I think that the F.C. United fans would never entertain supporting so-called lower League clubs.
They were "on a crusade" to demonstrate against the Glazers by forming a team that had a cooperative membership and were "for the people, by the people".
They were clever enough to tag along with "alternative" teams such as AFC Wimbledon, piggy-backing their publicity. They also used slogans like "punk, DIY football".
A MUFC mate of mine thought they were edgy and alternative.
They were clever enough to try and re-locate to Newton Heath and try to regain credibility by returning to their MUFC roots.
Manchester City Council were duped by them and a couple of their "leaders" conned their "fellow members".
It's so sad to see the Guisley fan comment about their still abusive and aggressive fans.
Non-League Football has no place for these tosspots.
Am tempted to go to see them play South Shields (live about 12 miles away) and laugh my socks off when the Top of the League team stuff them...
A good assessment.
The formal idea of the club was hijacked by a couple of ex militant members and then they tried to run the club based on some kind of socialist manifesto, which was fraught with contradictions.
All members were equal - but some were on £30K a year!
They told anyone and everyone that "all our profits are ploughed back into local community work." They've never made a profit and the majority of their community work is carried out via funded projects awarded by Manchester city council or grants from other bodies.
They came out with the "our club, our rules" slogan.
It's all very commendable saying "we won't appear on a live TV game" when you are in the North West Counties League with absolutely no chance of appearing in a live game - but as they went up the leagues and had a cup run or two they received the nod to go on TV and all the self posturing and bluster in the media came to nothing as they realised yes it is our club but as a member of the FA we have to abide by their rules.
Their claim to be a "community club" and are anti discriminatory, anti homophobia, anti racist, anti sexist, pro immigrants etc etc blah blah is very admirable, but try turning up in a City shirt and see what kind of welcome you receive.
I've said this before, what other business would go out and purposely alienate half of the people living in its surrounding area?
The very fact that City fans living in Manchester and paying council tax are / have funded this shit show is particularly nauseating.