Filed under: Transfer tittle-tattle | Tags: Carlos Roca, David Chadwick, josh howard, New Mills, Rhodri Giggs
FC UNITED have bounced off the ropes after losing three of their stars by signing “Rocky”.
The Rebels have snapped up 24-year-old former Oldham and Carlisle winger Carlos Roca after his release by Altrincham, with manager Karl Marginson convinced that he will be a big hit with the FC fans.
Marginson said: “I’ve been after Carlos for a year, and I think our fans will love him. he is fast, tricky and creative. What I loved when I spoke to him is that he wants to enjoy his football, so he is singing from the same hymn sheet as the rest of this club.”
After losing top strikers Rory Patterson and Stuart Rudd to UniBond premier rivals Bradford Park Avenue, and also seeing wide man Josh Howard join New Mills, the signing is a huge boost to FC morale.
And with skipper Dave Chadwick and midfielder Chris Baguley turning down more lucrative offers to remain at the club along with fans favourite Jerome Wright, Marginson feels his squad could be stronger and more competitive than ever next season.
Roca, who was once described by then Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy as a “complete bag of tricks” after starring against his side in an FA Cup tie at the Stadium of Light in 2006, has also turned out for Stalybridge and Droylsden.
Roca was a big favourite with Vics fans, who dubbed him “Rocky”.
The Withington lad began his career at Oldham, where he made 11 appearances, and moved on to Carlisle, for whom he played 15 times before moving into non-league football.
Carlos Roca, eh? Get us. He almost sounds like an expensive foreign import. And as United fans, raised on attacking 442 football, we love our wingers. So after the disappointment of last week, things are looking up. Add to this that David Chadwick has apparently turned down more money at a club higher up the pyramid to sign on for next season, and we can start feeling happy again. It’s a cliché I know, but in Margy we must trust.
And in other news, Josh Howard has signed for New Mills Athletic, the newly promoted NWCL division 1 side. He’s been joined by a certain Rhodri Giggs, and Ste Moore, formerly of Curzon Ashton. Given the financial backing New Mills have, and the players they’ve already recruited, they look a safe bet for promotion to the Unibond at the end of the season.
The following post, by JH7, appeared on the forum last night:
Just want to say thank you for all the support you have given me over the previous 3 season however i have decided to leave FCUM for reasons that i wont discuss on here.
I hope you have appreciated the way i have played football as much as i have appreciated your support.
All the best for the future,
Josh Howard!
He was always a favourite of mine, firstly for standing up to the tyrannical Sir Fergalot over which agent to use. And then for that mint as you like goal against Darwen, from tight to the touchline near the half way line. And I can’t not mention the cup final winner v Curzon Ashton. Top player, top man.
And it appears that in response to Leigh Genesis, we’re experiencing an FC United Exodus. Who’ll leave next, I wonder?
