Rudd, Ramsbottom and Radcliffe

Striker Stuart Rudd will undergo an operation today on a broken wrist, which was sustained two weeks ago in a domestic accident, and is expected to have his hand in plaster for four weeks.

Rudd, who was the club’s top scorer last term with 45 goals, has missed the majority of the pre-season campaign and faces a race against time to be back in contention for the first few games of the new season.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper John Ogden has left the club go to North West Counties Division One side Ramsbottom United in pursuit of more first team football. Ogden joined the club midway through last year but was restricted to just two competitive appearances due to the good form of Sam Ashton.

The club can also confirm that attacking midfielder Gary Sampson has moved to UniBond Division One North rivals Radcliffe Borough. Although Sampson struggled to force his way into the starting XI, he can be ensured of going down in FC United folklore after coming off the bench to score twice as the Reds edged past title rivals Curzon Ashton 3-2 in an epic encounter at Gigg Lane in February.

The club would like to wish both John and Gary all the very best for the future.