Fan power basis of a united stand
By Henry Winter
(Filed: 25/07/2005)
Jonathan Mitten, a burly non-League No 9, embodies the passion for the game that characterises players and fans of football's newest club, FC United of Manchester. "I'm a plumber," Mitten explained, "and if I am working on a burst radiator at 3.30, and the coach for the match leaves at four, I turn the stop-cock off and say: 'I'll be back in the morning!' "
He added: "I have never missed a match - I love playing too much." The former Altrincham forward has inherited his ardour from his great uncle, Charlie Mitten, Manchester United's legendary post-War left-winger.
Jonathan adores the club his famous ancestor once graced but has become disaffected by the escalating materialism. Old Trafford's surrender to the Glazer family led, two months ago, to a group of United fans breaking away to form a new club who start next season in the North-West Counties League Division Two. Mitten relishes wearing the redesigned red shirt and the challenge in store.
"I am a Manchester United fan, and used to go to all the games," he reflected after Saturday's sell-out at Kingsmeadow, the South-West London home of another fan-run team, AFC Wimbledon. "I love Manchester United but it has just become too commercial.
"It's all about money now. Rio Ferdinand has been offered a contract for £100,000 a week and wants £120,000. It's an absolute disgrace. How can he hold out for 20 grand more when the fans are in such a mess [over Glazer]? Everyone is annoyed with him and rightly so. It's a scandal. I have to juggle football - the games and training - with my job. It's hard but I love it.
"FC United is more real. The standard of football is not the best but the fans love it. Non-League is family-orientated. You can come down here with your mates, stand on the terraces, and have a good craic. Our fans were outstanding today, singing all our names. I hope more clubs become fan-owned."
The impressive contingent of away fans ran through the borrowed Old Trafford song-book, lauding Eric Cantona and Jaap Stam, while also praising those who share their journey into the non-League unknown. Barry George, an athletic keeper, was heralded as "England's No 1". The supporters were not exaggerating. George also keeps goal for the England partially-sighted XI.
Some obstacles inevitably lie in wait for George, Mitten and FC United, and not simply teething problems like fielding two players in No 7 shirts as on Saturday. Maintaining the initial wave of enthusiasm is crucial, although a successful debut season under Karl Marginson, the former Rotherham United striker, at Gigg Lane should ensure that.
"They will win their league by 400 points!" predicted Dave Anderson, AFC's Northern Irish manager who once shared digs in Manchester with Norman Whiteside. "It's great to see the passion of their players and fans. It's the same at AFC Wimbledon."
Too true. Formed in angry response to the Dons' relocation to Milton Keynes, Saturday's hosts represent a wonderful role model. Well-organised, on and off their new pitch, the Ryman Premier League newcomers boast a full international (in New Zealand's Shane Smeltz), a slick programme, a lively radio station, an official beer, and an increasingly crammed trophy cabinet that now contains the Supporters Direct Cup courtesy of Ricci Crace's second-half strike against FC United. A play about the rise and rise of AFC Wimbledon will even be staged at next month's Edinburgh Festival.
"We could not have set up the club without AFC Wimbledon's assistance for which we are eternally grateful," said Andy Walsh, an FC United board member. "They told us about the logistics of getting into a league, getting a new ground, sorting out kit, and all the red tape."
AFC's success, and the founding of FC United, confirms the capabilities and determination of those who click through the turnstiles on match-day. And the passion of players like Jonathan Mitten.
