Marginson targets title tilt

FC United of Manchester manager Karl Marginson believes a raft of new signings will see the Red Rebels installed among the favourites to win the Evo-Stik NPL's Premier Division title.

Former Hyde club captain Dave Birch is among the new recruits Marginson has brought in to strengthen his title-chasers. Rhodri Giggs is also back as a player for the first time since 2008 after managing Salford last season.

Midfielder Birch was a key member of the Hyde first team last season who won the Conference North and Marginson is looking forward to watching him perform in the red, white and black of FC United come August.

"Dave has the ability to both break up opposition attacks and link to the front players to launch attacks," said Marginson.

"He is a player who leads by example and I expect his great attitude and tidy passing game should make him a key part of the FC United squad next season."

Former Salford midfielder Chris Curley has also signed and two key players for FC United last year - Matthew Wolfenden and Stephen Johnson - are back on board for another challenge. United old-boy Jerome Wright also returns after a season away at promoted Chester.

Marginson is excited about his side's prospects and revealed he's still looking to strengthen his squad further as preseason got underway this week for the big kick off on Saturday 18 August.

He said: "Next season’s squad is really coming together now and I’m delighted with the way things are shaping up. Getting Matty Wolfenden and Stephen Johnson back for another season at least is a real boost. I know that both of them are desperate to go one better than we did last year by achieving promotion.

"Rhodri Giggs is also a great signing for us. He’s a quality player who can play in a number of positions and his experience will be a valuable addition to the squad.

"There are still a few other players we’re currently talking to, including some re-signings from last year to tie up, so we hope to bring in a couple of further additions before the start of the new season."