FC United's much-heralded entrance into the Moore & Co Construction Solicitors North West Counties League could help regenerate the entire non-league scene according to one leading administrator.
Officials from the fledgling club are due to confirm later this week that
Droylsden's 3,000-capacity Butcher's Arms ground will play host to their
fixtures when the new campaign gets underway in August.
It would be a symbolic choice of venue given its proximity to Bank Street, the
first ground of the Newton Heath club which eventually became United.
With more than 2,500 Manchester United fans disenchanted with Malcolm Glazer's
Old Trafford takeover already pledging their support, rival clubs including
Football League founder members Nelson and Darwen are eagerly anticipating the
prospect of a massive jump in revenue.
Rather than just look at the potential for an increase in attendances, North
West Counties officials had to take a hard-headed approach to FC United's
application.
But after numerous meetings with members of the club's steering committee,
league chairman Dave Tomlinson is convinced FC United can be a force for good
across the semi-professional game.
``This move could really help regenerate non-league football at our level and
it is the type of thing I would like to see more of,'' observed Tomlinson.
``I am fully aware of the specific situation at Manchester United with regard
to Malcolm Glazer but there was a time when official supporters' clubs had
football teams of their own and it would be nice to get back to that.
``Even supporters who continue to attend games at Old Trafford will be able to
watch this new team because their weekend matches will kick-off at 3pm on a
Saturday.
``We had the usual concerns about whether they would be able to fulfil their
fixtures or whether the whole concept would be a flash in the pan but we are
fairly confident the people behind this are not taking their actions lightly.
``They have received enormous help from AFC Wimbledon and whether the support
they are hoping for materialises or not, their introduction into our league can
only be a force for good.''
FC United's adventure is likely to begin at Leek CSOB on August 13 - the
opening weekend of the Premiership - with league officials preferring to utilise
the modern facilities of their 3,600-capacity Harrison Park home to test the
extent of the new club's support.
Interviews for the manager's post have already taken place, while trials for
potential playing recruits will be held on Sunday, June 26.
``We don't want this to be seen as an instant reaction to Malcolm Glazer's
involvement at United,'' said Jules Spencer, who has relinquished his position
within the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association to take an
active role in the creation of FC United.
``It may have been the catalyst for this new club but there are a lot of
disenfranchised Manchester United supporters who have been priced out of the
game in recent years and we would like to offer them a home.
``We fully appreciate the level we are entering at and we certainly do not
wish to start making bold statements about what we are going to achieve. We are
just grateful to the North West Counties League for giving us the opportunity to
start something new.''
While the loss of support will barely register on a global scale, Glazer will
be mindful of the need to tread warily in his first few months in control at Old
Trafford in an effort to ensure no more supporters are alienated.
Sustained talk of a move for England striker Michael Owen should at least
appease fans who fear Sir Alex Ferguson's transfer budget will be drastically
cut, although it is only when such deals actually materialise that most of the
sceptics will be won over.
After 14 years as a plc, United will officially revert to private ownership on
Wednesday when their Stock Market delisting will be confirmed.
Next Monday, Glazer is likely to announce he has passed the 97.6 per cent threshold
which would allow a compulsory purchase of the remainder of the club and enable
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner to complete his £790million buy-out.
Only then will the American's son Joel, who is likely to be entrusted with
taking care of the Glazer family's interests in United, be free to go public
with details of how he intends to significantly increase profits.
