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Rory returns - Patterson signs for FC United



Striker Rory Patterson has signed for FC United of Manchester after his international clearance came through to the club on 30 October 2015. Subject to official confirmation from the National League that his registration has been accepted, Rory could be straight into the FC United squad for Saturday’s away match at Boston United.

Commenting on his move back to FC United after seven years away from the club, Rory said: “I’m really excited to be back. I’d never been to the ground before this week and when I saw it for the first time I got a real buzz. It’s really quality and everyone should be proud of it and what they’ve done.

“Hopefully I’ve still got plenty to offer the team. When I was here the response I got from the fans was brilliant and since coming back and walking about the place the fans have been great. I can’t wait to get going, but I’ll need a couple of weeks to get up to speed and blow off the rust but with help from Margy and the staff I can do that.???

FC United manager Karl Marginson said: “I kept in touch with Rory since he’s been in Australia and as soon as I heard about the possibility of him coming home it’s something I wanted to make happen. It’s not just about him as a player, because obviously his talents are there for all to see, but him as a lad and as a person I like too. He’ll light up the dressing room like he’ll light up the stands. As a player he can play anywhere so it was a no-brainer to bring him back.

“Rory had a unique bond with the fans when he was here. He’s just himself and what you see is what you get. I think people really respect that and it’s one of his values as a person. Our supporters see what he brings to the party on the pitch. As a human being you can’t hide the character that you’ve got when you are such an important player and I’m sure he’ll continue in that vein, albeit a little bit wiser now with the passing of the years.???

Rory, 31, originally signed for FC United in the club’s formation year in 2005. The Northern Irish international, who earned the nickname Mr Mystery after making his debut without a shirt number, made 129 appearances and scored a record 99 goals for the club in all competitions. He was promoted in all of his three seasons with FC United and twice finished as the division’s top-scorer. He has most recently been plying his trade for Cockburn City SC in the Western Australia National Premier League.

In a separate move, FC United midfielder Dave Birch has joined Hyde United on a dual registration in order to get more games.




First Posted ~ 19:15 Fri 30 Oct 2015
News ID ~ 6478
Last Updated ~ 00:47 Tue 16 Feb 2021