M REVIE U 2020-2021 W FC

FA Cup 3rd qualifying round Tuesday 13th October v ALFRETON TOWN VOLUME 16, ISSUE 7 Price: £2

OFFICIAL FC UNITED OF MATCHDAY PROGRAMME FCUM REVIEW 2020-2021 THE FC UNITED PROGRAMME

I thought we were brilliant Live stream for against Curzon Ashton in the previous round of the Cup and tonight’s game thoroughly deserved the victory For FC United fans who are reading the it’s been a strange start to the certainly the goal we’re all ‘e-programme’ and not season for National North focused on. attending tonight’s “sides, and it’s probably going On a club-related note, some match at Broadhurst to take a bit of time for things to of you might be aware that the Park, there will be a live take shape in that division. Chairman of the Board, Adrian stream available for the I know the way Billy likes to Seddon, went into hospital to game, costing £5. The stream is available set up his sides, and I think have an operation over ”the to watch via the internet we’re going to be in for a weekend, and I’d just like to at https://tinyurl.com/ tough match tonight. However, wish him all the best in his fcumtv-live we’re in good form and whilst recovery on behalf of the team. Those booking will be it sounds a bit obvious to say, There’s obviously a lot of Neil Reynolds emailed a password it’s really going to come down rumours swirling about at the (check you junk/spam to who defends best and who moment about what the FC UNITED’S MANAGER TALKS IN THE BUILD-UP TO TONIGHT’S GAME folders) which they will takes their chances. government is going to need to put in to access There’s nothing quite like Prior to that, we kept up our some space for himself before We have some pictures up announce this week, and what on the night when it goes FA Cup action under the unbeaten start to the league hammering it to give us in the tunnel here, showing that will mean for supporters live from 7.30pm. floodlights here at campaign with draws at home a late share of the spoils. great moments from the club’s continuing to be allowed in Please note that due to Broadhurst Park. to Scarborough Athletic, and It was disappointing to not history. One of the ones I often grounds in Greater Manchester. FA regulations the stream I thought we were brilliant away to Hyde United. have a game at the weekend, look at is from that famous There’s not much we can do is geo blocked and can against Curzon Ashton in the We had plenty of chances with the Covid situation at night at Rochdale back in 2010. about that, but I would just urge only be accessed by those previous round of the Cup against Scarborough but failed Morpeth. Whilst I’d always We’ve still got a couple of big everyone – as you always do with IP addresses in the UK. #and thoroughly deserved the to capitalise. We can’t have rather be getting into a regular hurdles to overcome before – to make your presence count Profits from the stream victory. It was a strange any complaints about the red pattern of games at this stage repeating the feat of reaching tonight. will be shared with Alfreton. build-up to the game, with only card; it was simply a poor of the season, it did give us the first round proper, but that’s Reno really knowing for sure that tackle. However, it was the chance to have an extra it was going to go ahead a pleasing to see how well training session on Saturday couple of days before. we reacted to going down to which we made the most of. That said, it didn’t affect our 10 men, and we still had We welcome Alfreton Town preparation for the match and chances to go on and win the for this evening’s third we went in there intending to game after that. qualifying-round tie. take the game to Curzon, with Against Hyde, we again The last time we met was the pressure somewhat off us started strong and could’ve at North Street, back in April as the lower-division side. been ahead even before 2019 – our 3-2 victory a rare It was a quality finish from Regan gave us an early lead. bright spot in what was an Regan Linney to put us ahead, All credit to Hyde, as they awful last few weeks of that but disappointing to surrender came back into the game and season. the lead so soon afterwards. took a lead into the break, Alfreton overcame Coalville However, we stuck to our helped by some sloppiness on Town in the last round, before For match highlights, post-match game plan, and it was great to our part. getting their league campaign interviews, analysis, and more... see us get the winner from a Dan Cockerline was brilliant underway with a draw at set-piece that we’d worked on all afternoon, and he set up Curzon. I don’t think there’s visit www.fcum.tv in training. Michael Fowler who created too much to be read into that – The FC United boss was speaking to in the run-up to this evening’s match

[email protected] 0161 769 2005 @FCUnitedMcr F.C United of Manchester @fcutdofmanc FCUM REVIEW 2020-2021 THE FC UNITED PROGRAMME

COMINGS & GOINGS Chorley before joining current FC assistant Brian Broadhurst News recently joined Richardson’s Prescot on loan FC United on and then, subsequently, FC MATCHDAY PROCEDURES a three-month United in the summer of 2019. New matchday loan from Aged 21, Lenehan made his arrangements will be in Football League FCUM debut as a substitute place from this evening for newcomers Barrow in our 3-2 defeat at Grantham those attending games at and enjoyed an impressive on the opening day of the FC UNITED MANIFESTO Broadhurst Park and debut against Curzon 2018-19 campaign and made Democratically agreed by the supporters are asked to Ashton in the FA Cup. 33 appearances in his debut club members (owners) in 2005: - The Board will be democratically please familiarise Morgan is a pacy winger campaign – with most games elected by its members themselves with the new who is equally comfortable coming from the bench. rules and arrangements - Decisions made by the Food & Beer distancing. These will be on either flank and at 6’2” This season, the midfielder membership will be decided on below. There’s some big changes distributed by the North Stand represents a challenge for any had made one start, against a one-member, one-vote basis Key messages here so please read this steward. As these tables are defender either on the ground Nantwich, and appeared as - The club will develop strong Alcohol can only be consumed carefully. Easy ones first: outdoor we can have mixed or in the air. a sub against Pontefract and links with the local community sat down and with orders Kazbar, SMRE and the groups. Table service of He spent eight years in the what proved his final match and strive to be accessible to all, taken where you are sat. This Sweet Stall all selling what bottled beers available. Peterborough United academy against Scarborough. discriminating against none they usually sell. And all open Tables available on a and made his first-team debut - The club will endeavour to make means you can’t drink alcohol admission prices as affordable from 18.30pm. first-come-first-served basis. during an EFL Trophy game MORPETH & GRANTHAM in the SMRE, Paddock areas as possible, to as wide a Main function room – only Last orders at 21.15pm. or Main Stand seating. against Norwich City at the Due to our recent FA Cup constituency as possible available if pre-booked. Open We’re re-opening the function The above is not ideal but we start of 2016-17. game at Curzon Ashton, - The club encourage young and room and we are also putting from 18.30pm and closes after are trying to provide enough During his time at London the scheduled Northern local participation, playing and tables in the North Stand to half-time. Full bar and serving spaces to drink for those who Road, the 21-year-old spent match at supporting, wherever possible ensure that all those who want pies, peas, gravy and chips. want to drink. What is really time on loan with St Ives, home Grantham Town has - The Board will strive to avoid a drink can get a drink (even We have tables of five or clear is that no-one can drink Biggleswade Town, Boston been rearranged. outright commercialism - The club will remain a non-profit if it’s not necessarily where tables of two available. Table standing up so we ask for United, Grantham Town, The game should now be organisation you’d like to drink it). service for food and drink (call your co-operation and Bedford and Hitchin. played at Broadhurst Park on the office on 0161 769 2005 understanding to ensure that After leaving Posh he signed Tuesday 10th November, with OWNERS: THE FANS Bring a Face Mask for to book a table. Enter through this doesn’t take place. an initial two-year deal with a 7.45pm kick-off. Board Members: Adrian Seddon, walking through indoor the main reception to get your If supporters don’t abide Barrow in the summer of 2019 Meanwhile, our match at Sam Mullock & Dennis Shannon spaces (including the wristband. by the new regulations and and played in the Cumbrian Morpeth Town on Saturday Secretary: Viv Ware Ticket Office). Manager: Neil Reynolds SMRE – open from 18:30pm attempt to take drink into club’s National League was postponed due to players If you have any symptoms Assistant: Brian Richardson and closes after half time. Ta- the other stands, we risk title-winning side last season. in the opposition squad testing of Covid – please stay away Coaches: David Chadwick, Mike ble service of food and drink. having to stop all alcohol Meanwhile, Jack Lenehan positive for Covid-19, with a from the stadium. Faulkner & Paul Chapman No drink available from the consumption on matchdays has left FC United in search of date for the rearranged game Physio: Olivia Smith Stadium – The Main Stand bar itself. Face masks must and even potentially a further more first-team football. yet to be confirmed. Kitman: James Deadman and SMRE are fully open. The be worn unless you are sat at capacity cut. FC boss Neil Reynolds said: Women’s team manager: North Stand is open for table your table. We thank you in advance “He’s competing for a place in FCUM MEMBERSHIPS Kamran Hussain service so numbers will be North Stand – tables of four for your cooperation in helping one of the strongest midfields To become a co-owner of Women’s secretary: Rob Fullen limited (see F & B below). The available. Wristband system in us continue to offer you a in the league, all of whom are FC United, memberships are Academy Manager: Tom Conroy Academy Secretary: Pete Moulds West stand remains closed. operation to ensure social matchday bar. in superb form right now, and available priced at £15 for Operations Manager: Paul Smith he needs to get regular game adults and just £3 for U16s. Community Liaison Manager: FCUM Review is produced by – Editor & Design: David Bergin time to keep his development Please visit the official Vinny Thompson Contributors: Paul Hurst, Karl Ladley, Phil Busby, Paul Hinson, Tim Browning, as a player progressing. website, call 0161 769 2005 Matchday/Team Secretaries: Craig Philips, Ruud van de Graaf He goes with our best wishes.” or email [email protected] Viv Ware & Paul Delamere Thanks to: The FC subs, our matchday sellers, Peter Wharton, Pete Cranmer, Vinny and Viv The former Rochdale youth to become an owner of this FC United Limited, Registered Society number 29969R Photos: Mark Lee, Sam Coates, Matt Wilkinson, Andy Barker, , Alicia Day had previously played for thing of ours...

[email protected] 0161 769 2005 @FCUnitedMcr F.C United of Manchester @fcutdofmanc FCUM REVIEW 2020-2021 THE FC UNITED PROGRAMME

HYDE UNITED ...... 2 FC UNITED ...... 2 THE PROGRAMME A few days later the Reds fluctuating the number of pages in each edition travelled to and, as (or if) the season progresses. For example, once more, the Northern tonight’s match has just 16 pages but featured Premier match-up ended in no adverts – compared to the now anticipated a stalemate. regular 24 pages for league games (which FC made an impressive start include a number of necessary league ads). as Regan Linney struck a post The quantity of matches in such a short period FC UNITED ...... 0 before netting his first of the CURZON ASHTON...... 1 of time (two lots of three deadlines in eight days, SCARBOROUGH ...... 0 season with just eight minutes FC UNITED...... 2 In the previous edition of FCUM we said and a potential seven home matches looming in on the clock. However, despite we’d be printing a squad poster of the November) will also dictate the number of pages FCUM reached tonight’s It was back to Broadhurst signs of early promise Hyde women’s team in the next programme. we print for each edition. FA Cup third qualifying round Park for the third time in hit back with Liam Tongue However, in this unprecedented and crazy Hopefully you’ll understand and appreciate thanks to a fine victory at eight days when our match levelling around 10 minutes season so far, where already we’ve seen two the constraints we’re under, but we found it side at Scarborough saw a late later, and the hosts then went pre-season games cancelled, one away match imperative to print programmes from the first Curzon Ashton 10 days ago. switch of venues on ahead before the break when league match and have been delighted with the Played at an eerily quiet switched and another played behind closed, Saturday 26th September, the tricky winger Paddy Lane content that has been produced so far. and empty Tameside Stadium, whilst suffering limited capacities and having with the Seadogs forced punished a defensive mishap. However, due to those limited crowds and the Nash were playing their to apply for tickets for the first time in years, it to play their recent home The Tigers then got the bit sales, it won’t be possible to sustain the costs first competitive game of the really is impossible to plan too far ahead. games behind closed doors. between their teeth and The FCUMW squad poster should appear in of our printed magazine alone without it being Our season kicked-off the 2020-21 campaign as the dominated much of the second one of our forthcoming editions whilst the next subsidised by contributions made towards the previous Saturday with a 2-2 Reds looked to cause a ‘shock’ period but, with 10 minutes programme against Stafford will feature an e-programme. draw against Nantwich before on a wet surface we’ve graced left, a long punt downfield was insightful interview with FC United’s head of So if you download the programme and enjoy seeing off Pontefract Collieries many times in previous years. nodded on by Dan Cockerline academy, Tom Conroy. what we produce, then please donate via the 6-2 in the FA Cup first And after a bright start from on the edge of the home You will have also noticed that certain editions link provided on the official website if you can. qualifying round. And again the Reds, Regan Linney penalty area, to be met by appear a bit lightweight this season compared Finally, thank you to everyone who has bought FC had to settle for a point netted the afternoon’s opener a stunning volleyed Michael to past years. the printed programme so far and also to those on a frustrating and scoreless in the 11th minute. Yet the Fowler strike – giving the This is due to a number of factors we’ve not who have donated towards the online e-mag. afternoon in front of goal. lead lasted just three minutes opposition keeper no chance endured previously – primarily the fact we’ve Your support is vital and helps maintain what Reno’s side looked the more as Matthew Waters restored as it flew into the net via the got limited crowds attending games and, I hope is an enjoyable read and a pivotal part likely to open the scoring almost instant parity. woodwork. subsequently, fewer sales. of our matchday experience – either at home but squandered a number FC then appeared more Reno’s side could have To minimise print and production costs, we’ll be or Broadhurst Park. of first-half chances before snatched all three points late likely to net next but chances Dan Lavercombe produced a on but were ultimately left were at a premium before the stunning double save to deny grateful for what seemed an persistent Linney was brought TONIGHT’S COVER Scarborough an unlikely lead. unlikely point, and a third down on the left-hand side of The image adorning the front page of this The second half proved successive draw. the Curzon penalty area. edition is just one of the many wonderful works a tighter affair as the Reds Up stepped Ennis who, recently produced by Daz Clapton. sought a breakthrough, but thanks to a slight deflection, The Northwich Red attends games with his brother with 13 minutes to go Luke hit the back of the net with his Dave and both are FC United co-owners. Griffiths saw red for a reckless subsequent free-kick. FC then Daz has been producing a number of striking challenge that brought few laid siege on the Curzon goal pictures and impressive pieces of art in recent complaints. looking to kill the game off. weeks, including the wonderful piece featuring Despite that, FC still looked However, deep into stoppage Regan Linney, the SMRE, Babes and Munich clock the more likely to net a late time, the hosts almost levelled (right) – which has been designed into a flag and winner with two chances from but saw an effort go just over, has been seen at some early games, attached to distance, before the referee thus seeing FCUM through to the fencing to the right of the Main Stand paddock. signalled full-time. the next round.

[email protected] 0161 769 2005 @FCUnitedMcr F.C United of Manchester @fcutdofmanc FCUM REVIEW 2020-2021 THE FC UNITED PROGRAMME

The Flemish Football Assiciation decided financially support the youth department that with 80% of the games played, rankings of our club. But next to that, Pallieter FAN-OWNED CLUBS in almost all leagues were giving most Supporterscollectief (the K. Lyra-Lierse teams a right to promotion (or relegation). supporters trust) is strongly driving We currently need to play our home games community work that is linked to the club. K. LYRA LIERSE SK in Berlaar, a town at the outskirts of the city We’ve had multiple initiatives over the last For both clubs (and fans), this was a of Lier, after the stadium of Lierse was being two years, going from charity fundraising key moment to make a fresh start as sold to a private investor. He now has (for Mental Health and Disabled organisations K. Lyra-Lierse. The former Lierse ran out of something like a “placebo-Lierse” in our city) with raffles and a nude existence due to liquidation and Lyra was playing in our old stadium, after a calendar to actual community only still driving on a small and aging group club from 20 miles away moved in projects in cooperation with the of volunteers, making their future more and there. Also the old stadium of Lyra city council. more questionable. was demolished in 2014, which In the next years we will (co-)host The club stood for one clear message from has left the club no other option two important social projects in our the beginning: never again do we want our than temporarily playing at the city: Younited Lier (I think you will club to be the “private toy” of a rich owner 3,500 capacity stadium in Berlaar. like that name, don’t you?) which who treats our club badly. From now on, Despite that, our home attendance tries to put back on track the life of varies between 800 and 1,200, and even adult people who are in a socially MATTHIAS HENDRIX tells us about we are taking our future in our own hands. the supporter-owned Belgian club, We are building a financially sustainable topping this to around 2,000 for top vulnerable position through with questions supplied by Dutch Red club, with a strong focus on local youth fixtures. After Lierse went into administration, homelessness, addiction, poverty and Ruud Van de Graaf. development, with a strong social relevance the old ultra and casual groups of the club migration … through football. within our city and with fans represented in decided to follow K. Lyra-Lierse, which now And next to that we are setting up a project What’s the history of your club and the AGM and the Board of the club. results in a vocal atmosphere which rivals which aims to improve young people’s how/why did you become fan- owned? the one of Belgian top-flight clubs. language skills through football on the On our away days, the following varies neighbourhood pitches that are scattered The story of K. Lyra-Lierse is very short, How is being a member of your club between 200 and 500 fans making the trip. all over the city, combined with football as the club has operated under the current different from being a fan of a non-fan Numbers here also depend on the opponent summer camps. In this way, we can also name since June 2018. But the full history of owned club? we are playing. help kids from the most vulnerable groups. the club goes back to the beginning of the It is a day-and-night difference, to be honest. previous century. And given the history we have with bad What activities do you organise apart How have you coped with the Covid As the name suggests, K. Lyra-Lierse has ownership of a non-fan owned club, I think from football? crisis so far and how have fans its roots in two clubs from the city of Lier: we can make the comparison quite well… We normally have multiple activities contributed in keeping the club afloat? K. Lierse SK, founded in 1906, four times At the former Lierse SK we saw people throughout the year (like a quiz and an open We shut down all our ongoing business as champions of Belgium (1932, 1942, 1960, turning away from the club and more and BBQ organized by our first team) to soon as the FA announced that the 2019-20 1997) and two times Cup winners (1969 & more we noticed division between the differ- 1999). And K. Lyra TSV, founded in 1909 ent sets of fan groups. We now see that we spending most of its years before the 60s are actively using the capabilities of many in the top two divisions, but who restarted people who are also in the stands, for the down the pyramid in the 1970s after a (first) good of the club. People are getting involved official merger with Lierse. and this brings people closer together. The club K. Lyra-Lierse emerged after K. Lierse SK went into administration in What level do you play and what 2018, after 10 years of mismanagement support do you have for home/away under the ownership of an Egyptian games? businessman. At that moment, a joint The 2020-2021 season our club will start movement of several fan groups of the Second Division, which is the fourth tier in old Lierse started talks with Lyra to form Belgian football. We got promoted after a “new” fan-owned football club to fly the being in first place after 24 (out of 30) flag of the city, with respect of both clubs’ matches last season, before the league was history. stopped due to COVID-19.

[email protected] 0161 769 2005 @FCUnitedMcr F.C United of Manchester @fcutdofmanc FCUM REVIEW 2020-2021 THE FC UNITED PROGRAMME

season had ended immediately. This helped What are the short and long-term aims us in controlling the costs, as we missed an of your club? enormous amount of revenue with being in We always try to plan and look ahead in Stats Entertainment first place and still six games to play – two five and 10-year terms. In 2018, when of which were announced as top fixtures K. Lyra-Lierse started, we aimed to gain two with FCUM Radio’s PAUL HINSON and a possible title celebration match. promotions in five years. From the fifth to Luckily, we have some very skilled and the third tier. After two years, we have experienced volunteers who are helping out managed to get our first promotion, so you in our financial department, and who were could say that we are already halfway. following us very closely. This eventually On a longer term, we want to play resulted in a break-even budget for the football again in our own city. We are 2019-20 season, which I think is a job well therefore having talks with the city council done given these rough circumstances for on building a new stadium, close to the city all football clubs. centre, so many fans can get to our new Also this hadn’t been possible without ground on foot or by bike. Also our youth some efforts that were made by people academy is currently located on the within all departments of the club. Our northern outskirts of the city, and we plan first-team players decided to bring down to move this to the same location as well. their wages, which shows that we have A move back to our home soil, the place players whose hearts are with the club, as where we belong, will definitely give our Alfreton Town are the 36th at Norton & Stockton Ancients Rochdale and Brighton & 75% of them is coming from either the club a bright future. opponent for FCUM in the (pictured above) in 2010. Hove Albion of League One former Lyra or Lierse youth development. FA Cup and the 24th in a Of the five times we have were four steps up when we Next to that, our fans were questioned What do you know about FC United? home tie. won in this round, FCUM lost met them in 2010. about raising season ticket prices by 10%, The story of FC United and how they All eight previous meetings in the next round three times Having won at Curzon in which they unanimously accepted given the emerged is well known among the fanbase were in league fixtures, with (2009, 2012 and 2017), the previous round this is an fact that our ticket prices are already low of Lyra-Lierse. For many people who the Manchester outfit ahead went two further rounds once opportunity to eliminate two and that we got promoted. support our club, we see many similarities 4-3 in wins. (2015) and three further higher-ranked clubs in a between Lyra-Lierse and FC United. We The best run for both of rounds once (2010). season, as we did in 2010-11. Do you have contact with other hope, just like you, to make our way to a tonight’s clubs is reaching the Our Derbyshire opponents In 46 previous ties none has fan-owned teams and in what sense brand-new home, while climbing up the second round proper. Alfreton tonight are one division required a penalty shootout. is that? football ladder. I think we stand for the same did this in 2008-09 and above us. With no extra-time or replays Our main contact with other clubs goes values in football, and I think the story of 2012-13, with FCUM matching FCUM have met five sides in 2020-21 that statistic is at via SD Europe, the international network FCUM absolutely works as an inspiration this in 2010-11. one step up, losing to risk. of which Pallieter Supporterscollectief is a for us to keep working hard every day to This is the eighth time we Town and Northwich The closest to a penalty member. Next to that, in Belgium, we have achieve the goals and challenges that are have featured in the third Victoria, beating shootout was the first good relations with fan-owned SK Beveren still ahead of us. The future is fan-owned! qualifying round in 14 Celtic, Gainsborough Trinity qualifying-round replay away with whom we share best practices on a campaigns. The Reds have and Curzon Ashton. to Atherton Collieries in regular basis. won five of the previous seven Coincidentally all the three September 2019. Our fans also share a good relationship ties at this stage. wins were with the Reds in the The game was goalless until with KFC Zwarte Leeuw, a non-profit football Three of those were in NPL Premier Division. the 78th minute when Aaron club, so not “officially fan-owned” but who replays (Stalybridge Celtic Barrow were two steps up Morris headed in the winner. were in our league for the past two years. in 2009, Buxton in 2015 and when they lost to us in 2010, The Broadhurst Park FA It’s always a great atmosphere during the Stockport County in 2017), as were Hereford United when Cup record is five won, three games itself, and both sets of fans joined which is not a possibility this they won at in drawn and three lost. At other each other in the stadium pubs each time we season. 2012. home venues, six were won, played each other, regardless of the result. Only one of them was a Chesterfield were three two drawn and eight lost. In other words: the way football should be. first-time home win – Kendal divisions higher when they The next goal that FCUM Now we have fans of both clubs who Town beaten 3-1 in 2012. were victorious at Broadhurst score in this competition will sometimes attend each others’ games. The other was the 5-2 victory Park in 2015. be their 100th.

[email protected] 0161 769 2005 @FCUnitedMcr F.C United of Manchester @fcutdofmanc FCUM REVIEW 2020-2021 THE FC UNITED PROGRAMME

On the instructions of their in lost gate receipts, through local authority, South Shields’ no fault of our own, than 30 PRINTED capacity is currently cut to 300 National League clubs who will PRE-SEASON JOINT LETTER and Scarborough have been all receive financial assistance forced to start the season and we lose that revenue PROGRAMMES FC United of Manchester, but the policies that have been League clubs we provide behind closed doors. match after match, week in We’ve had a number of South Shields FC and put in place by the government numerous youngsters with To compound matters, new week out. programme collectors Scarborough Athletic FC in response to a public health educational and sporting regulations brought in last We are facing ruin for having enquiring about a possible recently wrote to the emergency’. opportunities through our week requiring all food and business models that rely on print run for our online Secretary of State for Digital, It would appear that the successful academies and we drink to be purchased and high supporter engagement, pre-season editions, to Culture, Media and Sport, government has listened run wide-ranging community consumed at tables will something which prior to Covid avoid their collections Oliver Dowden, to explain to that case with the projects in our areas. seriously reduce the food and had always been regarded as having to start at issue four their feeling of abandonment announcement made to the This has included substantial beverage revenue we also rely the way clubs should be run. – which was the first printed as a lack of financial support house on Wednesday by extra support for our on as supporters will no longer We would ask you to consider magazine of the season threatens their very futures. Sports Minister Nigel communities in response to be able to take these out on that we are good, sustainable against Nantwich. The letter, dated Friday 2nd Huddlestone that a funding the current Covid crisis. the stands and terraces and clubs in greater difficulty than We’ve priced up some October 2020, said... package had been agreed The return to football we will be restricted to limited many National League clubs. rough costs from the printer “to help those most impacted protocols allow for supporters seated social club service. Our clubs matter to us, they and will be aim to produce Dear Oliver, by the 1st October decision” in our grounds in limited We note with interest your matter to our supporters and a limited print run of our We are writing to you today on and “will be focused on those numbers well below the colleague the Sports Minister’s they matter to our local pre-season programmes behalf of three Northern Pre- most in need and it will be levels at which we can be response in the Commons communities. against Barrow, City of mier League football clubs: FC based on the loss of gate sustainable. Government that any club in immediate We would welcome the Liverpool and Trafford over United, Scarborough Athletic receipts”. restrictions allow 600 at financial distress should alert opportunity to provide you with the coming weeks. and South Shields FC. We believe that there is a our step 3 which is 1,071 their sport’s governing body, detailed financial information Also, some collectors are We operate at step 3 of the flawed perception that all spectators below the average which all three of our clubs to support our request. wanting a printed edition Non-League System, the grassroots football clubs can crowd at South Shields have repeatedly done through Yours sincerely, from the Whitby game last highest level designated as sustain themselves within the last season, 1,068 below the season, which was ultimately Adrian Seddon, ‘grassroots’ under current current government restrictions FC United’s and 401 below since the start of the season, postponed due to the Chair of the Board, FC United Covid regulations, meaning and would agree that this is Scarborough’s. only to be informed yesterday Covid-19 outbreak but that we are permitted limited the case for the vast majority. To put it into context, the by league chairman Mark Geoff Thompson, appeared on the website as crowds. However, we would draw your number of supporters locked Harris that there has been no Chairman of South Shields a download only. We have read with interest attention that a one size fits out of our grounds by current confirmation of any support Trevor Bull, One kind supporter has over the last couple of weeks all approach doesn’t take restrictions, and therefore for affected clubs below the Scarborough Athletic Chairman already offered to subsidise the developing situation over into account that there are a our lost gate receipt revenue, National League. Emma Lewell-Buck, much of the production cost, the National League clubs who handful of clubs caught for South Shields and We understand that we are MP for South Shields so if you would like any of the made their case that they between a now subsidised FC United is greater than only a handful of clubs who pre-season printed editions Robert Goodwill, were not sustainable if forced elite and the grassroots the total average crowd last have slipped between the (or one from the Whitby game MP for Scarborough & Whitby to play without fans. restrictions which are in season of 30 National League cracks of elite and grassroots, that never was), please email A widely publicised letter to danger of forcing us out of clubs and for Scarborough but we feel abandoned. Malcolm Clarke, 1878unitedmagazine you on 28th September from existence. this is greater than three. We are haemorrhaging more Chairman of the FSA @gmail.com to reserve and MPs and sporting authority Our three clubs are very We would make the point that order your copy as soon as figureheads made the case different but have in common the situation is unsustainable possible. that ‘in order for clubs to that we are well run and prior for our clubs at the current Alternatively, we hope to sustain themselves over the to this once-in-a-lifetime government level of restriction have a small number for sale winter and keep playing, Covid emergency, sustainable but that is not the end of from the programme stall they would need to be businesses which focus be- our problems as some local on forthcoming matchdays, compensated for the loss of yond football on being at the authorities are now imposing so mither Tom Stott for any match ticket sales. heart of our local their own restrictions which go of these if and when they The absence of this income communities. beyond what was decided by become available! is not the result of their actions Similarly to the National the DCMS.

[email protected] 0161 769 2005 @FCUnitedMcr F.C United of Manchester @fcutdofmanc FCUM REVIEW 2020-2021 THE FC UNITED PROGRAMME FC UNITED PLAYER SPONSORS Alfreton Town MICHAEL POTTS MORGAN HOMSON-SMITH The Scarf Family Course You Can Malcolm

ADAM DODD MICHAEL FOWLER Gary Nelson First Actuarial JACK LENEHAN Belle Vue Vinyl Night REGAN LINNEY Alex Croft LUKE GRIFFITHS Jane & Steve Wood JAMES DEADMAN MEN’S TEAM KitAid NEIL REYNOLDS OLIVIA SMITH This evening, FC United will welcome to survive an apparently inevitable relegation. Stockport Branch The Scarf Family Gally Broadhurst Park a team that we had met With FC United last season looking for an regularly during our five-year stint in the instant return to the National League North, BRIAN RICHARDSON DYLAN BLACKLEDGE ACADEMY TEAM National League North. tonight’s opponents finished the premature Peter Ross & Co, Accountants POD PR & Marketing Tonight’s game will be the ninth time our two campaign in 13th position with nine games Special thanks to FC United's & Business Advisors PAUL ENNIS sides have played each other since our first remaining – 12 points off the play-off places CATALAN BRANCH, who FCUth match almost five years ago in the National and six clear of relegation. DAVID CHADWICK have sponsored six Academy League North, with FC winning four of those Amari Morgan-Smith top-scored for the side, Les Croft players – Israel Aghahowa, encounters compared to Alfreton Town’s three netting 15 league goals, and will no doubt Alfie Clarke, Osman Agerso, MIKE FAULKNER Bar Signs UK and one game ending all square – both teams prove a big threat to Neil Reynolds’ side if is Drayke Holland, Charles Renov-8 Aeronautical having netted 14 times during those previous part of Alfreton’s squad tonight. CURTIS JONES Adomako and Kelvin Agyei Groundlighting Civils Ltd fixtures. This time around and following a prolonged Helen Goldsmith, Keg & For our first match-up, Alfreton travelled to start to ‘elite football’, Alfreton only kicked-off DAN COCKERLINE Tim Workman WOMEN’S TEAM Broadhurst Park for a mid-February fixture their 20-21 campaign on Saturday 6th October, Stockport Branch AARON MORRIS CHELSEA PATIENT in 2016 and emerged 3-1 victors after Sam with a 2-1 FA Cup second qualifying-round Claire Croft Kas & Sheila Kabbani Madeley gave the hosts a lead late into the first success at Coalville Town before starting their DAN LAVERCOMBE period before second-half strikes from Meikle, National North campaign with a 1-1 draw at Main Stand Crew, FINLAY SINCLAIR-SMITH JESS McCARRICK Hones and Bradley wrapped up the away Curzon Ashton just two days after FC United Branch Oldest Winger in Town Dale Leslie points in front of a 3,338 crowd. FC then gained knocked the Tamesiders out of the Cup. revenge just over a month later with George James Jones netted a minute into first-half To sponsor an FC United player, it costs (excluding VAT) £250 for the men’s team, Thomson securing a 1-0 win at North Street. injury time and not long after Curzon had £100 for the women’s side and £50 for an academy player. During the 2016-17 campaign, FCUM opened the scoring to secure their opening-day All men and women’s team sponsors will have their names printed in each edition of clinched a thrilling 4-3 success at home in point, and the other Reds will go into tonight’s FCUM Review, and will be presented with a signed shirt by their chosen player, along with October and then succumbed to a 2-1 defeat match on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to a pitchside presentation photograph. Academy sponsors will receive a signed picture. away the following March; whilst another goal Spennymoor on Saturday – with Elliott Reeves If you would like to become a player sponsor then please email the club at fest a season later in November 2017 brought striking on the stroke of half-time after Town fell [email protected] or phone 0161 769 2005. a 3-2 win for the Reds before Alfreton secured behind on the half-hour. a 1-0 win towards the end of the season. Finally, Alfreton are managed by Billy Heath FC United of Manchester Our last meetings came in 2018-19 before FC who took charge of the first team in May 2018 dropped out of the National North, with a 1-1 having previously been in charge of Bridlington, would like to thank our draw at Broadhurst in late October preceding Frickley, North Ferriby United and, ultimately, academy sponsors Chauntry, a wonderful 3-2 win for Neil Reynolds’ side at Halifax Town – where he helped steer the whose website can be found North Street in April 2019 that provided a brief, latter two clubs to promotion from the National at www.chauntry.com albeit false, belief that we could somehow League North.

[email protected] 0161 769 2005 @FCUnitedMcr F.C United of Manchester @fcutdofmanc ’S S IGHT QUA N FA CUP D TO THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND S Tuesday 13th October 2020

DAN LAVERCOMBE JACK ATKINSON JOSH BROOKS Tonight’s referee: DECLAN BACON LENNY FIELDHOUSE Peter Shacklady NYLE BLAKE AARON MORRIS Assistants: MORGAN BROUGH TYLER OWEN Darren Brown JOSH CLACKSTONE CURTIS JONES Alexander Kelly DANNY CLARKE JAKE DAY CHRIS DOYLE DANNY EAST MICHAEL POTTS HARVEY GRICE LUKE GRIFFITHS KIERON HINCHLEY MORGAN PENFOLD BOBBY JOHNSON MIKE DONOHUE SHANE KILLOCK MORGAN HOMSON SMITH DAVID LYNCH FINLAY SINCLAIR-SMITH RYAN QUALTER REGAN LINNEY NEXT HOME AMARI MORGAN SMITH DANIEL COCKERLINE MATCH: DOMINIC SMITH PAUL ENNIS versus JOSH THACKER MICHAEL FOWLER Stafford Rangers BEN TOMLINSON Saturday TOM STEAD JOSH WILDE 17th October KAIN DEAN (3pm) TYLER WILLIAMS SANDRO DA COSTA