F.C. United of Manchester
Encyclopedia
F.C. United of Manchester is an English semi-professional football club based in Bury
, Greater Manchester
that plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division
. It was formed in 2005 by Manchester United
supporters opposed to American businessman Malcolm Glazer
's controversial takeover of the club. The supporters own the club and vote on how the club is run.
The club entered the North West Counties Football League
Division Two in 2005, winning the league in their inaugural season. In their second season, they were crowned champions of North West Counties Football League Division One and were promoted to the Northern Premier League
. The 2007–08 season saw them finish second in the Northern Premier League Division One North
and gain promotion through the end of season play-offs. Since then they have played in the Northern Premier League Premier Division
, reaching the play-off final in 2010–11. The club also reached the Second Round Proper of the FA Cup
in the 2010–11 season. F.C. United has played at Gigg Lane
since its formation in a ground-share with Bury
. However, the club has applied for planning permission to build its own ground in north Manchester in time for the 2012–13 season. The team is managed by former professional football player Karl Marginson
.
. Although they had various reasons for their dissatisfaction, the prime catalyst for F.C. United's formation was the 12 May 2005 hostile takeover of Manchester United by the American
businessman Malcolm Glazer
. After the name "F.C. United" was rejected by the Football Association
for being too generic, all those who had pledged money to the club were asked to vote on a name. On 14 June 2005, it was announced that "F.C. United of Manchester" had been chosen, beating "A.F.C. Manchester 1878", "Manchester Central" and "Newton Heath United". "F.C. United" continues to be used as an abbreviated form of the club's name. Karl Marginson
was appointed as the club's manager on 22 June 2005, and the club held trials for players on 26 June 2005. Just under 900 players applied to take part in the trials, of whom 200 were selected to do so and 17 were chosen to play for F.C. United. By 6 July 2005, over 4,000 people had pledged money to F.C. United and the club had over £100,000 in the bank.
During their formation, the owners of Leigh Railway Mechanics Institute F.C. asked F.C. United to take over their club, however United refused the takeover offer as they believed that taking over an existing club would be hypocritical, given that F.C. United was formed as a result of Manchester United's takeover. Instead, F.C. United's first game was a friendly match against Leigh RMI on 16 July 2005; the match ended 0–0.
(NWCFL), putting the club at level ten of the English football league system
, nine levels below the Premier League. The club then arranged to play their home matches at Bury
's stadium, Gigg Lane
where the majority of their home league games have been played since. As the club was formed after the deadline for entering the FA Vase
, they were not eligible to play in the competition during the 2005–06 season, although they were able to play in the North West Counties League Challenge Cup.
During their first season F.C. United consistently broke NWCFL attendance records, including an attendance of 6,032 during their final league match of the season, which is still an NWCFL record. At this game F.C. United were crowned league champions at home against Great Harwood Town
on 22 April 2006. This secured their promotion to Division One.
After a successful season in the NWCFL Division One, F.C. United were promoted to the Northern Premier League Division One North
on 7 April 2007 after beating Ramsbottom United
. They were confirmed as champions on 18 April 2007 after beating Atherton Laburnum Rovers
7–1 at Gigg Lane. They also won the NWCFL's Challenge Cup, beating Curzon Ashton
2–1 in the final, becoming only the third side to complete the NWCFL league and cup double. They were eliminated from their first season in an FA competition (the FA Vase
) at the Third Round stage by Quorn
.
. As a result of the eligibility rules for the FA Cup
, they made their debut in this competition in the 2007–08 season and played away to Trafford
in the Preliminary Qualifying Round on 2 September, winning the fixture 5–2. They were eliminated in the next round of the competition, losing 2–1 to Fleetwood Town
. They advanced to the final of the 2007–08 President's Cup
, in which they beat Radcliffe Borough
2–0 to pick up their fifth trophy in the three years since their formation. The club finished the season second in the league, trailing champions Bradford Park Avenue
by just one point, and entered the play-offs for the other promotion place. After beating Bamber Bridge
3–2 in the semi-finals, F.C. United faced Skelmersdale United in the promotion play-off final on 3 May 2008, coming back from a goal down to win 4–1 and earn promotion to the Northern Premier League Premier Division
.
by Boston United
in the Third Qualifying Round. F.C. United narrowly missed out on a play-off place in their first year in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. Before the final match of the season, they were level on points with Bradford Park Avenue and Kendal Town
, with superior goal difference. When ten minutes remained in their match against Bradford, they would have secured a play-off place, but an equaliser for Bradford, and a winning goal for Kendal in their match granted Kendal the place instead.
In F.C. United's second season (2009–10) in the Northern Premier League Premier Division they finished 13th, their lowest league position in their first five seasons. In their third FA Cup campaign they lost 3–0 to Northwich Victoria
in the Fourth Qualifying Round. They reached the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy
but then went out to Harrogate Town
.
In the 2010–11 season F.C. United achieved their best FA Cup campaign, recording victories over Radcliffe Borough
, Gainsborough Trinity
, Norton & Stockton Ancients
and Barrow
to reach the First Round Proper for the first time. There they beat League One
side Rochdale
3–2 with a late winner from Mike Norton. In the Second Round Proper they played eventual 2010–11 League One champions Brighton & Hove Albion
and forced a replay with a 1–1 draw. Brighton denied United a Third Round home tie against Portsmouth
by winning the replay 4–0 at Gigg Lane, in front of F.C. United's highest home attendance of 6,731. Meanwhile in the league, poor form and postponed matches had seen them fall to 21st at the turn of the New Year; in the relegation zone. However, January saw F.C. United climb back up the table and from February they sustained an unbeaten run of 16 games which brought them up to 3rd place; in the play-off places. At the end of the season they secured 4th place, their highest ever placing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, and secured a play-off semi-final tie against 3rd placed, Bradford Park Avenue, which F.C. United won 2–0 to book their place in the final against Colwyn Bay
. In the final, they lost 1–0, denying them a place in the Conference North
.
1: League games only
2: Includes games split between Gigg Lane
, Bury
(20 games, average 2,103) and Stainton Park, Radcliffe
(1 game, 1,744)
3: Includes games split between Gigg Lane
, Bury
(18 games, average 1,971) and Ewen Fields
, Hyde
(1 game, 1,650)
4: Includes games split between Gigg Lane
, Bury
(15 games, average 2,089) and Bower Fold
, Stalybridge
(6 games, average 1,659)
5: Includes games split between Gigg Lane
, Bury
(6 games, average 1,986), Bower Fold
, Stalybridge
(2 games, average 1,618) and Tameside Stadium, Curzon Ashton
(1 game 1,831)
Last Updated: 29 November 2011
Q = Qualifying Round; R = Round Proper; P = Position; Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points;
developer. The club's first kit was a plain red shirt, white shorts and plain black socks. The club introduced a new home shirt for the 2007–08 season with a striped collar and striped ends on the sleeves which lasted until 2009. This was changed for the 2009–11 seasons to a red shirt with a black and white stripe down the left side, manufactured by Admiral Sportswear. However, for seasons 2011–13 the club has reverted back to a plain red shirt, manufactured by O'Neills
. The club's second kit, worn when playing away against a team with a predominantly red kit, is all white with a red trim, black shorts and white socks. The club also has an alternative plain blue kit for playing against a team with a red and white kit. In past seasons a white shirt with a diagonal black stripe has been used as the second kit.
The club's badge is red, white, black and yellow, and incorporates elements from the Manchester coat of arms: a ship representing Manchester's industry
, and three stripes representing the three rivers that flow through Manchester.
with Bury F.C.
However, as a result of some fixture clashes, F.C. United have had to use a further six stadiums for home fixtures; Altrincham
's Moss Lane
in 2005–06, Radcliffe Borough
's Stainton Park in 2007–08, Hyde United's Ewen Fields in 2009–10, Stalybridge Celtic
's Bower Fold
in 2010–11 and 2011–12, and Curzon Ashton
's Tameside Stadium in 2011–12. A Manchester Premier Cup tie at home to Flixton
was switched to Flixton's Valley Road ground in 2008 making it technically F.C. United’s seventh home ground.
On 25 March 2010, the club announced plans to build their own 5,000-capacity football ground in Newton Heath
, the original home of Manchester United. The development was planned to be located on the site of the current Ten Acres Lane sports centre and would have cost £3.5 million, to be financed by public donations, a Community Shares issue and grant funding. However, it was announced on 4 March 2011 that Manchester City Council had backed out from funding the stadium, but that they had pledged to help F.C. United build a stadium in a new location with reduced costs. On 5 April 2011 it was revealed that F.C. United were considering a new site in the Broadhurst Park area of Moston
, Manchester. Detailed information about the new facility, including the tentative name Moston Community Stadium, was released on 9 June 2011. Manchester City Council approved the planning permission for the Moston site on 27 October 2011.
. F.C. United fans are known for the large range of songs that they sing at matches, and the atmosphere created by fans has been praised in the media. However, supporters have been known to set off flares during big games.
During their first season (2005–06), F.C. United had the second-highest average attendance in English non-League football
with an average gate of 3,059, and were the 87th best supported club across all divisions. Attendances fell in the next two seasons and they were the 92nd best supported club in 2006–07 and 100th best supported club by 2007–08. Their average league attendance has since levelled out at approximately 2,000 per game.
. Membership is obtained by paying an annual fee of £12 to the club (£3 for children), but each member receives only one share in the club and is entitled to a single vote at meetings, regardless of the amount donated. The board consists eleven members who are elected by the members of the club. The club has two full-time employee positions: Andy Walsh as chief executive and Lindsey Robertson as club secretary. Andy Walsh was heavily involved in the club's formation.
The club's manifesto includes the following core principles:
The club accepts sponsorship but does not allow sponsors' logos to be displayed on the team's shirts. The club's main sponsor in its inaugural 2005–06 season was the Bhopal Medical Appeal and in season 2006–07 it was the Williams BMW Group. For the 2011–12 season, F.C. United is sponsored by mxData.
Their aspirations have had mixed results. The club did achieve two successive promotions after the AGM, but have remained in the Northern Premier League Premier Division
since 2008 missing out on their Conference North
target. Rather than fulfilling the aim of 5,000 supporters per home game, crowds have declined in all but one of their seasons so far. Progress was being made on plans to develop their own stadium, until funding was cut in early 2011. After this setback, the club is pressing ahead with plans to build a stadium in the Moston
area of north Manchester in time for the 2012–13 season. They have teamed up with The Manchester College for use of their training facilities and to operate a women's team since 2009.
attracted the attention of several professional clubs, and the striker has gone on to play and score for Northern Ireland at senior level
. F.C. United's youth team have also been represented in the England Schoolboys squad by Scott Cheetham.
Bury
Bury is a town in Greater Manchester, England. It lies on the River Irwell, east of Bolton, west-southwest of Rochdale, and north-northwest of the city of Manchester...
, Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester is a metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 2.6 million. It encompasses one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom and comprises ten metropolitan boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan, and the...
that plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division
Northern Premier League Premier Division
The Premier Division is the top division of the Northern Premier League. It is at Step 3 of the National League System, placing it six divisions below the Premier League...
. It was formed in 2005 by Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
supporters opposed to American businessman Malcolm Glazer
Malcolm Glazer
Malcolm Irving Glazer is an American businessman and sports team owner. He is the president and chief executive officer of First Allied Corporation, a holding company for his varied business interests, most notably in the food processing industry...
's controversial takeover of the club. The supporters own the club and vote on how the club is run.
The club entered the North West Counties Football League
North West Counties Football League
The North West Counties Football League is a football league in North west of England. As of 2011, the league covers Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Southern Cumbria, Northern Staffordshire, the High Peak area of Derbyshire, and the far west of West Yorkshire. In the past, the...
Division Two in 2005, winning the league in their inaugural season. In their second season, they were crowned champions of North West Counties Football League Division One and were promoted to the Northern Premier League
Northern Premier League
The Northern Premier League, is one of the regional English football leagues which sits directly below the Football Conference featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs. Geographically, the league covers all of Northern England, and the northern areas of the Midlands. Originally just one...
. The 2007–08 season saw them finish second in the Northern Premier League Division One North
Northern Premier League Division One North
Division One North is one of the two second-tier divisions of the Northern Premier League. It is at tier 4 of the National League System, tier 8 of the English football league system...
and gain promotion through the end of season play-offs. Since then they have played in the Northern Premier League Premier Division
Northern Premier League Premier Division
The Premier Division is the top division of the Northern Premier League. It is at Step 3 of the National League System, placing it six divisions below the Premier League...
, reaching the play-off final in 2010–11. The club also reached the Second Round Proper of the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
in the 2010–11 season. F.C. United has played at Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. Historically within Lancashire, it was built for Bury F.C. in 1885, and has been their home ever since.-History:...
since its formation in a ground-share with Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
. However, the club has applied for planning permission to build its own ground in north Manchester in time for the 2012–13 season. The team is managed by former professional football player Karl Marginson
Karl Marginson
Karl Marginson is an English football manager and former player, currently managing F.C. United of Manchester.-Playing career:...
.
Formation
The club was founded in 2005 by supporters of Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
. Although they had various reasons for their dissatisfaction, the prime catalyst for F.C. United's formation was the 12 May 2005 hostile takeover of Manchester United by the American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
businessman Malcolm Glazer
Malcolm Glazer
Malcolm Irving Glazer is an American businessman and sports team owner. He is the president and chief executive officer of First Allied Corporation, a holding company for his varied business interests, most notably in the food processing industry...
. After the name "F.C. United" was rejected by the Football Association
The Football Association
The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
for being too generic, all those who had pledged money to the club were asked to vote on a name. On 14 June 2005, it was announced that "F.C. United of Manchester" had been chosen, beating "A.F.C. Manchester 1878", "Manchester Central" and "Newton Heath United". "F.C. United" continues to be used as an abbreviated form of the club's name. Karl Marginson
Karl Marginson
Karl Marginson is an English football manager and former player, currently managing F.C. United of Manchester.-Playing career:...
was appointed as the club's manager on 22 June 2005, and the club held trials for players on 26 June 2005. Just under 900 players applied to take part in the trials, of whom 200 were selected to do so and 17 were chosen to play for F.C. United. By 6 July 2005, over 4,000 people had pledged money to F.C. United and the club had over £100,000 in the bank.
During their formation, the owners of Leigh Railway Mechanics Institute F.C. asked F.C. United to take over their club, however United refused the takeover offer as they believed that taking over an existing club would be hypocritical, given that F.C. United was formed as a result of Manchester United's takeover. Instead, F.C. United's first game was a friendly match against Leigh RMI on 16 July 2005; the match ended 0–0.
North West Counties Football League
F.C. United were admitted to the second division of the North West Counties Football LeagueNorth West Counties Football League
The North West Counties Football League is a football league in North west of England. As of 2011, the league covers Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Southern Cumbria, Northern Staffordshire, the High Peak area of Derbyshire, and the far west of West Yorkshire. In the past, the...
(NWCFL), putting the club at level ten of the English football league system
English football league system
The English football league system, also known as the football pyramid, is a series of interconnected leagues for association football clubs in England, with six teams from Wales also competing...
, nine levels below the Premier League. The club then arranged to play their home matches at Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
's stadium, Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. Historically within Lancashire, it was built for Bury F.C. in 1885, and has been their home ever since.-History:...
where the majority of their home league games have been played since. As the club was formed after the deadline for entering the FA Vase
FA Vase
The Football Association Challenge Vase is an annual football competition for teams playing below Step 4 of the English National League System...
, they were not eligible to play in the competition during the 2005–06 season, although they were able to play in the North West Counties League Challenge Cup.
During their first season F.C. United consistently broke NWCFL attendance records, including an attendance of 6,032 during their final league match of the season, which is still an NWCFL record. At this game F.C. United were crowned league champions at home against Great Harwood Town
Great Harwood Town F.C.
Great Harwood Town F.C. was a football club based in Great Harwood, Lancashire, England. They joined the Lancashire Combination in 1979 and made their way up to the Northern Premier League Division One during the early 1990s. However after spending most of the decade in the league they were...
on 22 April 2006. This secured their promotion to Division One.
After a successful season in the NWCFL Division One, F.C. United were promoted to the Northern Premier League Division One North
Northern Premier League Division One North
Division One North is one of the two second-tier divisions of the Northern Premier League. It is at tier 4 of the National League System, tier 8 of the English football league system...
on 7 April 2007 after beating Ramsbottom United
Ramsbottom United F.C.
Ramsbottom United F.C. are an English football club based in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. Their home stadium is the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, Acrebottom, Ramsbottom and their nickname is The Rams...
. They were confirmed as champions on 18 April 2007 after beating Atherton Laburnum Rovers
Atherton Laburnum Rovers F.C.
Atherton Laburnum Rovers F.C. are an English football club based in Atherton in Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Crilly Park, Spa Road. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division...
7–1 at Gigg Lane. They also won the NWCFL's Challenge Cup, beating Curzon Ashton
Curzon Ashton F.C.
Curzon Ashton F.C. are a football club who currently play in the Northern Premier League Division One North. Nicknamed "The Blues", the club play their home games at the Tameside Stadium in Ashton-under-Lyne.-History:...
2–1 in the final, becoming only the third side to complete the NWCFL league and cup double. They were eliminated from their first season in an FA competition (the FA Vase
FA Vase
The Football Association Challenge Vase is an annual football competition for teams playing below Step 4 of the English National League System...
) at the Third Round stage by Quorn
Quorn F.C.
Quorn Football Club is an English football club based in the village of Quorn, near Loughborough, Leicestershire, currently playing in the Northern Premier League Division One South.-History:...
.
Northern Premier League Division One North
In the 2007–08 season F.C. United played in the inaugural year of the Northern Premier League Division One NorthNorthern Premier League Division One North
Division One North is one of the two second-tier divisions of the Northern Premier League. It is at tier 4 of the National League System, tier 8 of the English football league system...
. As a result of the eligibility rules for the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
, they made their debut in this competition in the 2007–08 season and played away to Trafford
Trafford F.C.
Trafford F.C. is an English football club based in Flixton, Greater Manchester. The club are currently members of Division One North of the Northern Premier League and play at Shawe View.-History:...
in the Preliminary Qualifying Round on 2 September, winning the fixture 5–2. They were eliminated in the next round of the competition, losing 2–1 to Fleetwood Town
Fleetwood Town F.C.
Fleetwood Town F.C. is an English football club based in Fleetwood, Lancashire. They currently play in the Conference National having been defeated in the Conference National play-off semi-final by AFC Wimbledon in the 2010–11 season.-History:...
. They advanced to the final of the 2007–08 President's Cup
Northern Premier League President's Cup
The Northern Premier League President's Cup is a knock-out cup competition organised by the Northern Premier League.Teams from both of the Northern Premier League Division One leagues take part in the tournament, with teams that played in the preliminary round of the Northern Premier League...
, in which they beat Radcliffe Borough
Radcliffe Borough F.C.
Radcliffe Borough F.C. is an English football club based in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester. The club was formed on 24 April 1949 and currently plays in the Northern Premier League Division One North...
2–0 to pick up their fifth trophy in the three years since their formation. The club finished the season second in the league, trailing champions Bradford Park Avenue
Bradford Park Avenue A.F.C.
Bradford Association Football Club, previously also known as Bradford and since its reformation in the 1970s now referred to as Bradford Park Avenue, is a football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England...
by just one point, and entered the play-offs for the other promotion place. After beating Bamber Bridge
Bamber Bridge F.C.
Bamber Bridge F.C. are an English football club based in Bamber Bridge, near Preston, Lancashire. They currently play in the Northern Premier League Division One North and are full members of the Lancashire County Football Association. They play their home games at the QED Stadium in Bamber Bridge...
3–2 in the semi-finals, F.C. United faced Skelmersdale United in the promotion play-off final on 3 May 2008, coming back from a goal down to win 4–1 and earn promotion to the Northern Premier League Premier Division
Northern Premier League Premier Division
The Premier Division is the top division of the Northern Premier League. It is at Step 3 of the National League System, placing it six divisions below the Premier League...
.
Northern Premier League Premier Division
In 2008–09 F.C. United were beaten in their second FA Cup campaign in the First Qualifying Round away at Nantwich Town. They were also knocked out of the FA TrophyFA Trophy
The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
by Boston United
Boston United F.C.
Boston United Football Club are an association football club based in Boston, Lincolnshire, England. They currently play in the Conference North. The club is known as 'the Pilgrims' in reference to the Pilgrim Fathers, who fled from Boston to the USA and founded Boston, Massachusetts. The club's...
in the Third Qualifying Round. F.C. United narrowly missed out on a play-off place in their first year in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. Before the final match of the season, they were level on points with Bradford Park Avenue and Kendal Town
Kendal Town F.C.
Kendal Town F.C. is an English football club based in Kendal, Cumbria. The club are currently members of the Premier Division of the Northern Premier League and play at Parkside.-History:...
, with superior goal difference. When ten minutes remained in their match against Bradford, they would have secured a play-off place, but an equaliser for Bradford, and a winning goal for Kendal in their match granted Kendal the place instead.
In F.C. United's second season (2009–10) in the Northern Premier League Premier Division they finished 13th, their lowest league position in their first five seasons. In their third FA Cup campaign they lost 3–0 to Northwich Victoria
Northwich Victoria F.C.
Northwich Victoria Football Club are an English football club who play at the Victoria Stadium in Wincham, Northwich, Cheshire in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of the English football league system.Northwich are an old club, founded in 1874 and named in honour of...
in the Fourth Qualifying Round. They reached the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy
FA Trophy
The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
but then went out to Harrogate Town
Harrogate Town F.C.
Harrogate Town Football Club is an English semi-professional football club based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The club was founded in 1914 and currently competes in the Conference North division of the Football Conference.-History:...
.
In the 2010–11 season F.C. United achieved their best FA Cup campaign, recording victories over Radcliffe Borough
Radcliffe Borough F.C.
Radcliffe Borough F.C. is an English football club based in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester. The club was formed on 24 April 1949 and currently plays in the Northern Premier League Division One North...
, Gainsborough Trinity
Gainsborough Trinity F.C.
Gainsborough Trinity Football Club are an English football club based in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.Between 1896 and 1912 they were members of the Football League. They are currently in the Conference North, and play their home matches at The Northolme, which has a capacity of 4,304...
, Norton & Stockton Ancients
Norton & Stockton Ancients F.C.
Norton & Stockton Ancients Football Club is an English football club based in based in Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, England. They are currently members of Division One of the Northern League and play at the Norton Sports Complex.-History:...
and Barrow
Barrow A.F.C.
Barrow A.F.C. are an English football club founded in 1901 based in the town of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. Following promotion at the end of the 2007–08 season, they currently play in the Conference National. The club spent over fifty years in the Football League between 1921 and 1972, and have...
to reach the First Round Proper for the first time. There they beat League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Rochdale
Rochdale A.F.C.
Rochdale Association Football Club is an English professional football club based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Spotland Stadium. Formed in 1907, they were accepted into the Football League in 1921...
3–2 with a late winner from Mike Norton. In the Second Round Proper they played eventual 2010–11 League One champions Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
and forced a replay with a 1–1 draw. Brighton denied United a Third Round home tie against Portsmouth
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
by winning the replay 4–0 at Gigg Lane, in front of F.C. United's highest home attendance of 6,731. Meanwhile in the league, poor form and postponed matches had seen them fall to 21st at the turn of the New Year; in the relegation zone. However, January saw F.C. United climb back up the table and from February they sustained an unbeaten run of 16 games which brought them up to 3rd place; in the play-off places. At the end of the season they secured 4th place, their highest ever placing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, and secured a play-off semi-final tie against 3rd placed, Bradford Park Avenue, which F.C. United won 2–0 to book their place in the final against Colwyn Bay
Colwyn Bay F.C.
Colwyn Bay F.C. are a Welsh football club, as of the 2011–12 season are playing in the Conference North. Nicknamed the Seagulls, the club play at Llanelian Road in Old Colwyn.-History:...
. In the final, they lost 1–0, denying them a place in the Conference North
Conference North
The Conference North also known as Blue Square Bet North for sponsorship reasons, is a division of the Football Conference in England, taking its place immediately below the Conference National. Along with Conference South it is at Step 2 of the National League System and the sixth overall tier of...
.
League and cup history
| Season |
League Contested | Level English football league system The English football league system, also known as the football pyramid, is a series of interconnected leagues for association football clubs in England, with six teams from Wales also competing... |
Pld |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
Pts |
League Position |
Avg. Home Attendance1 |
FA Cup FA Cup The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's... |
FA Trophy FA Trophy The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams... |
Leading scorer1 |- bgcolor="#ACE1AF" align="center" | 2005–06 |
North West Counties League North West Counties Football League The North West Counties Football League is a football league in North west of England. As of 2011, the league covers Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Southern Cumbria, Northern Staffordshire, the High Peak area of Derbyshire, and the far west of West Yorkshire. In the past, the... Division Two |
10 | 36 | 27 | 6 | 3 | 111 | 35 | +76 | 87 | 1st of 19 Promoted Promotion and relegation In many sports leagues around the world, promotion and relegation is a process that takes place at the end of each season. Through it, teams are transferred between divisions based on their performance that season... |
3,056 | n/a | n/a | Rory Patterson Rory Patterson Rory Christopher Patterson is a Northern Irish footballer who plays as a forward for Linfield, on loan from Plymouth Argyle, and the Northern Ireland national team... 18 >- bgcolor="#ACE1AF" align="center" | 2006–07 |
North West Counties League Division One |
9 | 42 | 36 | 4 | 2 | 157 | 36 | +121 | 112 | 1st of 22 Promoted Promotion and relegation In many sports leagues around the world, promotion and relegation is a process that takes place at the end of each season. Through it, teams are transferred between divisions based on their performance that season... |
2,581 | n/a | n/a | >- bgcolor="#D0F0C0" align="center" | Northern Premier League Northern Premier League The Northern Premier League, is one of the regional English football leagues which sits directly below the Football Conference featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs. Geographically, the league covers all of Northern England, and the northern areas of the Midlands. Originally just one... Division One North Northern Premier League Division One North Division One North is one of the two second-tier divisions of the Northern Premier League. It is at tier 4 of the National League System, tier 8 of the English football league system... |
8 | 42 | 24 | 9 | 9 | 91 | 49 | +42 | 81 | 2nd of 18 Won playoffs Promoted Promotion and relegation In many sports leagues around the world, promotion and relegation is a process that takes place at the end of each season. Through it, teams are transferred between divisions based on their performance that season... |
2,0862 | 1Q | Prelim Rd | Rory Patterson Rory Patterson Rory Christopher Patterson is a Northern Irish footballer who plays as a forward for Linfield, on loan from Plymouth Argyle, and the Northern Ireland national team... 34 >- |
2008–09 | Northern Premier League Premier Division Northern Premier League Premier Division The Premier Division is the top division of the Northern Premier League. It is at Step 3 of the National League System, placing it six divisions below the Premier League... |
7 | 42 | 21 | 9 | 12 | 82 | 58 | +24 | 72 | 6th of 22 | 2,152 | 1Q | 3Q | Kyle Wilson Kyle Wilson (English footballer) Kyle Philip Wilson is an English footballer who is currently contracted to Welsh Premier League club, Bangor City. He has previously played for Crewe Alexandra, Macclesfield Town, FC United of Manchester and Chester FC.-Crewe Alexandra:... 21 >- |
2009–10 | Northern Premier League Premier Division Northern Premier League Premier Division The Premier Division is the top division of the Northern Premier League. It is at Step 3 of the National League System, placing it six divisions below the Premier League... |
7 | 38 | 13 | 8 | 17 | 62 | 65 | -3 | 47 | 13th of 20 | 1,9543 | 4Q | 3Q | Phil Marsh Phil Marsh Philip "Phil" Marsh is an English footballer who plays for Stalybridge Celtic.He started his career at Manchester United where he played one game in the League Cup against Crewe Alexandra, before moving down the ladder to join Blackpool. He later moved into non-league football, joining Northwich... 10 >- bgcolor="#D0F0C0" align="center" |
2010–11 | Northern Premier League Premier Division Northern Premier League Premier Division The Premier Division is the top division of the Northern Premier League. It is at Step 3 of the National League System, placing it six divisions below the Premier League... |
7 | 42 | 24 | 4 | 14 | 76 | 53 | +23 | 76 | 4th of 22 Playoffs Runner-up Runner-up Runner-up is a term used to denote a participant which finishes in second place in any of a variety of competitive endeavors, most notably sporting events and beauty pageants; in the latter instance, the term is applied to more than one of the highest-ranked non-winning contestants, the... |
1,9614 | R2 | 3Q | >- | 2011–12 | Northern Premier League Premier Division Northern Premier League Premier Division The Premier Division is the top division of the Northern Premier League. It is at Step 3 of the National League System, placing it six divisions below the Premier League... |
7 | 20 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 44 | 30 | +14 | 34 | 6th of 22 | 1,8835 | 2Q | – |
|---|
1: League games only
2: Includes games split between Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. Historically within Lancashire, it was built for Bury F.C. in 1885, and has been their home ever since.-History:...
, Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
(20 games, average 2,103) and Stainton Park, Radcliffe
Radcliffe Borough F.C.
Radcliffe Borough F.C. is an English football club based in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester. The club was formed on 24 April 1949 and currently plays in the Northern Premier League Division One North...
(1 game, 1,744)
3: Includes games split between Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. Historically within Lancashire, it was built for Bury F.C. in 1885, and has been their home ever since.-History:...
, Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
(18 games, average 1,971) and Ewen Fields
Ewen Fields
Ewen Fields is a multi-use stadium in Tameside, England. It is the home ground of Hyde F.C. and Manchester City Reserves and has also in the past hosted Manchester United F.C. Reserves, Stockport County Reserves and Oldham Curzon Ladies. It is currently used for football...
, Hyde
Hyde F.C.
Hyde F.C. are an English semi-professional football club from Hyde, Greater Manchester, who are nicknamed The Tigers. Formed in 1885 the club changed its name to Hyde United in 1919, before reverting to Hyde F.C. in June 2010...
(1 game, 1,650)
4: Includes games split between Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. Historically within Lancashire, it was built for Bury F.C. in 1885, and has been their home ever since.-History:...
, Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
(15 games, average 2,089) and Bower Fold
Bower Fold
Bower Fold is a football stadium in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, England and is the home ground of Stalybridge Celtic. The stadium is notable for being the only active ground in the country where the pitch faces a perfect north alignment, an honour the club shared with Chesterfield F.C. until...
, Stalybridge
Stalybridge Celtic F.C.
Stalybridge Celtic are an English full time professional football club from Stalybridge, Greater Manchester in North West England. The club, which plays its home matches at Bower Fold, is currently in the Conference North in the sixth tier of the English football league system...
(6 games, average 1,659)
5: Includes games split between Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. Historically within Lancashire, it was built for Bury F.C. in 1885, and has been their home ever since.-History:...
, Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
(6 games, average 1,986), Bower Fold
Bower Fold
Bower Fold is a football stadium in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, England and is the home ground of Stalybridge Celtic. The stadium is notable for being the only active ground in the country where the pitch faces a perfect north alignment, an honour the club shared with Chesterfield F.C. until...
, Stalybridge
Stalybridge Celtic F.C.
Stalybridge Celtic are an English full time professional football club from Stalybridge, Greater Manchester in North West England. The club, which plays its home matches at Bower Fold, is currently in the Conference North in the sixth tier of the English football league system...
(2 games, average 1,618) and Tameside Stadium, Curzon Ashton
Curzon Ashton F.C.
Curzon Ashton F.C. are a football club who currently play in the Northern Premier League Division One North. Nicknamed "The Blues", the club play their home games at the Tameside Stadium in Ashton-under-Lyne.-History:...
(1 game 1,831)
Last Updated: 29 November 2011
Q = Qualifying Round; R = Round Proper; P = Position; Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points;
Colours and badge
F.C. United's club colours are red, white and black—the same colours worn by Manchester United. However, the shirt bears no sponsorship logo, as it was written into the club's constitution that the club should not have a shirt sponsor. Despite this, the club is sponsored as a whole by mxData, a mobile applicationApplication software
Application software, also known as an application or an "app", is computer software designed to help the user to perform specific tasks. Examples include enterprise software, accounting software, office suites, graphics software and media players. Many application programs deal principally with...
developer. The club's first kit was a plain red shirt, white shorts and plain black socks. The club introduced a new home shirt for the 2007–08 season with a striped collar and striped ends on the sleeves which lasted until 2009. This was changed for the 2009–11 seasons to a red shirt with a black and white stripe down the left side, manufactured by Admiral Sportswear. However, for seasons 2011–13 the club has reverted back to a plain red shirt, manufactured by O'Neills
O'Neills
O'Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. was established in 1918. It is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Dublin and Strabane....
. The club's second kit, worn when playing away against a team with a predominantly red kit, is all white with a red trim, black shorts and white socks. The club also has an alternative plain blue kit for playing against a team with a red and white kit. In past seasons a white shirt with a diagonal black stripe has been used as the second kit.
The club's badge is red, white, black and yellow, and incorporates elements from the Manchester coat of arms: a ship representing Manchester's industry
Cottonopolis
Cottonopolis denotes a metropolis of cotton and cotton mills. It was inspired by Manchester, in England, and its status as the international centre of the cotton and textile processing industries during the 19th century...
, and three stripes representing the three rivers that flow through Manchester.
Stadium
Since the club's formation, F.C. United have not had their own home ground. Instead, they ground-share Gigg LaneGigg Lane
Gigg Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. Historically within Lancashire, it was built for Bury F.C. in 1885, and has been their home ever since.-History:...
with Bury F.C.
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
However, as a result of some fixture clashes, F.C. United have had to use a further six stadiums for home fixtures; Altrincham
Altrincham F.C.
Altrincham Football Club is an English association football club from Altrincham, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the Conference North, having been relegated from the Conference National at the end of the 2010–11 season.-History:...
's Moss Lane
Moss Lane
Moss Lane is a multi-purpose stadium in Altrincham, England. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of Altrincham and Manchester United Reserves...
in 2005–06, Radcliffe Borough
Radcliffe Borough F.C.
Radcliffe Borough F.C. is an English football club based in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester. The club was formed on 24 April 1949 and currently plays in the Northern Premier League Division One North...
's Stainton Park in 2007–08, Hyde United's Ewen Fields in 2009–10, Stalybridge Celtic
Stalybridge Celtic F.C.
Stalybridge Celtic are an English full time professional football club from Stalybridge, Greater Manchester in North West England. The club, which plays its home matches at Bower Fold, is currently in the Conference North in the sixth tier of the English football league system...
's Bower Fold
Bower Fold
Bower Fold is a football stadium in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, England and is the home ground of Stalybridge Celtic. The stadium is notable for being the only active ground in the country where the pitch faces a perfect north alignment, an honour the club shared with Chesterfield F.C. until...
in 2010–11 and 2011–12, and Curzon Ashton
Curzon Ashton F.C.
Curzon Ashton F.C. are a football club who currently play in the Northern Premier League Division One North. Nicknamed "The Blues", the club play their home games at the Tameside Stadium in Ashton-under-Lyne.-History:...
's Tameside Stadium in 2011–12. A Manchester Premier Cup tie at home to Flixton
Flixton F.C.
Flixton F.C. are an English football club based in Flixton, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division and are members of the Manchester Football Association. They play their home games at Valley Road in Flixton.-History:The club was formed...
was switched to Flixton's Valley Road ground in 2008 making it technically F.C. United’s seventh home ground.
On 25 March 2010, the club announced plans to build their own 5,000-capacity football ground in Newton Heath
Newton Heath
Newton Heath is an urban area of the city of Manchester, in Greater Manchester, England. It is east north east of Manchester city centre and has a population of 9,883....
, the original home of Manchester United. The development was planned to be located on the site of the current Ten Acres Lane sports centre and would have cost £3.5 million, to be financed by public donations, a Community Shares issue and grant funding. However, it was announced on 4 March 2011 that Manchester City Council had backed out from funding the stadium, but that they had pledged to help F.C. United build a stadium in a new location with reduced costs. On 5 April 2011 it was revealed that F.C. United were considering a new site in the Broadhurst Park area of Moston
Moston, Greater Manchester
Moston is a district of Manchester, in North West England, approximately 3 miles north east of the city centre. Historically a part of Lancashire, Moston is a predominantly residential area, with a population of about 12,500 and covering approximately .-History:The name Moston may derive...
, Manchester. Detailed information about the new facility, including the tentative name Moston Community Stadium, was released on 9 June 2011. Manchester City Council approved the planning permission for the Moston site on 27 October 2011.
Supporters
As F.C. United is owned by its supporters, each member can vote on how the club is run, including: voting for board members; designs; and season ticket prices. Most F.C. United supporters still support Manchester United and many were previously season ticket holders at Old TraffordOld Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
. F.C. United fans are known for the large range of songs that they sing at matches, and the atmosphere created by fans has been praised in the media. However, supporters have been known to set off flares during big games.
During their first season (2005–06), F.C. United had the second-highest average attendance in English non-League football
Non-league football
Non-League football is football in England played at a level below that of the Premier League and The Football League. The term non-League was commonly used well before 1992 when the top football clubs in England all belonged to The Football League; all clubs who were not a part of The Football...
with an average gate of 3,059, and were the 87th best supported club across all divisions. Attendances fell in the next two seasons and they were the 92nd best supported club in 2006–07 and 100th best supported club by 2007–08. Their average league attendance has since levelled out at approximately 2,000 per game.
Organisation
F.C. United is an Industrial and provident societyIndustrial and Provident Society
An industrial and provident society is a legal entity for a trading business or voluntary organisation in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and New Zealand...
. Membership is obtained by paying an annual fee of £12 to the club (£3 for children), but each member receives only one share in the club and is entitled to a single vote at meetings, regardless of the amount donated. The board consists eleven members who are elected by the members of the club. The club has two full-time employee positions: Andy Walsh as chief executive and Lindsey Robertson as club secretary. Andy Walsh was heavily involved in the club's formation.
The club's manifesto includes the following core principles:
- The Board will be democratically elected by its members
- Decisions taken by the membership will be decided on a one member, one vote basis
- The club will develop strong links with the local community and strive to be accessible to all, discriminating against none
- The club will endeavour to make admission prices as affordable as possible, to as wide a constituency as possible
- The club will encourage young, local participation—playing and supporting—whenever possible
- The Board will strive wherever possible to avoid outright commercialism
- The club will remain a non-profit organisation
The club accepts sponsorship but does not allow sponsors' logos to be displayed on the team's shirts. The club's main sponsor in its inaugural 2005–06 season was the Bhopal Medical Appeal and in season 2006–07 it was the Williams BMW Group. For the 2011–12 season, F.C. United is sponsored by mxData.
Future aspirations
Partway into their second season at their Annual General Meeting in November 2006, the club outlined aspirations for the next six years:- winning promotion in three successive seasons to take them to Conference NorthConference NorthThe Conference North also known as Blue Square Bet North for sponsorship reasons, is a division of the Football Conference in England, taking its place immediately below the Conference National. Along with Conference South it is at Step 2 of the National League System and the sixth overall tier of...
by 2009 - reaching an average of 5,000 supporters per home game by 2009
- building their own 7,000–10,000 capacity stadium, as close to the centre of Greater Manchester as possible, by 2012
- developing their own training facilities by 2009
- starting a women's team for the 2007–08 season
Their aspirations have had mixed results. The club did achieve two successive promotions after the AGM, but have remained in the Northern Premier League Premier Division
Northern Premier League Premier Division
The Premier Division is the top division of the Northern Premier League. It is at Step 3 of the National League System, placing it six divisions below the Premier League...
since 2008 missing out on their Conference North
Conference North
The Conference North also known as Blue Square Bet North for sponsorship reasons, is a division of the Football Conference in England, taking its place immediately below the Conference National. Along with Conference South it is at Step 2 of the National League System and the sixth overall tier of...
target. Rather than fulfilling the aim of 5,000 supporters per home game, crowds have declined in all but one of their seasons so far. Progress was being made on plans to develop their own stadium, until funding was cut in early 2011. After this setback, the club is pressing ahead with plans to build a stadium in the Moston
Moston, Greater Manchester
Moston is a district of Manchester, in North West England, approximately 3 miles north east of the city centre. Historically a part of Lancashire, Moston is a predominantly residential area, with a population of about 12,500 and covering approximately .-History:The name Moston may derive...
area of north Manchester in time for the 2012–13 season. They have teamed up with The Manchester College for use of their training facilities and to operate a women's team since 2009.
Criticism
F.C. United and its founders have been both criticised and supported by fans of Manchester United and the media, with some fans viewing those who chose to leave to follow F.C. United as "traitors". Notably, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has questioned the loyalty of fans who decided to form the club and the motivation behind the forming of F.C. United in a 2006 book:Current first team squad
Former players
See :Category:F.C. United of Manchester players to see a list of F.C. United players, past and present.International representation
In the short time since F.C. United were formed, they have already assisted in providing players on the international football scene. The efforts of F.C. United’s all-time record goal-scorer Rory PattersonRory Patterson
Rory Christopher Patterson is a Northern Irish footballer who plays as a forward for Linfield, on loan from Plymouth Argyle, and the Northern Ireland national team...
attracted the attention of several professional clubs, and the striker has gone on to play and score for Northern Ireland at senior level
Northern Ireland national football team
The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international association football. Before 1921 all of Ireland was represented by a single side, the Ireland national football team, organised by the Irish Football Association...
. F.C. United's youth team have also been represented in the England Schoolboys squad by Scott Cheetham.
First team coaching staff
The club's coaching staff are as follows:| Name | Role |
|---|---|
 England Karl MarginsonKarl Marginson Karl Marginson is an English football manager and former player, currently managing F.C. United of Manchester.-Playing career:... |
Manager |
| England Roy Soule |
Assistant manager |
| England Darren Lyons |
Head of Player Development |
| England Chuks Akuneto |
First team coach |
| England Paul Chapman |
Kit-man |
| England John Marsden |
Kit-man |
| England Mike Norton |
Kit-man |
| England Mark Cooney |
Physiotherapist |
| England Sam Rhoades |
Physiotherapist |
Honours
F.C. United have won two league titles and two league cups in their short history.- Northern Premier League Premier DivisionNorthern Premier League Premier DivisionThe Premier Division is the top division of the Northern Premier League. It is at Step 3 of the National League System, placing it six divisions below the Premier League...
- Playoff runners-up 2010–11
- Northern Premier League Division One NorthNorthern Premier League Division One NorthDivision One North is one of the two second-tier divisions of the Northern Premier League. It is at tier 4 of the National League System, tier 8 of the English football league system...
- Runners-up 2007–08
- Playoff winners 2007–08
- Northern Premier League President's CupNorthern Premier League President's CupThe Northern Premier League President's Cup is a knock-out cup competition organised by the Northern Premier League.Teams from both of the Northern Premier League Division One leagues take part in the tournament, with teams that played in the preliminary round of the Northern Premier League...
- Winners 2007–08
- North West Counties LeagueNorth West Counties Football LeagueThe North West Counties Football League is a football league in North west of England. As of 2011, the league covers Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Southern Cumbria, Northern Staffordshire, the High Peak area of Derbyshire, and the far west of West Yorkshire. In the past, the...
Division One- Champions 2006–07
- North West Counties League Challenge Cup
- Winners 2006–07
- North West Counties LeagueNorth West Counties Football LeagueThe North West Counties Football League is a football league in North west of England. As of 2011, the league covers Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Southern Cumbria, Northern Staffordshire, the High Peak area of Derbyshire, and the far west of West Yorkshire. In the past, the...
Division Two- Champions 2005–06
- Supporters Direct CupSupporters Direct CupThe Supporters Direct Cup is an annual, pre-season friendly football competition established by Supporters Direct, the organisation that seeks to increase supporter representation in football.-Format:...
- Winners 2006
- Runners-up 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011
- Jimmy DavisJimmy Davis (footballer)James Roger William "Jimmy" Davis was a footballer who played for Manchester United, Royal Antwerp, Swindon Town and Watford, as well as the England youth teams, who was killed in a car crash on the M40 in Oxfordshire on 9 August 2003, aged 21, when twice over the drink-drive limit.-Career:Davis...
Memorial Cup- Winners 2007
Awards
The club as a whole has won awards for its supporter-run model:- Co-operative Excellence Award
- Winners 2009
- Non-league Club of the Year
- Winners 2006
- BBC North WestBBC North WestBBC North West is the BBC English Region serving Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Walsden in West Yorkshire, the Isle of Man , north-west Derbyshire, the Yorkshire Dales including Settle and Ribblesdale, and southern Cumbria.BBC North West television output is also broadcast in...
Sports Awards- Newcomer of the year 2006
Team records
Records for the team as a whole:- Record league victory:
- 10–2 v Castleton GabrielsCastleton Gabriels F.C.Rochdale Town F.C. are an English football club based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Castleton Sports Centre, in Castleton, Rochdale, which has a capacity of 1,500. They were originally known as St Gabriels and then Castleton Gabriels, before adopting their present...
, 10 December 2005
- 10–2 v Castleton Gabriels
- Record win margin: 8 goals:
- vs. Castleton GabrielsCastleton Gabriels F.C.Rochdale Town F.C. are an English football club based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Castleton Sports Centre, in Castleton, Rochdale, which has a capacity of 1,500. They were originally known as St Gabriels and then Castleton Gabriels, before adopting their present...
, 10 December 2005 - vs. Squires GateSquires Gate F.C.Squires Gate Football Club are a football club based in Squires Gate, Blackpool, Lancashire, England formed in 1948. After spending thirty years in the West Lancashire League in 1991 they were elected to the North West Counties Football League Division Two and are currently in the Premier Division...
, 14 October 2006 - vs. Glossop North EndGlossop North End A.F.C.Glossop North End A.F.C. are an English football club based in Glossop, Derbyshire. Former members of the Football League, they are currently in the North West Counties League and are members of the Derbyshire County Football Association. They play their home matches at Surrey Street, which has a...
, 28 October 2006 - vs. NelsonNelson F.C.Nelson F.C. are an English football club, based in Nelson, Lancashire. They are currently members of the North West Counties Football League Division One, who played their home matches at Victoria Park, Lomeshaye Way. They are full members of the Lancashire County Football Association.-Early years:...
, 4 April 2007
- vs. Castleton Gabriels
- Record league defeat 4 goals:
- 1–5 vs. Bradford Park AvenueBradford Park Avenue A.F.C.Bradford Association Football Club, previously also known as Bradford and since its reformation in the 1970s now referred to as Bradford Park Avenue, is a football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England...
, 24 March 2010 - 1–5 vs. Matlock Town, 5 September 2010
- 1–5 vs. Bradford Park Avenue
- Record home attendance:
- 6,731 at Gigg Lane, Bury – vs. Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton & Hove Albion F.C.Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
, (FA Cup Second Round), 8 December 2010
- 6,731 at Gigg Lane, Bury – vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
- Worst home attendance:
- 756 at Gigg Lane, Bury – vs. Lancaster CityLancaster City F.C.Lancaster City F.C. is an English football club based in Lancaster, Lancashire. The club are currently members of Northern Premier League Division One North and play at Giant Axe.-History:...
(FA TrophyFA TrophyThe Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
), 4 November 2009
- 756 at Gigg Lane, Bury – vs. Lancaster City
- Longest unbeaten league run:
- 22 games, 3 December 2006 to 18 August 2007
- Most league games won in a row:
- 13, 29 April – 30 September 2006 (last game of 2005–06 season and first 12 games of 2006–07 season)
- Most league games lost in a row:
- 4 (twice), 7–21 April 2010; 30 August 2010 to 18 September 2010
- Most league games without a win:
- 8, 24 March – 21 April 2010 (2 draws and 6 defeats)
- Best league performance:
- 4th Northern Premier League Premier DivisionNorthern Premier League Premier DivisionThe Premier Division is the top division of the Northern Premier League. It is at Step 3 of the National League System, placing it six divisions below the Premier League...
(level 7) 2010–11
- 4th Northern Premier League Premier Division
- Best FA Cup performance:
- Second Round Proper 2010–11
- Best FA Trophy performance:
- First Round Proper 2011–122011–12 FA TrophyThe 2011–12 FA Trophy is the 42nd season of the FA Trophy, the Football Association's cup competition for teams at levels 5–8 of the English football league system...
- First Round Proper 2011–12
Individual records
All records correct as of the 2011–12 season, league matches only:- Most league appearances:
- 203 – Simon Carden
- Most league goals:
- 85 – Rory Patterson
- Most red cards in F.C. United career:
- 3 – Jerome Wright
- Most yellow cards in F.C. United career:
- 30 – Jerome Wright
- Most goals scored in a match:
- 5 – Simon Carden v Castleton GabrielsCastleton Gabriels F.C.Rochdale Town F.C. are an English football club based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Castleton Sports Centre, in Castleton, Rochdale, which has a capacity of 1,500. They were originally known as St Gabriels and then Castleton Gabriels, before adopting their present...
, 10 December 2005
- 5 – Simon Carden v Castleton Gabriels