Old boy returns

FC United have welcomed back an old hero with Nicky Platt’s return to the club. After being released by Stalybridge Celtic, the influential midfielder was immediately in contact with FC and enjoyed being back in the fold as he travelled with the team to Hednesford on Saturday.

One of the hero of FC’s League Cup win in 2007, Platt signed for the Reds at training on Tuesday night and his inclusion brings even more strength in depth to United’s midfield. He is in contention for a place in tonight’s team to face Ashton United at Gigg Lane.

Manager Karl Marginson said: "Everyone is well aware of Nicky’s quality and what he brings to the team in terms of guile and his range of passing. We were sad to let him go to Stalybridge, but it was a chance for him to earn good money playing football and we won’t stand in anyone’s way in a case like that.

"It’s unfortunate for him that it didn’t work out, but it’s definitely good news for us as he will bring an added dimension to the team and it’s fantastic to have an old favourite back in the ranks.

"We’ve got tremendous competition for places in the midfield area and that can only bode well for us as we continue our push for a place in the play-offs."