Greaves: Fans can roar us to promotion

FC United of Manchester hot-shot Tom Greaves believes that with the backing of their fans this could be the season when the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League club finally wins promotion after years of heartbreak, writes James Burch.

The 29-year-old, pictured, has scored 52 goals in 89 appearances for the Rebels and on Tuesday night was hoping to bag his 50th league goal when Karl Marginson’s men hosted Premier Division leaders Skelmersdale United at their adopted home at Bower Fold.

The forward believes the rip-roaring atmosphere generated by supporters – home and away – will help the club secure a shot at promotion via the play-offs or automatically if they can take the title this time around.

Greaves said: "The atmosphere at FC is unreal for this level of football. The fans are in a different league to anything I’ve experienced before. As soon as they get through the turnstiles the songs will start and won’t stop I imagine until last orders in the locals!

"It really does affect games in our favour with our fan ownership. It is so unique and everyone from the ball boys to the fans and players all share the same passion for the club and its future. FC are a very well run club and as soon as the new ground is ready I’m sure the club will take off in every way and achieve the success it deserves."

FCUM came agonisingly close to winning promotion last season when they were pipped to the title as runners-up by Chorley and then lost out in the play-offs. Greaves reckons that experience and their other near misses in recent seasons, allied with the passion of their fans, will see them finally achieve their promotion dream as they prepare to move into their new home.

The former Bradford Park Avenue and Guiseley hitman added: "After experiencing the lows of the play-offs over the last few seasons nobody wants to go through that pain again. There is no secret that top spot is our aim this year and I have no doubt we have the squad to take us up as champions, but you don’t always get what you deserve in football and we have to take one game at a time and make sure we are in a position to compete and gives ourselves that chance."

Image courtesy of FC United of Manchester

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