With Alker, Fitzpatrick, Sibbit and Littler getting all the plaudits after long stints at the club, below is a tribute to a couple of players who have made a big impact at The Willows despite being here for a relatively small time.
Phil Leuluai joined Salford in August 2007, and will always be appreciated by supporters for staying with the club after relegation and helping Salford get back into Super League. A great impact player whose strong running always lifted the crowd anytime he was on the pitch. He was also involved with local junior sides which is a credit to his passion for rugby league and the Salford club. His last touch of the ball in Salford colours will be remembered by many as he was denied a try for a double movement yet celebrated as if he had scored, much to the amusement of everyone present. With Phil moving to Lezignan in France for next season, we look forward to seeing him on the terraces for Catalans vs Salford in Perpignan.
Luke Swain may only have been at Salford for two seasons, but his tireless workrate made quite an impression at the club with him winning last years fans players of the year award. He has kept up the high standard this season, with the stats suggesting he has had an even better season than his first year at the club. It is a credit to him that despite putting his body on the line every week he has played in every league game during his two years at the club. A true fans favourite.
Whilst we wish the best of luck to all players leaving the club, Leuluai and Swain deserve a special mention. Good luck to both players for the future.
Monday, 6 September 2010
Friday, 3 September 2010
Orphan Boy Album launch gig - Club Academy
As promised this column will delve into the Manchester music scene from time to time, and tomorrow night (Saturday) sees the launch night for new album 'Passion, Pain and Loyalty' from the mighty fine indie outfit Orphan Boy.
Originally from Cleethorpes but now based in Manchester, this is the bands second album after 2008 effort Shop Local. The new album sees the band taking on a more mature sound, which is already proving popular, with hometown club Grimsby Town using track Some Frontier as the team enter the pitch, and Manchester City using the same track to promote their new away shirt.
The band have built up a strong following both in Cleethorpes and Manchester, and after a BBC Introducing gig and a festival apperance at Kendal Calling the Orphanites, as the bands fanbase are known, are on the increase.
With the profile of the band on the rise, Saturday will be a special night, with an after party following the gig across the road at Jabez Clegg.
Tickets £7 in advance from ticketline.co.uk
Visit the bands myspace page at myspace.com/orphanboyuk
Originally from Cleethorpes but now based in Manchester, this is the bands second album after 2008 effort Shop Local. The new album sees the band taking on a more mature sound, which is already proving popular, with hometown club Grimsby Town using track Some Frontier as the team enter the pitch, and Manchester City using the same track to promote their new away shirt.
The band have built up a strong following both in Cleethorpes and Manchester, and after a BBC Introducing gig and a festival apperance at Kendal Calling the Orphanites, as the bands fanbase are known, are on the increase.
With the profile of the band on the rise, Saturday will be a special night, with an after party following the gig across the road at Jabez Clegg.
Tickets £7 in advance from ticketline.co.uk
Visit the bands myspace page at myspace.com/orphanboyuk
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Gill in denial over Utd tickets slump
Finally, Utd chief exec and Glazer spin doctor David Gill today revealed the truth behind Utd's flagging season ticket sales.
Despite claims of a 60000 waiting list just four months ago, it has been announced that Utd failed to hit the target of 54000 season ticket sales, with 51800 being sold.
Even after the inital unrest of 2005, season tickets were still sold out, with tickets for major games being highly oversubscribed. So far this season both home games have gone on general sale, with everyone who applied for the Liverpool game via Utd's membership scheme getting a ticket without the need for a ballot.
It wasn't so long ago that owning a season ticket was like having the golden ticket. Friends and family were envious of your prized possesion, while members had to collect every ticket stub throughout the season and attach it to the infamous token sheets just for the right to apply for the small number that became available each year. Now despite a price freeze and the biggest sales campaign in memory the sales target has not been met.
With this years exec ticket numbers yet to revealed, amidst rumours of low sales, it could indeed be 'squeaky bum time' for the Glazers.
Season ticket sales since the Glazer takeover:
2006: 67,000
2007: 63,000
2008: 58,000
2009: 54,000
2010: 52,000
Finally the clock is ticking on the Glazers.
Despite claims of a 60000 waiting list just four months ago, it has been announced that Utd failed to hit the target of 54000 season ticket sales, with 51800 being sold.
Even after the inital unrest of 2005, season tickets were still sold out, with tickets for major games being highly oversubscribed. So far this season both home games have gone on general sale, with everyone who applied for the Liverpool game via Utd's membership scheme getting a ticket without the need for a ballot.
It wasn't so long ago that owning a season ticket was like having the golden ticket. Friends and family were envious of your prized possesion, while members had to collect every ticket stub throughout the season and attach it to the infamous token sheets just for the right to apply for the small number that became available each year. Now despite a price freeze and the biggest sales campaign in memory the sales target has not been met.
With this years exec ticket numbers yet to revealed, amidst rumours of low sales, it could indeed be 'squeaky bum time' for the Glazers.
Season ticket sales since the Glazer takeover:
2006: 67,000
2007: 63,000
2008: 58,000
2009: 54,000
2010: 52,000
Finally the clock is ticking on the Glazers.
Monday, 30 August 2010
Bank holiday blues for FC
FC Utd went down 1-0 to a determined Ashton Utd side in front of a crowd of 1069 at Hurst Cross.
The presence of FC legend Steve Torpey on the bench couldn't inspire the reds, who lacked fluency after making four changes to the side that beat Retford 5-1 on Saturday.
A well marshalled Ashton defence handled everything FC could throw at them, and the only goal of the game came just before half time on 44 minutes with a good finish from Lee Steele.
The second half saw an onslaught from FC, with Ashton looking dangerous on the break, however a combination of too many long balls and good defending saw chances kept to a minimum.
Five minutes of added time gave one last hope for the FC faithful, but even with centre half Martin Parker upfront one last chance didn't come and Ashton held on for victory.
The presence of FC legend Steve Torpey on the bench couldn't inspire the reds, who lacked fluency after making four changes to the side that beat Retford 5-1 on Saturday.
A well marshalled Ashton defence handled everything FC could throw at them, and the only goal of the game came just before half time on 44 minutes with a good finish from Lee Steele.
The second half saw an onslaught from FC, with Ashton looking dangerous on the break, however a combination of too many long balls and good defending saw chances kept to a minimum.
Five minutes of added time gave one last hope for the FC faithful, but even with centre half Martin Parker upfront one last chance didn't come and Ashton held on for victory.
Sunday, 29 August 2010
Carlos Tevez
In the words of the bitters: 'Fergie Fergie sign him up.'
http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/6717930/
Arf!
http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/6717930/
Arf!
3 out of 3 for FC!
Top of the table after three games, FC Utd travel to Ashton Utd tomorrow for a bank holiday clash.
Saturday saw arguably FC's best home performance for in recent times with a 5-1 demolition of Retford Utd. The football was a joy to watch and to cap a perfect day this was followed up by a 3-0 win for MUFC vs West Ham in the late kick off.
Ashton currently lie in third place after two wins and a draw so should prove to be the toughest test so far for Marginson's red and white army. Team selection will prove tough for the FC boss especially upfront with Margy having to decide whether to stick with Carlos Roca or start with 37 year old Colin Little who scored twice after coming on from the bench on Saturday.
Admission is £8 adults, £5 concessions, with children under 14 free with each paying adult. Trains are 27 and 57 mins past each hour from Victoria, with the return times at 6.05pm, 6.35pm then five past every hour until 10.05pm. Additional trains run at 11.09pm and 11.40pm for those who like a drink or two.
Ashton tip: The burger van behind the goal charges half price during the last 30 minutes of the game. Enjoy!
Saturday saw arguably FC's best home performance for in recent times with a 5-1 demolition of Retford Utd. The football was a joy to watch and to cap a perfect day this was followed up by a 3-0 win for MUFC vs West Ham in the late kick off.
Ashton currently lie in third place after two wins and a draw so should prove to be the toughest test so far for Marginson's red and white army. Team selection will prove tough for the FC boss especially upfront with Margy having to decide whether to stick with Carlos Roca or start with 37 year old Colin Little who scored twice after coming on from the bench on Saturday.
Admission is £8 adults, £5 concessions, with children under 14 free with each paying adult. Trains are 27 and 57 mins past each hour from Victoria, with the return times at 6.05pm, 6.35pm then five past every hour until 10.05pm. Additional trains run at 11.09pm and 11.40pm for those who like a drink or two.
Ashton tip: The burger van behind the goal charges half price during the last 30 minutes of the game. Enjoy!
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Gideon Conn - Album Launch
Gideon Conn is a Manchester legend, Don't believe me? Then get to Band on the Wall in Manchester on Thursday night (26th August) for the launch night for his debut album 'New Bop Sounds.'
I have watched Gideon Conn in numerous venues across Manchester, from Urban Outfitters on Market St to the Kings Arms on Bloom St, and it's safe to say that every gig has it's own unique feel to it. After a long wait the twelve track album has now finally been released.
The singer-songwriter is usually joined on stage by a band of upto six members, although his solo acoustic gigs are equally entertaining. He is also an artist and sells his artwork through his myspace page (link below).
Tickets available priced £10 from ticketline.co.uk or from the venue.
Check out myspace.com/gideonconn or youtube.com/newbopsounds for videos and selected tracks.
A range of clothing, as well as the new album, are available at yesnomaybe.co.uk.
Gideon Conn fact: Myself and a friend were the first two people to buy a Gideon Conn Trucker cap when they went on sale. Sad but true!
I have watched Gideon Conn in numerous venues across Manchester, from Urban Outfitters on Market St to the Kings Arms on Bloom St, and it's safe to say that every gig has it's own unique feel to it. After a long wait the twelve track album has now finally been released.
The singer-songwriter is usually joined on stage by a band of upto six members, although his solo acoustic gigs are equally entertaining. He is also an artist and sells his artwork through his myspace page (link below).
Tickets available priced £10 from ticketline.co.uk or from the venue.
Check out myspace.com/gideonconn or youtube.com/newbopsounds for videos and selected tracks.
A range of clothing, as well as the new album, are available at yesnomaybe.co.uk.
Gideon Conn fact: Myself and a friend were the first two people to buy a Gideon Conn Trucker cap when they went on sale. Sad but true!
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
FC Utd vs Nantwich Preview
After a 2-0 win at Marine on Sunday, FC Utd will be hoping to start their home campaign in similar fashion with a win over Nantwich at Gigg Lane on Wednesday night. Nantwich's league campaign started off on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat at home to Worksop, so they are still looking for their first win of the season.
Prolific striker Mike Norton will be making his home debut in what looks a promising strike partnership with Ben Deegan, with new additions to the back four hoping to make FC more solid at the back, after a disappointing campaign last year saw 65 goals conceded and a 13th place finish.
The corresponding fixture last year saw FC rout Nantwich 4-0 in arguably the best home league performance of the season, although this was played at Hyde Uniteds ground rather than Gigg Lane.
As it's a midweek game the main standers are likely to be invaded by the jesters from the MRE, however first home game of the season should make for a cracking atmosphere, even with every song being sung at 100mph.
Admission is £8 adults, £5 concessions, £2 kids, with memberships and season tickets also on sale at the ground.
Get on it!
Prolific striker Mike Norton will be making his home debut in what looks a promising strike partnership with Ben Deegan, with new additions to the back four hoping to make FC more solid at the back, after a disappointing campaign last year saw 65 goals conceded and a 13th place finish.
The corresponding fixture last year saw FC rout Nantwich 4-0 in arguably the best home league performance of the season, although this was played at Hyde Uniteds ground rather than Gigg Lane.
As it's a midweek game the main standers are likely to be invaded by the jesters from the MRE, however first home game of the season should make for a cracking atmosphere, even with every song being sung at 100mph.
Admission is £8 adults, £5 concessions, £2 kids, with memberships and season tickets also on sale at the ground.
Get on it!
Welcome!
Welcome to my Manchester Sport blog. The aim of this blog will be to provide news stories and opinions on the sporting scene in and around Greater Manchester, with the main focus on Salford RLFC, FC United of Manchester, Lancashire Cricket and Manchester Phoenix Ice Hockey.
The odd gig preview/review is also likely to appear on these pages from up and coming mainly unsigned Manchester artists.
Thanks for visiting.
The odd gig preview/review is also likely to appear on these pages from up and coming mainly unsigned Manchester artists.
Thanks for visiting.
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