Big Coat Day a huge success

FC United of Manchester have hailed their latest "Big Coat Day" a huge success after a bumper haul of winter clothing.

At the last count, the club had collected six tons of clothing at their Boxing Day clash with Ashton United.

The amount will also be further boosted once collections from the Mustard Tree charity - who were also collecting for the event - have been counted.

Club spokesman Andy Walsh said, "On behalf of the club and our charity partners Mustard Tree and Boaz Trust, I'd just like to say a massive thank you to all those who took time out of their Christmas to donate costs and other warm clothing to help the homeless and needy. Seeing the van outside Gigg Lane packed to the roof with clothing was an inspirational site and every item that we have collected will make a big difference to many people in need across our area."

Local councillor Alan Quinn - an FC United supporter - told the Evo-Stik NPL website, "It was great as a local councillor to get Bury Council's workforce involved, I'm sure that this will become part of their Christmas events now. I'd also like to thank Steve Matthews of Arco Workwear who generously donated many items of clothing too. From an FC United point of view, its another Christmas and we're still here showing others that there is another way for football."

Al Topping of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue told us,
"Big Coat Day was a great success and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is pleased to have played our part supporting FC United and their continued valuable community work."

The haul is already a ton more than was collected in 2010, and the club hope to continue the event for many years to come.