When Karl Marginson announced to the fans of our newly formed club that in David Chadwick he’d found his Steve Bruce, there was an immediate understanding. It was reminiscent of the scene in The Godfather pt II where Michael announces that in Rocco Lampone he’d found his Luca Brasi. The meaning, in both cases, is clear. Both Margy and Michale Corleon had unearthed a faithful lieutenant who can be trusted to put his body on the line to achieve the goals set out by his boss.
In an ideal, fairy-tale world, David Chadwick wouldn’t be a city fan. I stop short of calling him a blue. I don’t believe his is any more. Given he’s the on-field embodiment of our club, I think he can justly wear the title ‘red’. Along with the gaffer himself, and Rob Nugent, Chadwick is indispensable to this club.
Following the Supporters Direct cup match a couple of seasons ago I bumped in to David Chadwick in the Swan and Cemetery. Dave Brown had both captained the side and scored the winning goal against Wimbledon that day, as Chadwick wasn’t in the team. I asked him if, despite it being a preseason tournament, it stuck in the craw slightly seeing Dave Brown lift the trophy.
“Of course it did.” He replied, “Winning trophies is what it’s all about. Dave Brown actually asked if I wanted to lift the trophy with him, but I didn’t want to. I want to be out there winning my own trophies.”
I was suitably impressed. So much so I lost the power of speech and mumbled something embarrassingly naff to him in reply. He walked off, looking bemused having been accosted by yet another drunken idiot. I walked off in a similar starry-eyed stupor to when I bumped in to Mike Atherton in the John Lewis in Cheadle.
It feels strange spending my time discussing David Chadwick, a centre back, following a game in which our new striker scored a hat-trick. But so immence has Chaddy been, that I feel it’s entirely justified pointing it out. He had been man of the match in every game so far the term, and was again yesterday. That’s not to demean the efforts of Kyle Wilson, Sam Ashton and Carlos Roca et al, of course, but Chaddy has been a rock, a colossus, and any other defensive footballing cliché you’d care to throw at him. Given how shaky we’ve looked at the back, I dread to think what would have happened had he not been playing this year.
So things are looking much rosier this week, following our win against pointless Whitby. We sit in the relative comfort and safety of mid-table, a position most of us would happy to be in come season’s end. However, things willhave to improve dramatically if we’re to beat BPA on Monday night.
Oh please God, let us beat BPA On Monday night…
When? Saturday 6th September (following Eastwood Town at home), 18:00 kick off, full time whenever.
Where? The Pack Horse, Manchester Road, Bury.
Who? Our very own Development Fund Band, Monkey’s Punk, live in concert, DJ and more to be announced.
Why? DF innit.
What? What? There ain’t no what.
Tickets, priced £5 per person, will go on sale this Saturday, 30th August, available from the Development Fund Stall and The Pack Horse pre match, with all proceeds in support of the Development Fund. In the unlikely event of any tickets remaining, sales will continue from the same locations pre match on Saturday 6th September. There will also be special promotional drinks offers on the night in addition to a raffle with some very special prizes on offer.
The Small Print: Due to fire safety limitations, tickets will be strictly limited to a total capacity of 200. Admission will be strictly by ticket only. There will be no cash admissions on the night.
From the official site, and on the forum.
Rumour has it there will be a special guest, but the powers that be remain tight-lipped at this suggestion. Despite my incessant cajoling, and water-boarding, they refuse to answer my direct questions, smile coyly, and tell me to wait and see.
So who is this mystery ‘mystery guest’? A brief brainstorming session in the pub over a pint of lime and soda (I’m on the wagon) reveals this shortlist:
Eric Cantona – having schmoozed with our fans at the filming of Ken Loach (not to be confused with William Roach who plays Ken Barlow)’s latest film, Eric can’t get enough of our earthy charms. Forgoing his playboy lifestyle, he’s coming to Bury to rough it and pogo with the masses.
Bob Blackburn – The BPA chairman has kindly agreed to a question and answer session before the band take to the stage. Among other things he’ll reveal the truth about Spain. How he courted Rory Patterson. Stefan Brookster: the new Bigfoot? And how he really made his fortune.
Malcolm Glazer – A big music fan, Glazer was highly disappointed to miss Monkey’s Punk’s first ever gig, but refused to miss out this time. He’s flying over from Tampa especially for the event, and isn’t too concerned about the reception he’ll receive. “Music,” he says, “Conquers all.” His favourite band is The Strokes.
Non specific member of the Mancunian music royalty – The high cheek-boned, monkey faced member of a late-80s early-90s Manchester band will be in attendance, whose greatest legacy was a string of unoriginal fanzine article titles, as well as the almost hypnotic sight of men in the forties, wide-eyed and sweating, dancing like Bez every time one of their songs comes on.
Her out of Corrie – You know, the one seeing our player.
Not content with coming to Gigg Lane and showing us up, the Boston lot have now decided to come on to my blog and show me up as well. Is there no end to this terrible Boston showing upmanship? Pete Brooksbank, webitor (I just coined that phrase, it’s a contraction of web and editor. Brilliant, eh? Feel free to use it) of IMPStalk.co.uk, kindly allowed me to force him to write something about Monday’s match. Enjoy.
Fists pumping, teeth bared in triumphant grimace and with a team-mate clinging to his back, Boston United’s young keeper Chris Wright raced over to the 175 noisy visitors at Gigg Lane on Monday as if his side had just clinched a dramatic passage through to the extra-preliminary round of the Unibond Presidents Cup or won the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy.
Punching thin air and bellowing at no-one in particular, his joy at sweeping aside an oddly lifeless FC side while somehow flapping his way to a rare clean sheet was obvious. Indeed, if he had whipped out a bottle of champagne (or Lambrini from Netto, we’re only just out of the CVA) and sprayed his colleagues before leading them on a triumphant lap of honour, it wouldn’t have been a major surprise.
FCUM fans can take Boston’s ebullient celebrations as a compliment, of course, for the game against FC United was the one that all Pilgrims fans – deprived of a genuine local derby this season – looked for when the fixtures were released. But another reason that United reacted as they did is simply that when it comes to playing away from home, the Pilgrims developed a chastening habit of spineless capitulation at the merest hint of home resistance during their less than illustrious five year sojourn in the Football League. And it’s not as if the resulting descent into the pyramid offered any respite. The away defeat in front of three Styrofoam cups and a pigeon at Vauxhall Motors last season plumbed depths few fans could bear without collapsing into a quivering mass of tears and undignified bubbles of nose juice.
So when Boston’s first away trip of the new Northern Premier League season was cancelled after the hapless league committee forgot that a usable pitch is generally considered a priority at football stadiums, fans looked towards the first journey of the season with a mixture of excitement, trepidation and plain old curiosity. Excitement, because there would actually be a crowd. Trepidation, because they knew how badly Boston travelled. And curiosity, because FC United are…. well, they’re not exactly Marine, let’s put it that way. FCUM are still something of an enigma, and their reputation precedes them. Like Chinese whispers, grumbles from Blackpool Mechanics fans about the partially cooked pies at Gigg Lane have, over time, somehow mutated into tall tales passed from one Altrincham fan to another – apocryphal tales of hardcore Manchester United hooligans, banned from some glass shack on Sir Matt Busby Way, torching orphanages, trashing hospitals and torturing adorable fluffy kittens with chainsaws while singing songs about Erik Nevland. Who wouldn’t be affronted by that?
In the end, the Boston fans need not have worried. The Pilgrims were in sparkling form from start to finish and FCUM fans turned out to be very normal indeed. Nice, even. Boston started the match on the back of a truly woeful performance against Ashton 48 hours earlier, a performance that had forced manager Tommy Taylor into a lip-trembling rant on the club’s official website. That in itself was telling, for Taylor is a master of the subtle rant. Where ex-manager and convicted felon Steve Evans would lose all self control, flailing like a crazed Krankie, peppering blame – not to mention spittle – haphazardly at anyone within striking range while embellishing stories to deflect criticism away from his own non-existent managerial abilities, Taylor employs infinitely more cutting and targeted criticisms. He delivers his off-the-cuff putdowns in the aloof manner of a man ordering a pizza he doesn’t actually want. It might be inviting fans into the dressing room to hurl cups of tea on his behalf, deriding the diets of certain squad members or flippantly declaring that a player is ‘fackin’ useless’, Taylor manages to lose his rag in the most understated of ways.
And so, in lieu of Nantwich, Taylor’s men made their trip to Bury in what is unquestionably the NPL’s most luxurious coach. Gigg Lane is a familiar ground in a familiar setting – but it looked very different this time. Only two of the stands were populated to any extent; the visiting Pilgrims were shunted around to the Main Stand having occupied the Cemetery End on previous visits. The remaining stands were adorned with a large variety of red and black flags – lots of ‘One Passion’ and ‘Two Souls’ or something. Our lot simply rolled up with that ‘Bostonshire’ thing and that drum I thought had been stolen at Hereford seven years ago.
Having been treated to the best selection of pre-match music since Hyde United blasted us with George Formby’s greatest hits last season, the match finally kicked off. Boston lined up with ex-Arsenal legend Chris Wright in goal, with our man Liam Parker, Ryan Clarke, Matt Bloomer and some lad from Busted strung out across the back. In midfield, Liam Beeson and David Farrell ignored the 856 year age gap to renew their relationship on the wings, while Wes Parker and Jon Rowan sharpened their blades to provide the muscle in the middle. Up front, Ollie Ryan partnered the Frog.
The Boston fans almost immediately sprang into action with their songs about Malcolm Glazer (our suggestion, a re-working of an old classic ‘…by far the most ill-judged and potentially catastrophic leveraged buy-out, the world has ever seen’ doesn’t flow, apparently) and Eagles chip butties, but it was Win Butler’s voice that was still ringing in our ears when Boston had their first genuine opportunity. David Farrell, impressively sprightly for a man who qualifies for a free bus pass, punted a devilish cross into the FCUM box where it was met by the head of young Beeson. He didn’t bother Sam Ashton, the FC keeper, but the instant attack was a portent of things to follow.
After dominating the first three and a bit minutes, Boston began ceding possession to FC United. FC immediately pinpointed Liam Parker as a possible weak point. Parker, who impsTALK is sponsoring and therefore cursing, seemed gripped by the sort of misguided confidence you normally encounter at Powerleague or on Pro Evolution Soccer. “Clear it!” we’d yell, as Parker tried to keep the ball in play and find an outlet instead of spanking it into the car park behind the Main Stand. Laudable dedication to the ethos of free-flowing football, perhaps. But this is the Northern Premier League, we’re not managed by Cloughie and Liam Parker is not Carlos Puyol. Worryingly, long balls seemed to flummox him and at times he seemed unable to mentally calculate the trajectory of a ball lofted over his head, almost as though someone had unexpectedly changed the earth’s gravity setting. Parker’s indecision almost cost United dearly when Danny Williams shrugged off his ineffective challenge and set up Kyle Wilson to drive a shot at Wright. Wright tipped it over and started pumping his fists at Parker, but not in a good way. Wright should be careful. When he tried that trick with Tony Crane last season, Crane reacted by wobbling over and treating the ex-Arsenal benchwarmer to a hearty shove in the chest. Fight! Fight!
In the stands, the cavalry arrived. Having made his way down from the pre-match buffet, Boston’s chairman David Newton strategically positioned himself in front of the assembled fans and made a good job of acting embarrassed and delighted when the fans took the bait and inevitably burst into a rendition of ‘there’s only one David Newton’. Vice-chairman Neil Kempster, on the other hand, adopted the face used by actors who have just missed out at the Oscars when the fans skipped on to singing for the Boston kit-man.
On the pitch, something odd was happening. Boston actually looked good. They hassled and harried the sponsor-free shirts of FC United and were soon cutting up their host’s defence with startling regularity. First, with just over twenty minutes gone, Beeson managed to fluff a glorious square ball from Rowan, who had, to his evident shock, found himself all alone in the FCUM box. From where we were sitting, it was clear that had Sam Ashton not generously stuck out his hand and made a concessionary save, Beeson’s shot would probably have struck the corner flag, but we were out of our seats regardless.
Then, with half an hour gone, Ollie Ryan was set scampering free with the goal – and a lead away from home! – yawning. He had only the keeper to defeat and was probably past pondering which part of the goal to roll the ball into and on to thinking what he might have for tea later that evening when he was startled by Dave Chadwick straining back to nick the ball off him. Despite that heinous foul-up, Ryan more than made amends ten minutes later. Liam Parker moved up field to take a throw in and absolutely heaved the ball across the area. And he heaved it alright. It was flicked on by a stray foot and fell to Ryan who, in an instant and with one simple movement, spanked the ball past a static Ashton. Ever the optimist, I celebrated for three and a half seconds before turning to my neighbour and stating: “We’ll fucking blow this, you watch.” I desperately wanted to be proved wrong, which, if I’m being perfectly honest, is never normally a problem.
The sinking feeling was only amplified as Boston then contrived to miss yet more chances. First, Rowan was set free, but instead of drilling the ball past Ashton he turned around to ask Ryan what he’d decided to cook for tea before tamely hitting to ball straight into the advancing keeper. Ryan himself was again foiled in another one-on-one. Ashton was proving to be a formidable obstacle. As the half-time whistle blew, there were more than a few Pilgrims fans with their heads in their hands. “It’s got a fucking draw written all over it,” declared one fan in the concourse, his solemn gravitas somewhat spoiled by the flecks of chicken balti pie stuck to his chin. It looked like he’d stuck pastry on bloodied shaving nicks. “We should be eight nil up,” another asserted to the queue for the toilets, prompting murmured agreement and a general consensus that it would only be a matter of time before Boston conceded a dozen own goals and Ollie Ryan snapped his arterial ligaments. Boston fans, you understand, have developed a morbid tendency to fear the absolute worst: had an FA official strode onto the pitch to announce the Pilgrims’ immediate demotion to the Central Midlands League for financial irregularities you’d have struggled to find a single arched eyebrow.
After some half-time entertainment that, to the eternal credit of the hosts, eschewed crossbar challenges and sullen teenage girls dancing gauchely to Justin Timberlake, the teams emerged to kick a ball around for another 45 minutes. Liam Parker looked instantly better as Boston sought to do what they’ve been so bad at for the best part of this millennium and actually try and defend a lead away from home. But FC United also looked better, quicker, sharper and with barely ten minutes of the second period gone, I had already consumed five of my fingernails. It’s never too early for nerves. With United having to play catch up after the Nantwich fiasco, we were all too aware of just how important a good result at Gigg Lane would be. The last time Boston United won their first away game in a season was 2001/2002. Boston won 2-0 at Woking and went on to win the league.*
Ominously, the spiky Carlos Roca was seeing more and more of the ball, as were FC United. Boston, in their inglorious tradition, sat deeper and the hosts needed no further invitation to raid forward. “We need a second,” I said, showing the kind of cutting-edge insight that would surely land me a plum role on Match of the Day if Alan Shearer were to ever drown in a vat of creosote. Boston held firm and weathered the storm. On the hour, Rowan again found himself running alone with just Ashton to beat for the critical second. But again Ashton saved – “FUCK!” – and Beeson’s follow up shot was cleared from the line – “FUCKING FUCK!” – by Dave Chadwick. Cheeks puffed, watches were checked. The nervous tics started. It’s never too early for nerves.
Ten minutes left and Carlos Roca – that damn Roca – was seeing more of the ball, and again he dribbled his way past the tiring Boston defence. His shot was blocked by Chris Wright. More chances fell for Boston: Wes Parker’s shot with five minutes to go was a better opportunity than it looked and Farrell’s surging, darting run was brought to a shuddering halt when it seemed the old-timer might make it all the way. But FC were fighting, and it was they who provided the final, nerve jangling, flourish, Roca, again, forcing Chris Wright to parry the ball back into danger. For a horrible moment, it seemed FC were certain to equalise (“It’s in!” one horrified fan yelled, prematurely) but the linesman’s raised flag relieved the pressure while Tommy Taylor sauntered around on the touchline like an American tourist.
Finally, the whistle blew. The United players, bursting with relief, raced over to lap up the reception, fists pumping. And with good cause. This was the benchmark away day: the crowd, the atmosphere will not be seen again this season, unless we embark on a cup run (stop laughing at the back). And Boston, so accustomed to flunking the big occasion, for once passed the test. Hell. An away win. Fancy that. All we need to do now is implode spectacularly at Prescot and normal service will be resumed.
That lot – ‘Fat’ was a word we kept hearing bandied about, and for once the word wasn’t aimed solely at the visiting Boston fans. Some players certainly appeared a little on the chunky side, but as Tony Crane and Paul Ellender proved so aptly last season it isn’t a terminal hindrance to be carrying a few too many Chinese takeaways at this level, just so long as there is sufficient pace elsewhere to compensate. And that’s probably the issue: FCUM basically lack a striker and a little pace in defence – they were caught out far too often and might easily have shipped another couple of goals. That said, FC will have absolutely no difficulty staying up this season and matched United for long durations. And for predicting that so confidently, I can only apologise to FC for their imminent relegation.
Their infamous fans – Preening, arrogant, multi-club fuckwits apparently. Except it’s not actually true. The FC fans turned out in numbers and were, by all accounts, welcoming and friendly. Granted, there’s absolutely no history at all between the two clubs (we won’t be expecting the red carpet treatment at Ilkeston) but even so, they seemed a very likeable bunch.
Boston’s man of the match – David Farrell. An exceptional performance for a man who fought in both world wars and dodged the draft for the Crimean conflict. It’s sickening to see a man so many centuries my senior running faster than I have ever run.
FCUM’s man of the match – FC fans appear to be erring towards Dave Chadwick, but I’m taking Sam Ashton. What an utter bastard. Isn’t this league supposed to be full of terrible keepers?
* Boston ‘won’ the Conference if your definition of the word ‘won’ is ‘cheated’
Those cuddly misogynists at the forefront of the NWAF campaign will have pulled in a few more followers this week following AFC Wimbledon’s announcement that a woman had returned her season ticket book having found out it didn’t grant her access to next summer’s tennis. Apparently a full refund was given, which is frankly shocking. It’s like trying to return a kettle because it doesn’t make very good toast.
But before too many men get chuckle “Heh, women, eh?” in to their mugs of tea, I feel it necessary to recount the two fellas who got off the plane behind me on the way to watch Manchester United lose to Bayern Munich in 2001. Clad only in shorts and t-shirts, they were both stunned to get off the plane in to freezing weather. “I thought you said Munich was south of us?” the first asked. “Aye, replied the second. But I didn’t realise it was in the bloody alps.” So perhaps a ban on women isn’t necessary, whereas a ban on stupidity would be welcomed?
Stuart Rudd was unavailable to play for BPA this week after his missus and two little girls were involved in a car accident. According to Bob Blackburn on the BPA forum, one of Rudd’s little girls was kept in hospital with head injuries. Putting aside all petty squabbling and name-calling, I’m sure everyone will come together to wish Stuart and his family all the best. He may not be playing in red anymore, but he remains part of the FC family.
There was a slight overkill in Buxton on Saturday, as the police saw fit to close down the whole town centre, offer police escorts to the travelling fans, and segregate the crowd. One forumista suggests that had these measures not been in place there would almost certainly have been some bother. Possibly. But only if people decided to act the twat. Admittedly I wasn’t at the game, but surely we’re big enough to be able to ignore a load of stripey-jumper wearing hill dwellers trying to goad us in to trouble. Most of us have been in situations far more explosive than fucking Buxton away in the NPL, so quite why it was treated like Liverpool or Everton away, I don’t know. Still, it kept the police out of trouble, I suppose.
Meannwhile, the following clip has appeared on YouTube, and will have to do as far as highlights go until the FCUM.tv crew get their fingers out, and their videos up. Good goal, better gooning.
Finally, if you’re not already sick of me, I’ve got an article up on the (otherwise) excellent site, Pitchinvasion.net. Should you wish to read it, go right ahead, but I’d skip over it and read everything else on the site instead. It covers all aspects of football culture, and is contributed to by some far better and more informative writers than me. None better looking, mind.
With apologies to Old Timér for nicking his photograph, but look at these bad boys. The corner flags that we had previously borrowed from Bury have been replaced by these fancy red and white ones. And who knows, maybe by providing our own flags, Bury have knocked some money off our rent? Say, twelve quid or so?
Our heroes in red were soundly beaten by Boston United, 1-0 at the Stade de Gigg. Despite controlling the game for the first half an hour, FC United fell apart defensively and were lucky not to go in more than one goal down. Possibly the only highpoint of the game was seeing the return of Jerome Wright, who came on as a half-time substitute. Away from the action, playing a team like Boston was a real thrill, and a measure of how far our club has come. Three years ago, when we were starting our wonderful journey in the North West Counties League, Boston United were a league side. And look at us now, going toe to toe with them. Top stuff.
BobBlackburn Park Avenue were held to a 1-1 draw by Worksop Town. Worksop, who are yet to win this season, took a lead in to the break with a goal in the forty-second minute. BPA equalised just after the hour. Meanwhile the BPA fans are starting to worry about some of their players. “It’s as if they’re only here for the money and don’t care about the club.” moaned one of their lot, as the result of the footballing world shrugged in unison.
Guiseley finally slipped up, dropping points for the first time this season following a 1-1 draw at home to Matlock. However, they remain top of the table on goal difference, but level on points with Hednesford and Ilkeston, who beat Witton Albion and Frickley Athletic respectively.
FC United’s next opponents, Whitby Town remain completely pointless following a 3-2 defeat at home to Kendal. So that’s a guaranteed win for them next week. The only team between Whitby and the bottom is Prescot Cables, who also lost 3-2, but away to Nantwich,.
Leigh Genesis continue to vex me, winning at Ossett Town. And Eastwood continue to frighten the bejesus out of me by donning some leather chaps and climbing on top of North Ferriby before spunking five goals all over their back.
Jamie Baguley’s winning goal for FC United sparked scenes of celebration not witnessed since the Ewok village at the end of Return of the Jedi. 2090 people watched him score the only goal of the game midway through the second half, to ensure our first win of the season away to Buxton.
Hednesford earned themselves the title of ‘everyone’s second team’ by beating BobBlackburn Park Avenue 3-1. Earlier in the week Bob the Builder had claimed never to have heard of Hednesford before. Well, he has now.
Boston United lost 1-0 at home to Ashton United in a performance apparently so supine, many fans have cancelled their trip to Gigg Lane on Monday. There’s much gnashing of teeth on the impstalk forum. Let’s hope they’re as bad tomorrow. No offence, like.
Bottom side Prescot Cables found the net three times against high flying Guiseley, but by then it was too late, as they were all ready 6-0 down. This result ensures that both teams maintain their 100% records – Prescot Cables with losses, Guisesly with wins. Whitby remain the only other team in the division without a point, as they went down 2-0 at Matlock.
In the battle of the moneybags, Leigh Genesis were usurped by Ilkeston Town. Town won 2-1, thanks to goals in the 85th and 87th minutes. Interestingly, the Unibond official site gives the attendance as 0. But that can’t be right, surely? I hope it is…
Witton Albion, Frickley Athletic and Marine all remain undefeated so far this season.
Mineral Water 0 – 1 Vimto
Dave Lee Travis 0 – 1 Terry Christian
Todd Grimshaw 0 -1 Tyrone Dobbs
Carl Weathers 0 – 1 Shit weather
The International Gilbert and Sullivan festival 0 – 1 Corrie
Get, as they say, in.
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So the ‘Through The Looking Glass’ issue ended up as a huge misunderstanding, and I was made to look ridiculous having shown my arse without bothering to check up on the facts. And having called in to question the integrity of another, I can only apologise fully and publicly to Mikael Holmkvist, who never intended to cause offense.
But some good has come out of this. As I read his apology, it clicked with me who Mikael was.
A couple of years ago a mate of mine who lives in Sweden emailed me about a book that had just come out. Called ‘From The Ashes FC United Rises’, it had been written by Mikael, who had taken a job in Manchester just so he could follow the team he supported. He picked a bad time for it, right at the start of our annus horribilis of 2005. But even from the biggest piles of manure do delicate roses grow (or something), and Mikael became an FC United fan.
Mikael has very kindly agreed to write a few paragraphs about his story, and it’s a great read. To paraphrase the Simian King of Philosophers, Ian Brown, it’s not where you’re from that matters, it’s where you’re at.
——-
My name is Mikael Holmkvist. Up until 2004 and I was working as a classroom assistant in Sweden with kids who have problems in different ways (mentally, socially or phyically). I really liked it ’cause I love working with kids, but my desire to move to Manchester was too strong. I found a family just outside Manchester that needed an au pair for a year so I thougt it sounded great, working with kids, living in an other country and being able to watch United live.
So 2 weeks before Rooney signed for United I was there and everything was great! Can’t find a better family to work for and I could watch United live whenever there was a game and I had the money. I can imagine it souds a bit funny with a 25 (29 now) year old male au pair haha, but I have no complaits whatsoever.
And then, in 2005 I got an offer to buy a seaon ticket at Old Trafford for the coming season (2005/06), I thought I was dreaming. But I had to think about it for a while (and save up some money haha). I had already signed an extension with “my family” to stay for one more year, and in came Glazer. I hate all the commersialism going on around United but this was just too much. I made up my mind quite quick, I was not going to attend Old Trafford or give the gimps my money, but I was gonna stay in Manchester for another year, so I was really confused about what to do.
I read about the fans that wanted to set up their own club and thought it sounded ok but I wasn’t sure it was the right way to go. Then I went to the Apollo meeting and it really inspired me and suddenly I felt hope (for the first time in a very long time). So in September 2005 I went to my first FC game, and Godness me, this felt like home, this was me, standing with nice people feeling the same way as me and who really loves United! We won 4-2 and I felt a tear after the game. The next thing I did was to buy a season ticket and since I had missed a couple of games I didn’t have to pay for them, only for the games that were left to be played at home that season – was it a dream or was this for real?
After that I don’t miss many FC United games and I love it all, it doesn’t get any better. All my mates back in Sweden said I was an idiot and stuff like that, living in Manchester and don’t attend Old Trafford because of the owners. So every time I go home I preach the message for them and tell them all the facts that the newspapers never mention. A few of them have visited me and I always take them to Gigg Lane and they all say, ‘wow, that is football like it was meant to be!’ (and yes, they really like all the pubs around the ground as well).
After convincing some of them that this is not a bad idea I thought about my long lived dream, writing a book. And I thought that this was a perfect opportunity, writing a book about the thing I love the most, next to my family. Said and done, it came out in 2007 and I’m pleased since I’ve sold 200 copies (doesn’t sound much but this topic is not something that is really big in Sweden). And I, as you know, write a blog about United and FC. I do all this, blog and book, because I want to show the people over here the great example we at FC set.
What started as one year has now become 4 and I’ll stay for more year, in the same family. My life can’t get any better and when I’m at the M.R.E singing my heart out for the lads it doesn’t get any better, FC United is my drug! Me and the oldest son in the family has got a ST and 2 of the others come along when they’ve got time, and they all love it as well!!
I hope we will have another great season with FC, this will be my last as a season ticket holder, but just the fact that we’re still (very much) up and running (“it won’t last until Christmas”, hey?!!) is great, it’s the ultimate fuck off to the suits ruining our game!!
It'll Be Off 