one of the many Tameside grounds.
8. Why do you support FC United?
It means I don’t have to make my own plans for Saturday afternoons and I get to spend my hard-earned money on over-priced trains that are often delayed or cancelled. But a late winner makes it all worthwhile.
9. What does the club mean to you?
I think we’re a fantastic example that if you have enough good people on your side, you don’t have to accept things as they are. With the right principles, a dash of Mancunian stubbornness and plenty of hard graft, we’ve sustained something amazing into its 21st year, with plenty more ahead.
10. What’s your previous experience of running?
I never in a million years thought I’d get into running, but somehow during lockdown I did! Never at particularly long distances, just the odd 5k and 10k to keep the days passing over. I was younger and slimmer back then, so it was a tad easier. I’d fallen out of the habit the past few years and needed a kick up the backside – which FC United has well and truly provided!
11. How’s your training going?
Not too bad! I’ve been given a top secret training schedule by a contact in the running world who’s a big name in the New York Marathon circuit. I’ve been following it to the letter.
12. What’s been the best thing about it?
Three stone off since November means I have been able to expand the number of Fred Perry shirts I wear on a rotating basis.
13. What’s been the worst thing about it?
I joined a gym. So far, I’ve spent most of my time waiting for TikTokers to finish recording their ‘content’ so I can use the treadmill. I’ve not quite worked out yet why the people in the best shape, seemingly don’t do any work in the gym!
14. Do you think you’ll complete the 26.2 miles?
One way or another…
15. In all seriousness, how do you think you’ll do?
I am no longer worried about finishing last. I’m hoping for a nice cool day with intermittent sunshine.
16. What strategy have you got to get you round the course? You do have one, right?
My ultimate fallback is to complete the course as a pub crawl, so no concerns.
17. What time are you aiming for?
Somewhere around five hours/days/weeks. I’m a fair-weather runner, so conditions will be key.
18. What fancy dress are you going to wear?
I’m tempted by some of the fantastic bargains in the online shop end of line sale. Take a look: https://fcumshop.co.uk/collections/end-of-line-sale
19. You’ll be following in the footsteps of George Baker (6:31:54) Jimmy Deadman (4:43:15) Mack (5:27:11) and Baz (5:55:15). Do you think you can beat their times?
I’m not catching Jimmy. As for the others… let’s give it a go. If I beat Mack, I think he should do a sponsored silence for a game in the paddock.
20. What are you looking forward to the most after your marathon?
Pints of Guinness, double gin and tonics and a dreadful hangover.
All donations big and small for Nadim's 26.2-mile challenge will be very gratefully received. Please give whatever you can afford.
Thank you and good luck, Nadim!