Squad takes shape for 2013/14 campaign and new contract for Margy

Although last season is still fresh in the memory and the summer break is only just underway following the club’s post-season tour to Germany, work is already ongoing to prepare the squad for next season’s league campaign.

The play-off final defeat in May was bitterly disappointing for everyone concerned with the club, none more so than manager Karl Marginson, who felt the setback keenly and is determined to redouble his efforts for next season.

Notwithstanding the loss at the final hurdle for the third year in a row, it’s worth remembering that last season saw our highest ever finish in the league and some significant steps forward on and off the field.

The club is in good shape, with a membership well in excess of 3,000 and preparations well under way for the start of work on our new ground in Moston. On the field, we have youth team players coming through knocking on the door of the first team and Karl’s role as head coach at Manchester College is also helping us develop the youth side.

The gap between youth football and the first team is always a difficult one to bridge at any level; working alongside The Manchester College we have developed an excellent youth structure at FC with a proud record of giving young players a chance in the first team. Karl and his coaches are always looking to improve and we will be making an announcement shortly about a new development which we believe will help better prepare players for first team football.

This off-field progress and club development will give the club greater strength and stability as we look towards the future in our new ground. In recognition of the leadership role that Karl has played in this vital club building work and the progress we have made, the board has offered Karl a new two-year contract, which we are delighted to confirm that he has accepted.

Putting aside the play-off disappointment, Karl has already been hard at work, with his coaching staff and scouts, discussing with current and potential new players for the new campaign. Many discussions are still ongoing and it has always been the club’s policy not to comment on the inevitable rumours about comings and goings until we have definite news to announce. At this early stage though, we are pleased to confirm that the following players have agreed to sign on for next season:

Oliver Banks
Dave Birch
Greg Daniels
Rhodri Giggs
Tom Greaves
Stephen Johnson
Adam Jones
Astley Mulholland
Lee Neville
Mike Norton
Charlie Raglan
James Spencer
Dean Stott
Matthew Tierney
Matthew Walwyn
Matthew Wolfenden
Jon Worsnop
Jerome Wright

Whilst away on the tour to Germany, Karl spoke with all the players about signing for next season and all of last season’s squad were made offers to stay with us for next season, a number of them asked for more time before making a commitment. At this time of year, we know that other clubs will be talking to players and there may be others yet who decide that their futures lie elsewhere and there will be some new players coming in.

Sadly, three long-established players have notified the club that they intend to sign elsewhere next season. Kyle Jacobs is currently weighing up offers from one or two clubs, Carlos Roca and Jake Cottrell are weighing up offers from other clubs. All three have played a fantastic role while at FC United and we wish them all the very best for the future as they seek new challenges.

Kyle, Jake and Carlos wanted to thank the club for the support that they have received and wished to pass on their sincere thanks and gratitude to all FC supporters. It is difficult when players leave but it is testimony to what we have here as a club at FC, and to the individual players concerned that they wished to pass on their best wishes to supporters and thank the club for their time with us.

The coming 2013/14 season is set to be a significant one as we see the start of building work on our new ground and our last season at Gigg Lane. As the summer progresses, we will keep supporters updated with news of new arrivals and other player developments.

We leave the final word to Dean Stott, who had this to say: “Following my recent discussion with Margy, I am delighted to have signed a new contract with FC for the 2013/14 season. Additionally, I am also pleased to have been offered the captain’s armband for the forthcoming season.

“I am certain that with a couple of new additions we (the players, management and coaching staff) together with our amazing fan base, will provide the end result this coming season that will enable us to proudly play our first game of the 2014/15 season at Moston in the Conference North."