ANDY Walsh will step down as general manager of FC United of Manchester at the end of June after 11 years at the helm.  

Walsh, one of FC’s founder members, has been in the role since the National League North club were formed in 2005 by disillusioned Manchester United fans after the Glazer family’s takeover at Old Trafford.

Since then, the Rebels have won four promotions to reach the sixth tier of English football and become the largest supporter-owned football club in the UK with over 5,000 co-owners.

“It has been an immense privilege to have been general manager of FC United,” Walsh, 53, said after making the announcement.

“FC United is living proof that football fans can make a difference when they are empowered and have a vision of a better way forward.

“I have said for some time that the establishment of the ground marked a milestone in the club’s development and having delivered on that task I believe that now is a good time to consider playing a different role at the club.

“Over the past ten years I have been closely involved in building the club, its structures and influence, and I very much want to continue that in a different capacity.”

FC United of Manchester sign outside Broadhurst Park
Integral: Walsh spearheaded the development of Broadhurst Park, FC United’s new £6.5m stadium which opened in May 2015

Walsh also helped the Moston-based club to open their new 4,400-capacity Broadhurst Park stadium last year and has led many community projects which have been recognised with national awards.

FC United had previously shared Bury’s Gigg Lane and Stalybridge Celtic’s Bower Fold among other grounds.

A statement on the club’s website read: “The FC United Board would like to thank Andy for the tireless work and dedication that he has shown to the club since its inception.

“It is no exaggeration to say that without his leadership and management skills the club would not be in the enviable position that it is today in fantastic facilities that will allow it to continue to grow for the benefit of members, supporters and the wider communities of Greater Manchester.”

Walsh will continue to work with the club until a successor is appointed, with the recruitment process set to begin imminently.


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