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FC United of Manchester - The 'Red Rebels'

By Chris,
August 28 2007

FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER

'LITTLE UNITED'


Formed: 2005
Nickname: FCUM, Little United, Red Rebels
Stadium: Gigg Lane, Bury


FC United of Manchester are a semi-professional football club who were formed by disillusioned United fans in 2005.

Following Malcolm Glazer's controversial takeover of United, many fans decided to withdraw their financial support for the club and formed rebel outfit FC United. The club share many similarities with MUFC but have vowed to distance themselves from the commercial side of the game that many feel has damaged United over the years.

The club have, thus far, enjoyed plenty of success and consecutive promotions have seen them reach the NPL First Division North. This followed back-to-back promotions from the North West Counties league system. Supporters harbour ambitions of directing the club into the Football League as FC United continue to attract some of the non-league's largest attendances each week.

Club Formation

  • The idea of forming a new football club was made public on May 19th, 2005 at a supporters' meeting arranged to discuss opposition to the Glazer takeover.
  • Eleven days later, after receiving advice from officials at AFC Wimbledon, it was decided that the club would be formed if 1,000 people agreed to pledge financial support by the end of July.
  • There was much discussion about the club name, colours and badge. FC United was originally selected as the club's name; but this was blocked by the Football Association on the grounds that it was too generic.
  • Supporters that pledged money to the club were then asked to vote between the following names:
        - FC United of Manchester
        - FC Manchester Central
        - AFC Manchester 1878
        - Newton Heath United
  • 'FC United of Manchester' was chosen as the club's name with 44% of the vote.

Organisation

  • The club is entirely owned by its members.
  • Membership is obtained by paying an annual subscription of £10 and each member receives one share in the club and is entitled to a single vote at meetings.
  • No individual can have more than one vote even if they have donated more than the £10 subscription fee.
  • The club has an elected board of twelve members with all representatives are elected by the supporters. 
  • The Board are trusted to act within the best interests of the football club; but a number of issue are voted on by the membership.
  • Since formation in 2005, FC United has acted as a non-profit organisation and has always underlined a commitment to making admission prices affordable.
  • The club constitution rejects outright commercialism and, whilst accepting sponsorship, FC United have not yet allowed sponsors' logos to be displayed on the team jerseys.

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