REBELS SET UP AT BROADHURST
Wishing to take the protests one step further, the thought occurred to a group of United
fans to form their own idealized version of Manchester United. In total contrast to the way
things were being run at Old Trafford, this new club would be a democratic, not for profit
organisation, with a strong community-minded ethos
After considering a number of options, the name FC United of Manchester was chosen,
and election to the North West Counties League Division Two was secured for the
2005/06 season. With over 4,000 people pledging a total of £100,000 towards the venture by July 2005, it was obvious that a decent sized home venue was required, and an
agreement was reached to share Bury's Gigg Lane ground. FC United spent just two seasons in the North West Counties League, winning the Division Two and Division One titles
in front of average home crowds of 3,056 in 2005/06 and 2,581 in 2006/07. Indeed, FC
United's largest home gate for a league game, 6,032, was recorded duri