JUGGLING FOOTBALL AND PLUMBING

Henry Winter in The Daily Telegraph:

‘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.

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.