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Squad for the forthcoming season

FC United’s management team has announced a squad of 21 players for the start of new season:

Sam Ashton
Zach Hibbert
David Chadwick
Scott McManus
Martin Parker
Mark Ayres
Nick Swirad
Richard Battersby
Lee Neville
Kyle Jacobs
Ludovic Quistin
Nick Platt
Jake Cottrell
Jerome Wright
Chris Ovington
Carlos Roca
James Holden
Simon Carden
Mike Norton
Ben Deegan
Colin Little

Manager Karl Marginson and his assistant Roy Soule have added seven new players to last year’s set up. They are as follows:

• Zach Hibbert - 20-year-old goalkeeper who has joined from Chorley.
• Scott McManus - 21-year-old former Manchester United trainee and Crewe Alexandra centre-back.
• Martin Parker - Centre-back from Glossop North End.
• Richard Battersby - 31-year-old right-back, who’s also comfortable in midfield. Has played for Stalybridge Celtic, Altrincham and Northwich Victoria.
• Lee Neville - 21-year-old left-back and winger. Re-joined the club after having a brief spell training with the squad in February 2009.
• Mike Norton - 29-year-old striker who has scored 10 in nine pre-season appearances for FC United after scoring more than 200 goals with Curzon Ashton.
• Colin Little - 37-year-old former Crewe, Macclesfield and Hyde United striker has joined following a six year spell Altrincham.

Supporters will no doubt notice that Steve Torpey, who has been playing for FC United during the pre-season, isn’t on the list. Soule explains: "Steve has received offers from a number of clubs higher up the leagues and so he is considering his options.

"Steve is well aware of our financial situation and he has to decide what is the right option for him. He’s got a close affiliation to the club and he’s really enjoyed his pre-season, so we’re hopeful but the decision rests with Steve."

The door has also been left open for a number of the summer’s other trialists including former FC United midfielder Tunji Moses. Some supporters will be aware that Nick Swirad has been playing for New Mills and it is hoped similar ’loan’ deals can be arranged for Jamie Mack and Grant Shenton, although both those players are yet to register for FC United this season.

Soule says: "I’ve been to see Nick play recently for New Mills against Atherton LR. We like to go see them ourselves and not leave them to dwell in oblivion. Nick is doing very well and we’ll be keeping a close eye on him. We’re in discussions to get Jamie and Grant clubs too."

Margy and Soule are pleased with the squad they have built over the last few months and are confident of doing well in this year’s Evo-Stik Premier Division. Soule adds: "We’ve added some good quality and experience and there’s a great team spirit in the squad. The lads have been together for three months, we gave them a two week break and then we got them all back together. You can tell the difference it’s made - there’s a real sense of togetherness and we’re confident."



First Posted ~ 18:22 Wed 18 Aug 2010
News ID ~ 3034
Last Updated ~ 01:52 Tue 16 Feb 2021