Seventh heaven begins at Stafford Rangers for FC United
FC United begins its fourth assault on the Evo-Stik Premier Division this Saturday with a trip to newly relegated Stafford Rangers. Matthew Haley provides this preview…
Considering some people predicted our supporter-owned football club would last only a matter of months back in 2005, it’s testament to the passion, enthusiasm and hard work of everyone involved with FC United that we’re about to embark on our seventh season together.
That’s no mean feat in itself and something we shouldn’t forget to be proud of as Karl Marginson, Roy Soule, Darren Lyons and their squad of players attempt to entertain us all for the next nine months whilst having another crack at gaining promotion to the Conference North.
Despite not winning a trophy, last season was arguably our most successful campaign since 2005-06 with a fourth place finish, the play-off final reached and an against all odds appearance in the second round of the FA Cup - twice.
But that’s last season now and it’s done, gone, in the past. Thanks for the memories. No one wants to live off past achievements and although Margy may currently be relaxing after needing hospital treatment this week, our manager has never been one to rest on his laurels or shy away from making tough decisions.
This pre-season represents the most dramatic unheaval at FC United since the summer of 2008 when the club’s all time top scorer Rory Patterson and strike partner Stuart Rudd made the move over the Pennines to play for Bradford Park Avenue.
Almost as soon as last season ended, defender Scott McManus and winger Jerome Wright announced they were leaving and a few weeks later goalkeeper Sam Ashton decided to depart too.
Losing three virtually ever present first team players would be a huge blow to any club and supporters could be forgiven for fearing the playing squad was going backwards. However, Margy, Soule and co have worked hard over the summer to bring in no fewer than nine new faces who boast a mixture of experience and youthful potential.
It will be a tall order for anyone to fill the gloves of fan favourite Ashton but at 6"5 and with League experience at Stockport County and Rochdale, goalkeeper James Spencer looks like he has what it takes to rise to the challenge.
United could be set for a new pairing in the centre of defence with Dean Stott and Adam Jones both looking assured in pre-season. Stott, 21, joins following two years at Hyde after previously plying his trade at Burnley and Preston North End whilst Jones is making a step up from Curzon Ashton. Veteran David Chadwick and Martin Parker will obviously want to stake their claims too.
Kyle Jacobs, captain for much of last season, will want to continue at right-back after recovering from a hernia whilst Margy’s player of the year, Lee Neville looks set for more commanding performances on the left.
Jake Cottrell, Nicky Platt, Richard Battersby and James Holden have all signed on for another season and will be fighting it out for games in midfield. They will be joined by new recruits Michael Carr, a 27-year-old England C international, Adam Edwards and Daniel Grimshaw.
On the wings, FC United are once again spoilt for choice with Scott Metcalfe joining from last year’s champions Halifax Town to offer a fourth option to the more familar faces and feet of Carlos Roca, Steve Torpey and Matthew Wolfenden.
Striker is the only position where the Reds do not have any new personnel and that’s something the management team may want to address as the season progresses. As it stands, Michael Norton, who scored 32 goals in his debut season for FC United, will continue leading the line with support from target man Ben Deegan. Apart from the opening two games though, as Norton must serve the rest of his suspension for being sent off at Chasetown in April.
Saturday’s opponents, Stafford will be looking to bounce straight back up into the Conference North after being relegated by just four points. The opening day trip to Marston Road represents one of the toughest games of the season for FC United but one that they will be champing at the bit for. A win would send out a clear message of intent to the other title contenders.
It’s pay on the gate and kick off is the traditional three o’clock. Get yourself to that football ground for the start of our seventh season.
Considering some people predicted our supporter-owned football club would last only a matter of months back in 2005, it’s testament to the passion, enthusiasm and hard work of everyone involved with FC United that we’re about to embark on our seventh season together.
That’s no mean feat in itself and something we shouldn’t forget to be proud of as Karl Marginson, Roy Soule, Darren Lyons and their squad of players attempt to entertain us all for the next nine months whilst having another crack at gaining promotion to the Conference North.
Despite not winning a trophy, last season was arguably our most successful campaign since 2005-06 with a fourth place finish, the play-off final reached and an against all odds appearance in the second round of the FA Cup - twice.
But that’s last season now and it’s done, gone, in the past. Thanks for the memories. No one wants to live off past achievements and although Margy may currently be relaxing after needing hospital treatment this week, our manager has never been one to rest on his laurels or shy away from making tough decisions.
This pre-season represents the most dramatic unheaval at FC United since the summer of 2008 when the club’s all time top scorer Rory Patterson and strike partner Stuart Rudd made the move over the Pennines to play for Bradford Park Avenue.
Almost as soon as last season ended, defender Scott McManus and winger Jerome Wright announced they were leaving and a few weeks later goalkeeper Sam Ashton decided to depart too.
Losing three virtually ever present first team players would be a huge blow to any club and supporters could be forgiven for fearing the playing squad was going backwards. However, Margy, Soule and co have worked hard over the summer to bring in no fewer than nine new faces who boast a mixture of experience and youthful potential.
It will be a tall order for anyone to fill the gloves of fan favourite Ashton but at 6"5 and with League experience at Stockport County and Rochdale, goalkeeper James Spencer looks like he has what it takes to rise to the challenge.
United could be set for a new pairing in the centre of defence with Dean Stott and Adam Jones both looking assured in pre-season. Stott, 21, joins following two years at Hyde after previously plying his trade at Burnley and Preston North End whilst Jones is making a step up from Curzon Ashton. Veteran David Chadwick and Martin Parker will obviously want to stake their claims too.
Kyle Jacobs, captain for much of last season, will want to continue at right-back after recovering from a hernia whilst Margy’s player of the year, Lee Neville looks set for more commanding performances on the left.
Jake Cottrell, Nicky Platt, Richard Battersby and James Holden have all signed on for another season and will be fighting it out for games in midfield. They will be joined by new recruits Michael Carr, a 27-year-old England C international, Adam Edwards and Daniel Grimshaw.
On the wings, FC United are once again spoilt for choice with Scott Metcalfe joining from last year’s champions Halifax Town to offer a fourth option to the more familar faces and feet of Carlos Roca, Steve Torpey and Matthew Wolfenden.
Striker is the only position where the Reds do not have any new personnel and that’s something the management team may want to address as the season progresses. As it stands, Michael Norton, who scored 32 goals in his debut season for FC United, will continue leading the line with support from target man Ben Deegan. Apart from the opening two games though, as Norton must serve the rest of his suspension for being sent off at Chasetown in April.
Saturday’s opponents, Stafford will be looking to bounce straight back up into the Conference North after being relegated by just four points. The opening day trip to Marston Road represents one of the toughest games of the season for FC United but one that they will be champing at the bit for. A win would send out a clear message of intent to the other title contenders.
It’s pay on the gate and kick off is the traditional three o’clock. Get yourself to that football ground for the start of our seventh season.
First Posted ~ 15:06 Sat 13 Aug 2011
News ID ~ 3694
Last Updated ~ 00:47 Tue 16 Feb 2021