FOR THE FANS BY THE FANS £ 2.00
ISSUE NUMBER 1
BEL19VE
Features 4-5
Stretford
printer advert
Ender
Editorial
F
www.redarmyfanzine.co.uk Editor: JAH Writers: Sub Editor: Natalie Lamb
Barry Book, Darren Lamb, Mark Seaton, Mike Nolan, Ian Barber, Yorkie,
Tom Stafford, Sufiyan Kala, Lukasz Chrobok and Garry the Goldfish.
Special thanks to: David May, Andy Richie, Shaun Murphy, Steven BIllington, Kev Okell, Jason Pickston, Kallum Nolan, Steve Brookes and Everyone at Wythenshawe amateurs. All material unless otherwise stated, is copyright to Red army fanzine . The views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor and you do have the right of reply to the above email address. Red Army Fanzine is completely inderpendent of Manchester United football club Ltd. Red Army Fanzine accepts no responsibility for services offered by advertisers.
irst of all I would like to thank YOU the fans for purchasing RED ARMY FANZINE’S first ever issue. Let me take this opportunity to explain why we decided to have a bash at writing a fanzine.We started REDARMYTRAVEL.COM a year ago and decided in the close season that the next step for us would have to be a fanzine and a forum so we, and other fans like us can get to have our say. Whilst no one at the mag is a professional sports journalist, PHD or Nobel Piece Prize winner we are all Manchester united fans and feel passionate about what we are doing. We aim to inform, explain and have a laugh along the way, and we hope that we can deliver every time. So once again thank you and enjoy. As the memories fade on England’s abysmal world cup exploits and the Cockneys and Geordies have finally stopped whinging about it we can concentrate on the upcoming season, which promises to go as close to the wire as any other year. Although united hav’nt bought anyone of substance, for some reason I feel we will be favourites for the league this term, and the feeling I am getting off like minded united fans is one of confidence and excitement.
Our hard-core fan tell’s us what sould be happening and what has been so far this season.
With a solid back five and ample decent replacements for any of them, we have to be contenders for conceading the least goals in the league, and scholes finding the youthful form we are accustom to year in year out accompanied with rooney’s explosive performancies in the last campaign we as united fans Mark Seaton lives must feel optimistic about the fourth and breathes the coming months. So lets get behind americain side of the the team, this campaign and look the beautiful game and forward to a real exciting journey through the 2010-2011 season. united’s yank To start on a high this issue we speak connections to mad Manchester United fan and top sports man Sean Murphy about his hopes for this season and future in his view of the club, we also talk to Englands only psychic animal about David May and Andy football in general (honest) and to Richie talk to us put it all in perspective our about the new resident “tell it how it is” Stretford Ender who will tell us all how we, or evening they present more importantly, the club should and the season think. The fanzines new regulars will ahead for the red’s. inform, explain and argue and you can debate via our online forum www.redarmyforum.co.uk Shaun if they get it wrong (and these Murphy spirited individuals may do), so on with the Fanzine on with the season! A pro sports man
newsdesk@redarmyfanzine.co.uk
8-9
Our man
stateside
14-15
Red Nights
16-18
compairs united’s season against his own
STRETFORD ENDER
We all know one, I know three or four and I’m scared to death of all of them, even though they’re on my side. The ‘Streford Ender’ is Red Army fanzine’s own grumpy fan who knows best. This man does not want United to win, he expects it. The ‘Streford Ender’ not only tells it how it is, but says things the average man would fear to whisper in the corridors of Old Trafford. As I face him in the dim light of the back of a local pub, his staunch look and uncompromising presence over the small wooden table we surround, not only unnerves me but almost sends a shiver down my spine, I’d better not cross this fellow red. Pre season is something which (like most other people I’m sure) bores the arse off me! However there were some positives to take from the tour of America and Mexico, none more so than Chicarito (Javire Hernandez) of whom I’m very exited about. The guy is a born goalscorer (you can just tell) and if he along with lazy arse Berbotov can chip in with 15-20 goals this season and take some of the burden off Wazza, then I think we will be in pretty good shape. Midfield is an area which concerns me, I think Fergie missed a trick in not getting anybody in for that particular area (maybe he can’t afford to?). But, there’s no point crying over spilt milk, we’ll just have to get on with what we have. There’s a couple of players who for me are on their last chance salon times this season, none more so than Michael Carrick who is due a big season. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against Carrick, he’s an ‘ok’ midfielder, but at the same time he doesn’t pull up any trees for me or Alex Ferguson it would seem too. When have you ever seen that guy win us a game when the chips are down? (In the way in which Keano or Bryan Robson would’ve). The answer to that is never, the
way I strongly believe a central midfielder should do. Darren Gibson’s not for me either (yeah he’s got a good shot on him, but that’s about it - so did Lee Harvey Oswald and look how his career went on). The other’s Scholes, Fletcher and Anderson I’m happy with, so we’ll just have to wait and see I suppose. Like, the last 5 or 6 years, I think Chelsea will be our main challenger’s, they’re an ageing side but still strong enough to push us all the way. (It is out of us or them). Don’t listen to that load of shite coming from the blue side of Manchester, they’ve got more chance of winning the league than I have of shagging Pamela Anderson and Paris Hilton put together (no chance). I mean lets break it down and analyze exactly who they’ve bought this season, Yaya Toure’s an ‘alright’ holding midfielder, period nothing more. David Silva, for me is too lightweight for the premier league, I mean ask yourself this - why hasn’t any of the big clubs took a chance on him before? He’s been about for a while now. Milners alright, but a superstar he is not! (you only had to look at him in the World Cup to see that), and the other two - Boatang and Kolarov I’d never even heard of until the World Cup, and neither exactly blew me away then! Anyway, that’s enough about them bitter blues, Europa League for them.
I went to the game against Newcastle the other night and I’ve got to be honest, for the 20 minutes or so I thought we were a bit sluggish. Wazza’s walking around, shoulders slumped like he has the weight of the world on them. He’ll come good though, he’s too good a player not to. After that, it got much better though with the ageless Paul scholes (who by the way, is one of my favourite United players of all time) started to dictate the show. I particularly enjoyed the 3rd goal when the ginger nugget flated a beautifully weighted pass to Ryan Giggs (another great servant to our beloved club). Who dispatched it with clinical precision, JOB DONE. I couldn’t get to the Fulham game, I watched it in the pub with my mates. How we only ended up with one point, I’ll never know. What was Nani thinking taking that penalty, when there were more accomplished takers on the field of play such as Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen. I thought Zomora gave Evan’s a torrid time, saying that I have high hopes for Johnny Evans and I truly believe he will be a star for us in
years to come. Berbotov missed a hatful and Chicarito, after a bright start faded away. Oh well it’s a point more than we got last year I suppose. I think the premier league title is well within our grasp this year and after a tight race with Chelsea, I expect us to be crowned champions come may. I fear the
Champions Leagues may be a bridge too far this year. Mainly because, as I pointed out earlier in this piece we haven’t strengthened enough in the midfield area to mix it with the Barcelona’s of this world. I hope I’m proven wrong and United go on and win it - but I just don’t see it. I also think we’re long overdue a good winning run in the F.A. Cup and that could be a possibility. As for the Carling Cup, well... lets be honest, who really gives a fuck about that? Another thing that has caught my attention this week, was a comment in the sport section of Saturday’s Mirror, by Brian Reade. Brian basically said that the Scousers may be planning to make a green and gold style campaign, to stop Hick’s and Gillett attempting to refinance their debt in October. The article started well with a David Gill dig about his reaction to the 2,200 unsold season tickets saying “that’s pretty good” (nice one Dave goodspin). The problem I have with his article, is the next comment in regards to the Liverpool attempt against their clubs owners Brian said “The resistance to their debt in October against the American compatriots at Old Trafford will seem remarkably tame. Liverpudlians will not allow their club to be strangled by these cowboy’s any longer.” Whatever your views on the Anti Glazer Movement, the point is whether it works or not, the scouser’s could not organize a piss-up in a brewery, the fact that if nothing, the one thing we will learn this year when we win it for the nineteenth time, is that the dirty’s can’t do anything better than us. by Mike N
As the news of Bebe’s signing wandered across the bottom of sky sports news on a dreary Wednesday morning, the collective response was probably the same from M1 through to M90, maybe with the exception of M16. Who the fucking hell is that?! Bebe, real name Tiago Manuel Dias Correia was a complete non entity to us. No tabloid rumblings, not even any old blokes down the boozer who claim to have an insider or even Fergie himself on speed dial telling everyone they already knew about it anyway. However, this is hardly surprising when you look at Bebe’s background. Growing up in a Portuguese orphanage, Bebe’s footballing exploits began on the streets of Lisbon, not too dissimilar to both Ronaldo and Nani, but with an altogether tougher situation. This rags to riches tale as its being dubbed began when Bebe’s mother dumped him into the Casa de Gaiato shelter in Loures where he was one of 8 homeless children. After his education from the barefooted roots of street football, Bebe joined Loures’ local amateur side from which he was plucked to
play in a homeless tournament in Bosnia. With quick feet and a 6’2’’ frame, the goals came pouring in, with Bebe grabbing 18 of 19 goals in one particular match. After joining Portuguese division 3 side Estrella in 2009, he found himself heading to league 1 outfit Vitoria de Guimaraes only a couple of months ago where he played in just 6 friendlies before being snapped up by David ‘Debt is the road to ruin’ Gill for a reported 7.6 million. Of course we have to ignore our dear neighbours as the obligatory comments of, ‘You signed a hobo, we signed Balotelli’ come flying out of each deluded blue the wrong side of Ardwick. But this could be one of Sir Alex’s masterstrokes. A transaction based solely on instinct, as he admitted that Bebe is the first player he’s ever splashed the cash for without ever seeing play. Makes you wonder how we have signed such a shower in the past if he actually watched them before. Naming no names. You already know who I mean. This is a gamble. In fact, this summer’s
transfer shenanigans are a huge gamble. It’s so big that it’s sat right on Las Vegas Boulevard with a gigantic red flashing neon sign saying Mr Ferguson; this is a massive fucking gamble! If the rumours of Bebe’s fee being in the region of 7/8 million are on the money, then that takes our summer spending to over 25 million on virtually complete unknowns, plus we’re still lacking that attacking midfielder that we all crave which could have been filled by the likes of Ozil or Sneijder . But in Bebe we have options, being able to be deployed as a target man or a speedy winger should allow the lad to have a fair crack of the whip even if its limited to cold Carling Cup nights away at Oakwell while our boys tuck into some courtesy Pies. But in Bebe we have options, being able to be deployed as a target man or a speedy winger should allow the lad to have a fair crack of the whip even if its limited to cold Carling Cup nights away at Oakwell while our boys tuck into some courtesy Pies. Learning the language maybe
a slight problem for him, but with fellow countryman Nani on hand and the help and support that Fergie is renowned for giving to youngsters (No Pick and Mix involved Mr Wenger), Bebe may begin to feel at home possibly for the first time. I’m sure we’ll all welcome him with open arms. Who knows maybe Fabio will take note and call up 23 East London Big Issue vendors for European qualification? The chances are that they’ll do a better job, and have a better attitude. Although JT will be fuming, the Wags wouldn’t be up to much...
Home of the free, more importantly home of the owners of the worlds biggest sports team Manchester United. Mark Seaton spends a year in the biggest, richest and fastest up and coming football league in the world. cheerleaders, fireworks and ‘soccer’ mad Americans we have just witnessed a country revelling in the fact that the biggest clubs in the world visit for their pre-season tours and to the Americans, there is no bigger than Manchester United. The business life of the Glazer family provides a major contrast where their US shopping mall empire appearing to be in a coma whilst owning a ‘business’ which is booming in America – Manchester United. The US tour has proved to many Reds who recently watched the events unfold stateside that there is a massive scope for expansion of the Manchester United ‘brand’ – albeit a term I and many other united fans disagree with. While having success on the pitch with at times high-quality performances and entertainment, off the pitch we saw a further improvement from the US tour of 2004 which Sir Alex described as “the perfect pre-season”. The team was welcomed with open arms by the nation that we share the ‘special relationship’ with and no doubt did plenty to strengthen the relationship between the club and the US. This increased exposure of players and staff to millions of fans across the globe has its effect in
other areas of business life. Kumho, a leading tyre company used the club for one reason – to increase their sales. With many United fans feeling discontent towards the new regime of heavy sponsorship and the constant feeling of being used to develop another companies brands, it cannot be ignored that in the current climate these financial developments can only further the clubs progression. Bearing this in mind, despite intense criticism of the owners, the US tour has highlighted the only positive of having them in charge; their ties to the wealthiest nation in the world is something which can only help the future of the Manchester United and is an essential concept in modern football. America is something that as a student I now know plenty about, the history, the culture and even the politics have filled much of my time during the past two years yet I am particularly intrigued to learn more about both American sports and the perception of British sports across the pond. As a young lad, I visited America and found myself immersed in ‘The Wide World of Sports’, ESPN’s sporting complex in Orlando, Florida,
a massive expanse of land which holds numerous arenas and pitches to cater for all sports. Quickly becoming bored with American football, baseball and basketball I was able to track down a sport which I was far more familiar with, a sport they called ‘soccer’. As a football fanatic, I could not resist taking part in the skills event that they had on offer and ended up winning a signed MLS shirt for what I thought was a relatively mediocre score. What I later realised about that particular day was that despite the masses of sports enthusiasts flooding into the complex to watch and play sports, the soccer centre was often vacant despite its prime location. I was also later to be informed by my dad that many of the other competitors couldn’t hit a barn door which makes me wonder if the jocks were concentrating on their traditional American sports. I have often concluded from this that even just eight years ago, two years before United first US tour, football in America was largely unrecognised by the American people. Thankfully, as we saw from both the previous tours to the States, the
club has been welcomed by a huge amount of fans and press yet from my personal experience, I question whether what we have seen on MUTV is the true American view on the beautiful game? As a season ticket holder since the age of eight, I embark on a year in the United States; narrowly missing the Reds tour but experiencing its aftermath and leaving me with the unenviable task of trying not to miss the club too much. I will attempt to understand long distance support, the American sporting culture and the aim of Manchester United to spread its fanbase in one of the biggest countries in the world. While aiming to watch every game through any means possible, no doubt the reception I get as a United fan will surprise me. Will I feel aggrieved at so called ‘die hard’ American United fans, who claim the Premiership is a ‘soccer’ league? Furthermore, seeing a Tottenham shirt in the crowd and fans doing a Mexican wave at the game in Houston makes me wonder whether they know what supporting an English club really means. I will no doubt learn the answer to these questions very quickly.
Tiny Teams We at The Red Army Fanzine, believe that the future of the beautiful game is in the youngsters who, if taught correctly could well become the next Wayne Rooney or Rio Ferdinand. (Almost quoted Whitney Houston there.. almost). This is why we our sponsoring local Manchester children’s teams to encourage and improve Manchester’s fluorescing future in high-end football. This month we start with a team that is based just a few miles from our office, Wythenshawe Amatures Under 11’s. Last year this unknown and untested team played in the league and cup for the first time and unbelievably won everything they went for. This coming season the league are even planning to move them up two divisions to make it fairer on the other clubs. Due to this unrivaled success and the fact (of course) that our name is on their shirts, we went to meet them..
THE MANAGER: NAME: RAY GIBSON POSITION: Manager of Wythenshawe Amatures Under 11’s. FAVOURITE MOMENT OF LAST SEASON? Probably the play-off final, just the fact that our centre forward (Tyrell Burke) who scored sixty-plus goals all season, had not scored once against the opposing team in previous games, somehow managed to score 5, it was phenomenal. It shown what he is capable off, and the fact that he didn’t produce in some games, but pulled out the trumps when we
needed it. Burke gave us a big relief, as it was the game we really wanted to win, and his 5 goals made that happen.
to lose some games next season, but hopefully we won’t.
HOW DO YOU THINK NEXT SEASON WILL GO?
HOW DO YOU THINK MANCHESTER UNITED WILL DO THIS SEASON?
It’s difficult to say, because we have been told that the lower divisions are not that difficult in comparison to the higher ones, so if we get a reasonable level of consistency going, I think we will be alright. We’re aiming for top half, at the very least. WIth going up two leagues, the kids may need to get used to the fact that they are going
I think we stand a good chance of winning it. Because, to be honest with you, I think we (United) were the best side of last year. It was only the fact that we were without a defense for half a season, and then we were left playing catch up for the rest of the season. Hopefully, this season we will start off with a full squad. Hands down, I
THE CUP FINAL As well as winning the Under 11 Division 4 league, Wythenshawe Amatures also won the Under 11’s Division 4 cup and they done it, in some style. The match was played at Trafford Football Club’s ground against Huff-End Griffins. The game was extremely even and neither side would give any space for the opposition, hence the full time score 3-3. Extra time brought 1 more each team, and with an even score of 4-4 right at the end, Hollywood Film style, Amature’s Simon Pilling ran down the left side, saw it all the way to the box and scored. “The amount of noise from the fans at our end, you would have thought that there was thousands of us cheering” said one spectator. Making it a final score of 5-4 to Wythenshawe Amatures..
NAME: Jake O’Sullivan POSITION: Left Wing SUPPORTS: Manchester United GOALS SCORED LAST SEASON: 11 PLAYS LIKE: Ryan Gigg’s THINKS THAT NEXT SEASON: be alot harder than last season, as we are going up. I think we’ll finish second.
NAME: Owen-Paul Rawdy POSITION: Essentially Mid Field but can adapt anywhere GOALS SCORED LAST SEASON: 39 SUPPORTS: Another team.... PLAYS LIKE: Wright-Phillips THINKS THAT NEXT SEASON: We will win, we always do. NAME: Connor Gibson POSITION: Striker/Left Wing GOALS SCORED LAST SEASON: 42 SUPPORTS: Manchester United PLAYS LIKE: Rooney THINKS THAT NEXT SEASON: Will go quite well, we are going up two divisions but I still think we’ll finish in the top 3.
If you know a tiny team that want’s to be sponcered by Red Army Fanzine email us
newsdesk@redarmyfanzine.co.uk
THE HEADLINES To prick or not to prick? Used Bottles of Malaria have been found outside the Chelsea training ground. We asked mosquito dick Ashley Cole as he left Arsene Wenger was disappointed when training if he knew anything about this revelation, but obviously he had his ticket to Tottenham vs. the Young nothing to do with it, as that would boys was not what he had expected. be liable. But I think he did?
Check this for value!
Our inside information at old Trafford has informed us of something, we all knew was coming. As we have all heard there is no value in the market and signings have been hard to come by with no buget. Well Sir Alex as he always does has found a way around this problem and not only saved the club money but improved the team ten-fold. The new United signing’s have cost the Glazers a total of zero pounds and observers have already said the young lad is “united though and though”. The new centre forward playing in the number 68 shirt, goes by the name of Alexander Chapman-Ferguson and looks very promising. As the market is very narrow at present, Sir Alex has looked at the options he has open to him and dusted off his boots to restart his career as a player. Other jobs the Glazers have laid on for Fergie are: a hotdog vender, a bar man and a manager if he has any time left. Now that’s value and then some!
We all knew it. No suprisses there then. We have asked Neil why he lives a lie and he replied “it just feels good”. It would seem that Neil took the title of Queens Park Rangers to Neil Warnock lives double life mean something totally different?
Barry Book
“In the business world, unwise men take more than they give. They do not realize that they are breaking the Universal Law which will eventually break them to an equal extent. It may not be balanced in the form of dollars and cents but in the loss of good-will upon which their future business depends. Man’s ignorance of the Law of Love in personal and world relationships will not serve as an excuse to save him from disaster. Wealth cannot be acquired from others by might, for wealth thus taken will impoverish him who takes anything which is not given. Nor can power be thus acquired, for the weakness of the despoiled will prevail against the might of the despoiler. Everywhere in the world this law is seen
Although it was written some forty years ago, from multi-million pound co-operate takeovers, platinum plates in Yugoslavia, blood diamonds in Africa and oil in Iraq ,Afghanistan and further a field. It’s words and meanings ring true in so many aspects of modern day life. Take from this what you will you may, think nice piece or you may think what!! But I think, most people who read this 3 or 4 times like me, will not be able to help but
working out its inexorable certainty. Empires built by might are dissolving. Rich world treasuries are disgorging their gold and piling up debt. The blood of every man killed by the sword has been paid for by ten – perchance ten times ten – of those who killed. Nations which have fattened on the food taken from others are starving amid the ruins of palaces in which they feasted. A new world – one world – cannot grow out of a universe built on the foundations of hate and fear by unbalanced taking. A new world must have new foundations. An eternal foundation is not built as one whole – it is built lovingly stone by stone. Thus must man rebuild his world.”
By Walter Russell June 1971
see the relevance to our current situation. I say ‘our’ meaning ‘us’ as Manchester United fans. The first time I read this I instantly thought of Manchester united, the Glazers, the fans, ticket prices and debt, also my love for the team and how the club is being oppressed by tyrants of the business world. not for one minute did I ever sit back and really think about what trouble the club, “our” club was in, as long as I get to see my beloved reds play beautiful football with
passion and pride sod the back ground politics and all those involved. However after reading these words it really got me thinking, can our club really be ran from a purely business point of view or does it need to be ran by a person or group who feel passionate about the club and who really care about the people who work for and support Manchester United. have your say about this at: www.redarmyforum.co.uk
United Nights
We arrived at walk about bar in the centre of Manchester and immediately there was a united feel to the place. When David May kindly invited us down to see his new project ‘United Nights’ . The theme of the event is fans meeting players and the first thing I would say was how friendly the ex-players were. The whole thing is Well worth a looking for a true red and a great night. With players like Paddy Crerand,Frank Stapleton, Andy Richie and David May plus Pete Boyle entertaining the crowd, United nights was fantastic and I can’t wait for the next one.
David May, ex-united player and creator of United Nights spoke to us about his night, his career and his views on the season ahead.
anywhere, have all said it’s been a great night, singing songs, having photos and just chatting with the players
1. Tell us about United Night’s and where you got the idea from?
4. Your song is still sung by fans on the terraces from time to time, how does it feel hearing that?
A. United Nights is really about the United fans meeting ex players, having a few beers, and just hearing stories and tales from their playing days. It’s not often fans get the opportunity to get close to the players, and so I thought it would be a good idea to start organising the nights and making it possible. 2. What names can we expect to see on the up-coming events? A. Most of the players are from the 80’s, 90’s and of-course the 68 team. Alex, Paddy crearand , Viv anderson Clayton blackmore , Lee martin, Lou Macari, Andy Ritchie, Micky Thomas , Quinton fortune, just of the top of my head. Also, we are always working on getting more and the nights are always getting bigger and better. 3. What reaction have you had back from fans and players about the nights ? A. We’ve had a fantastic response, every fan whether they are from England, Norway, Sweden, Africa, Malaysia or
A. I love hearing my song, it still gives me goose bumps when I hear it ..I am very privilaged and proud 5. Out of all the trophies and medals you won with Manchester United, which has pride of place in your home? A. All my medals are in the bank, I’d hate some Scally to get hold of them, they mean the world to me and when I’m older they will go to my children 6. Who is your favourite player you played with and who was the hardest opponent you have played against ? A. I’ve had the pleasure of playing with some fantastic players but, the one I loved playing with was Eric, what a player and a fantastic person he was, always had time for everyone. Absolute gentleman!....against ..Sparky was a hard bastard you could kick him all day and he’d still come back for more. I also loved playing against Shearer because the
fans used to sing the song about him, and I’d just look at him and laugh.
7. What is your most memorable moment at Manchester United? A. Scoring at borough and winning my first medal. Then, beating the Scousers in the final and them all looking like pricks in those suits 8. A lot of the ex-United players who played under Fergie, have gone into management. Have you considered it? A. Nope, I have never thought of going into management or coaching 9. What is your view on this year’s signings? A. I like this year’s signings, I didnt really think we needed a-lot to add to our team. If it wasn’t for injuries last season we’d have pissed the league and won the European Cup, I’m sure of that 10. Will we win it this year, to make number 19? A. City won’t anyway, and that’s for sure.. Haha. I think we’ve a great chance of winning the 19th title, if we stay clear of injuries and the old heads keep playing like they are doing, then yes, we have a great chance indeed
ANDY RICHIE While we were taking a look around we spotted the Ex-United and Oldham legend Mr Ritchiet and he kindly took a moment to talk to us. Played at Manchester United: 1975-1980 (He was signed from school at 15, was an apprentice at 16, and was professional at 17) 33 games 13 goals SO WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE GOAL? A couple of hat-tricks while at United, first one was at Leeds and then Tottenham. The second game at Tottenham was the best goal I scored, because it was left-footed, I wouldn’t say it predominantly right, but that’s my favourite foot. It was quite a hard volley from the outside of the box, I was quite pleased with that one. I can’t remember every single goal I have scored in my career, but obviously I can remember every one I have scored for United. It was a dream to play for my home team in Manchester, who also happened to be the biggest team in the World. An amazing feeling, really.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST UNITED GAME YOU’VE EVER SEEN? I wouldn’t say it was the best game I have seen, but I think winning the treble, the 1999 game against Bayern Munich was pretty monumental. The sheer emotion watching that game was incredible. We woke my wife up screaming and dancing when we won, maybe even the whole street, and apart from my son breaking his toe in the excitement of it all, it was a bloody brilliant night. DO YOU THINK THE LEAGUE WILL BE DAMAGED, WITH THE WAY IN WHICH MANCHESTER CITY ARE THROWING MONEY AT THE PLAYERS? I think it’s already damaged football, if you like. Before the shakes took over, they were on a bit of a slippery slope anyway, but this just accelerated it anyway. They should have been beaten at Tottenham and should’ve been out of sight by half time, so it shows, it is not a guarantee of success. The sums of money that teams are now paying, especially City or Chelsea when they first started it, is just blowing everything out of the water and will inflate prices for everybody else. TALKING TO YOU AT THE START OF THE SEASON, HOW DO YOU THINK
UNITED WILL DO? I’ve got a really good feeling about it, I think that Hernandez coming in looks really promising, and I think looking at Nani last season and how he has come on. Plus, Valencia will be a big help this season, he’s got his first season under his belt, and will grow, I think he was fantastic in The Community Shield. Last season, we were only one point off and the big decisions we needed, we did not get i.e: against Chelsea, we got beat 2-1 and Drogba’s goals were a mile off side. Plus, the result at Blackburn, if that had gone our way I believe we might have won it and noone would have said anything, Ronaldo had gone, plus Tevez, it was a really good test. IN YOUR OPINION, WHO’S UNITED’S GREATEST EVER PLAYER? I did not see alot of them, at least not in the flesh, people like George Best and Bobby Charlton, so I think it would have to be Cantona. Cantona had everything, he scored goals but also created play. I like to think of myself of a player like that, not just a in-out goalscorer, but to Eric’s standard.. If only.
WHERE WOULD YOU BE IF YOU WEREN’T A SNOOKER PLAYER?
star in a reasonably priced bar ASIDE FROM SNOOKER, WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? I play some golf and tennis and I am learning to play the piano, though to be honest, spare time away from snooker is quite limited. We have a new chairman of our sport, who is making us alot busier then we have ever been. Last year we only had 15 tournaments, this year we have 24. WHAT’S YOUR HANDICAP IN GOLF? 6
to the season, but then I played the World Championships and lost in the quarters. The UK Championship title, which I was defending, I also lost. In my favour, I was seriously ill, and done well just to make it to the venue, Ding Junhui played a great game, and deserved to win. Last year, I feel I did not do myself justice and this year I am hoping to do much better. You win some, you lose some, that’s the nature of the sport, and I am still here every Sunday, practicing to keep getting better.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BAND?
IS THAT YOUR PLAN FOR THIS YEAR THEN?
Coldplay at the minute, I am trying to learn some of their songs. It’s getting me in trouble with my neighbours, when I’m drunk singing and playing my piano late at night, I am convinced I sound like Chris Martin... It seems they disagree.
I hope so, it seems like yesterday since I won the World Championships, and believe me, they’ve gone by like a flash. I have never had a good run at The Masters in Wembeley, which is our third Major, so the plan this year is to give that one a good crack.
WHAT’S YOUR KAREOKE SONG?
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE SNOOKER PLAYER?
I have never done Kareoke in my life, but I think I were to, it would be something like Spandell Ballet, as I think I could hit the high one. WHO IS YOUR ALL TIME HERO? Growing up it was always Steve Davis. He was the person I wanted to be like, emulate and follow in his footsteps. Now, I look up to people like Roger Federer, he’s the ultimate at his sport a true professional and role model. WHO IS YOUR DREAM DATE?
Steve Davis, But Mark Selby is a good friend of mine, so when I am not playing I like to watch his matches and support him, and him me. Ricky Walden is also a good friend, and a few other lads in the game I am quite close to. But, it’s a competitive sport, and it’s hard to have a beer and a joke with someone and then go and play them the next day. WHAT DO YOU THINK, WAS YOUR BEST GAME TO DATE?
Have you seen her?
The final of the UK Championships two years ago, because it went right down to the last frame and to some of the last few balls. To go so close to the line, in any major championship is massive. I gave myself a pat on the back as it was my second major title and I felt it proved to me, that I was not just a flash in the pan. But, I mean... Obviously, top of the list has got to be The World championships.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LAST SEASON IN SNOOKER?
ASIDE FROM YOUR OWN, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST SNOOKER MATCH OF ALL TIME?
My last season was a mixed bag, I played my best in the tournaments that don’t carry any major ranking points. I played in the Premier League, for only the second time, which is a 7 man invitation event, and I ended up winning that. O’Sullivan had won it about five years running, so to even take part was an honour, but to win it was pretty big. I won another in China, and seemed to be off to a good start
I do watch alot of snooker on Youtube and stuff, alot of people say that the ‘85 World Final with Davis and Taylor where it went on until Midnight and 18 Million people tuned in, but I’m not sure about that. I watched a match the other day, I think it was the ‘97 Liverpool UK or something. O’Sullivan against Hendry, Hendry was 8-2 up, and O’Sullivam came back to 8-8 and Hendry had a maximum
Cameron Diaz. WHY?
In a lot of trouble to be honest. I left school early, at 13 to pursue snooker. I never really gave it the thought ‘if it doesn’t work out, i will do this..’ I put all my eggs in one basket. The stuff people tell you not to do, is what us Murphy’s did as a family. I did once think about giving snooker up, about a month before I won The World Championships, I had lost alot of matches and was at a low point in my life and career. I went to Mercedes Benz for a job in Sheffield, selling cars where I was living at the time, but when I went on and won The Championships, I told them I wouldn’t be taking the position. WHO IS YOUR BOGEY MAN? I would stick Shelby up there just because we are friends, and we have both used that friendship to try and get one over on one another, be it joking at the wrong time or having a laugh with the crowd and trying to put each other off. It’s always with a wink and a smile and we always know we’re ‘at it’. We’ve known each other since we are ten, and it’s hard to care about someone you have grown up with, but still want to beat them and play well, but that’s just the way it is. WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MANCHESTER UNITED MEMORY? Since I can remember, I have watched and supported Manchester United, my manager is a life-long time fan too. The best memory I have of all the games I’ve been to, is Rome Champions League final, even though we lost. It was a great experience to watch them abroad and to watch them come out, you never get to the final and think you’re going to lose, and when we did, it was devastating. When you watch on TV and see all the fans crying, you think ‘get a grip!’ But, when you’re there and lived and breathed it, every emotion is amplified and gets to you. Coming home, we were all sobbing like babies. WHO IS YOUR ALL TIME FAVOURITE UTD PLAYER? Cantona. People said he was quite arrogant. I think people who are arrogant and don’t back it up are idiots, but the you get people that are ‘arrogant’, but can back it up with this amazing talent, I think when that happens you have to step back and appreciate it as confidence. WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CURRENT PLAYER? I couldn’t look any further then Rooney. I get the impression Rooney would play football for £50 a week, with the same pas-
sion he does now, and as a paying fan, I love that. WOULD YOU PLAY FOR £50 A WEEK? Haha, yes, of course! NOW, UNITED WINNING THE TITLE FOR THE 19TH TIME, OR YOU BAGGING ANOTHER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP? I think I am still in the early part of my career, so I wouldn’t mind sacrificing The World Championships for United to get one over on the Scousers. REALLY? 100% hand on heart. DO YOU WISH YOU COULD GET TO MORE GAMES? Me and my manager have tickets and go when we can, but due to my commitments it’s not always easy. I somehow always make sure I watch it though. When we were in China, we searched for hours and found this bar, that had it on at 5am, you’ve gotta do, what you’ve gotta do. WHICH GAME THIS YEAR ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO? I am looking forward to playing Chelsea the way in which they have started the season. I mean we have the Manchester Derby and Liverpool. But, for me.. it’s all about Chelsea, They’ve started the season like they mean it, and I can’t wait for us to take them down. ONE LAST QUESTION, WE HAVE TO ASK.... PINK OR BROWN? Pink, definitely pink!
34 reasons why.... Manchester City will win nothing.... again!
1. Alex Ferguson is still here 2. Every player for city has never heard of city before they signed. 3. Ryan Giggs was two-years-old when City last won a trophy, and he still has a better chance than them now. 4. They were a third division club only twelve years ago 5. They’ve had 18 different managers in the last 20 years 6. They added three stars to their new club badge to fake some success. Maybe it represents the league they should be in (3rd) 7. George Weah, still find that funny!, ha ha red George it’s red 8. Bitter, just bitter 9. 40,000 inflatable bananas 10. Because even with all that money you just know they would buy Nial Quinn if they could, no really they would……. 11. Because one years gate takings won’t cover one weeks wages 12. Massive club, honest 13. Curly watts?? Their celeb. fan is curly watts?? 14. At least Chelsea were good before they had money 15. Stockport, you live in Stockport 16. Because my Nan also lives in a council house and she’s rubbish at football as well 17. Eastland’s is only sold out on derby day 18. Kicker boots are still cool honest
19. Because only 3 years ago Etihad decorated a plane with united logos 20. If I spent 300 million pounds on players I could beat Tottenham 21. If I spent 300 million pounds on players I could beat sunderdand 22. If I spent 300 million pounds on players I would beat Mancini for wasting money 24. it took robinho just three months to see they are shite 25. they have more players than fans 26. you can’t gold plate shit 27. kaka was right city are shite 28. Garry Cooke (just because) 29. www.sitwhereyoulike.com/eastlands 30.they only play for 89 minutes 31.coz they’re too busy making films 32.coz their film is about us being good 33. Too Many Options but all of them shite
34. FUCK ALL!
sexy reds
Garry the Goldfish Blows Paul the octopus out the water!
Garry the Goldfish is Red Army Fanzines very own psychic
Geraldine
Michelle
Kelly
OUR RIVAL’S LIVERPOOL
LEEDS
Keiler
Danielle DO YOU KNOW ANY SEXY REDS? EMAIL YOUR PICTURE : newsdesk@redarmyfanzine.co.uk TO BE IN FUTURE ISSUES.
Now im sure most of you have heard of Paul the octopus and yes he is very talented. But maybe fame has gone to his head. many people, including myself, are a bit skeptical about his background, maybe just maybe he’s a normal cephalopod that every now and then eats from the right bowl. We at Red Army Fanzine have had the please of meeting and bringing on board our own result predictor and he’s amazing and we believe he is United’s answer to Paul. Yes folks he not only predicts who will win but he’s able to predict the
scores too.We at Red Army Fanzine believe in only printing real fact’s and true miracles. That’s why we are pleased to have come across an honest prophet, a straight-talking, in-to the future seeing, real psychic. Now being a united fan he is reluctant to go against united United but he will always pick the scores he truly believes will be the outcome of each game. He’s name is Garry the goldfish. WE at Red Army Fanzine always get behind whatever Garry predicts and already he has predicted correct scores for some of our resent games apart from Fulham but who could have predicted that? Paul i don’t think so. Garry The
Goldfish comes from good stock, his granddad Bob the goldfish was owned and raised by Paddy Crerand. Paddy bought Bob the goldfish at the age of eight years old (Paddy not the fish) and he never spent a minute away from Bob even listening to Manchester United on the wireless together every weekend. Bob The Goldfish did rub off on Paddy, it must be said Paddy Crerand was a little bit biased after his time with Bob the Goldfish. We came in possession of Bobs grandson Garry via the gypsy that put the curse on Maine Road so Garry’s a red and he knows the future.
Garry’s predictions
We asked Garry what the result would be against Liverpool and Bolton. In regards Liverpool he instantly went over to the United flag and preceded to blow two bubbles from his mouth then sheepishly over to the dippers flag and blew 1 bubble which we read to mean 2-1 for United. Bolton was much more optimistic as he blew four for united and only one for Bolton (United 4 Bolton 1). Thanks Garry!
Northenden boat race
Red Army fanzine sponcers this years Northenden boat race to raise money for Christies.
In it’s forth year the Northenden Boat Race is one of South Manchester’s big summer event’s. This year Red Army Fanzine backed the race and for the first time in its history, ran the event for charity. Christie’s Charity received over £3,000 from the 27 boats involved, plus a charity auction after the days race.
The day went to plan and most of the boats got to the end, though one or two people had to swim back. 27 boats started the race, 54 competers, and thousands of spectators, showing how far the race has come, from the original 2 boat race 4 years ago. The winner was one of our own, Darren Lamb (Red Army Fanzine) and Anthony Macmillan (Southport FC) who, even if we say so ourselves, had a 50 yard (plus) lead over the second place. We spoke to Andy Cameron and Mark Chapman two of the Boat Race organizers about this years event “the turn out this year was great and the
result was as controversial as ever. I was told some cheating went on at the start by the winning team but the judges let it go. From the first year to now, the leap in people rolling up and raising money for Christies is great and Red Army Fanzine’s help has been fantastic”. High points of the day included a cross-dressing team called ‘two oars in a boat’ who won best effort though they came in second to last. Ex-Crew and Altrincham player, now on the training staff at Manchester United, Colin Little turned up with the smallest boat ever, entered into the competition. Not much bigger than a lilo, the boat completed a whole 5 or 10 yard before deflating, sinking and knocking him out of the race. We look forward to next years race on bank holiday Sunday in August at high noon.
over seas supporters with Łukasz Chrobok In 1991 Legia Warsaw played in UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup against Man United. That was first moment when Polish Fans could to see United live. MUSC PL(Manchester United supporters club ploland) consider this match as unofficial beginning of our branch. The years before were like in Middle Ages of supporting. Internet was undeveloped and the news about MUFC we were taking mainly from tv and from teletext. Nobody even dream’t about traveling to Manchester, only a few people in that time had the possibility to realized this dreams. Today in age of cheaper air lines it is totally different. In 2007 few lads from Silesia in Poland decided to register our activity in administrative court. It was result of our meetings in cities and watching together United’s matches. We had got small but very strong group of people with passion. I have to tell you here about the man who made a huge
work in developing of polish musc. WithoutMateusz Barwa vel ShadowWinter we wouldn’t be where we are today. Also important was our chairman Wojtek Pielok vel Prezes. This guys are the biggest united fans as I’ve ever met. One year after that, after we were registered we had our first travel to Manchester as Supporters Club. By Wojtek Pielok who organized ticket at the game against WHU in October 2008 we had chance to be at old Trafford. Before that day of course, people were visiting stadiums in UK, in other countries at champions league but never before in so big group! 20 polish reds spent about 3 days in Manchester. That was something amazing, being together in the Bishop and chanting with mancunians chants, which we were singing before only in Poland, watching matches in tv in pubs. Our flag has been on SE.
I had the honour with about 5-6 my lads to seat, wrong, to stand at Stretford. That was unbelievable. My first match at OT and straight away on this legendary stand. We were chanting all match. Nowadays we count about 200 members and we are official fan club authorized by old Trafford in last year. Main of our members are adult and posses One United what is required by OT. How much is cost of be member in MUSC PL? We have membership fees in about 200 zlotych what is 40-45 pounds. The main of this is cost is from One United membership which MUSC PL buy each year for every adult member. Every year in vacations we’re organizing meeting of our members in small town in central of our country. In next week about 60 of us will be drinking beer, chanting, playing football,
talking and having a great time in Sulejów. A great moment was a Audi Cup in Munich. We were there in very strong count about 50-60 lads. Munich is about 800 km from Katowice from where we started our trip in rented bus. We made good mood in Allianz Arena on our stand. We’re traveling also very often to Manchester last time, after we had been official SC. In each month someone from Polish MUSC is on Old Trafford. Our dream is possibility to getting ticket on away matches in Premier League. Why? There is the best atmosphere! Unfortunately modern football is killing chanting on stadiums, standing… it’s horrible. Glazers time is hard try for fans. Lot of our members is also supporting FC United. If we are in Manchester, and FC is playing somewhere where we can go, always we are there.
KS O O B STEVE BROOKES RED
What happens when you’re in the pub and some idiot makes a point about something you know is wrong. The sort of quote or information that only a stupid child would believe (the sort of slow, lame, incredibly large cretinism that only a window licker with the brain of a brick would go with). Don’t you just hate it when you know better, but there is no way to prove it? We have all been there, me twice a week at least. It’s the moment when the moron say’s “Paul Schole’s has scored 180 goals for united” or “I was there when we scored 9 goals against villa”, they are far fetched but you get the idea. Well here is a good way to solve this problem, Steve Brookes has wrote all the facts down in a…wait for it because it’s brilliant …A BOOK! The publication has upon its pages every result since 1992, every league table, every squad list, manager profile, player profiles, chairmen, profiles, history and background, trophies, head to head v Man City since the beginning and a lot more. So, should you need to win that argument or just use the figures to remind you of the games and seasons you saw, this is the book for you. The book is available in all good bookshops or you can get your copy by going to: http://manutd4life.webs.com On which you can use PayPal or other methods. so go-on, get quoting! for a signed copy tel: 07917 175 808 email: sbpublications@yahoo.co.uk
Below is a Extract from the Book.... First Games of Every Season English Premier Sheff Utd 2-1 Man Utd 15-08-1992 English Premier Norwich 0-2 Man Utd 15-08-1993 English Premier Man Utd 2-0 QPR 20-08-1994 English Premier Aston Villa 3-1 Man Utd 19-08-1995 English Premier MK Dons 0-3 Man Utd 17-08-1996 English Premier Tottenham 0-2 Man Utd 10-08-1997 English Premier Man Utd 2-2 Leicester 15-08-1998 English Premier Everton 1-1 Man Utd 08-08-1999 English Premier Man Utd 2-0 Newcastle 20-08-2000 English Premier Man Utd 3-2 Fulham 19-08-2001 English Premier Man Utd 1-0 West Brom 17-08-2002 English Premier Man Utd 4-0 Bolton 16-08-2003 English Premier Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd 15-08-2004 English Premier Everton 0-2 Man Utd 13-08-2005 English Premier Man Utd 5-1 Fulham 20-08-2006 English Premier Man Utd 0-0 Reading 12-08-2007 English Premier Man Utd 1-1 Newcastle 17-08-2008
Jokes Sponsors back Rooney over prostitute claims. Actual slogans for his sponsors. Coca-cola have said “You can’t beat the feeling” Nike responded “Just do it” Where as EA sports have changed theirs to “She’s on the Game” Two Scousers race off the edge of a cliff. Who wins.....Society
Apparently man city were trying to sign Frank Ribery pre season. The bid was dropped because, if Ribery was playing with Tevez, any televised matches would have to be shown after 9pm
Liverpool’s new signing, Rigobert Song from Cameroon, has just played his first game for the once ‘Mighty Reds’. He dashes into the player’s lounge and phones his mother to tell her all about it. “Oh, Rigobert,” she squeals, “I am so pleased and proud of you, at last you are playing for a great team - they may not be as great as they once were but I hear they have won the European Cup four times. “But, son, things are not so good at home. I am really worried. The violence is getting too much, your sister has been raped twice, your dear Grandmother has been attacked in the street, there is raw sewage running down the roads, its becoming more like a war-zone every day. “How we let you talk us into coming and living in liverpool, I’ll never know....” Q: Why dont you get a cup of tea at anfield? A: Because all the mugs are on the field and all the cups are at old trafford.
More match fixing allegations emerged today after man city players were accused of deliberately playing shit for the last thirty four years
Alex Ferguson is walking down Sir Matt Busby way when he sees Rio and his brother messing around in the hedges next to him. Well that’s why he signed him……….. Because a Ferdinand is worth two in a bush Q: How can you tell a level headed Liverpool fan? A: He dribbles on both sides of his mouth —at the same time
SONGS FROM THE TERRACES Who’s that knocking on the closet? Who’s that knocking at the door? It’s Mancini with his broom, Come to sweep the trophy room, Cos they haven’t won a thing in 34 Forget about Ronaldo, and Carlos Tevez too. Cos we have got a man, he’s United through and through. He may twat your groundsmen, or bomb down the left wing. He’s French, He’s fast, He’s fucking class so hear United sing. Tra La La Laaaa, Patrice Evra Huray!, Huray!, It’s a BeBe holiday, He used to live in a dirty skip, now he’s on ten grand a day!
34 years just waiting for a chance to win another trophy give silver wear a glance coz for 34 years i bin living next door to city CITY WHO THE FUCK ARE CITY
HARISH VISHRAM
CHESTER ROAD NEWS selling newspapers, magazines and other goods, including greetings cards, stationery, cigarettes, sweets and cold drinks
674 Chester Road Stretford manchester
Why i love The European Cup by Tom Stafford
Let me set the scene. The date is Tuesday the 10 of April 2007, the venue is a buzzing Old Trafford with an atmosphere so electric you could be mistaken for someone who has just put their finger in a plug socket. With less then twenty minutes on the clock, Alan Smith has just fired United into a two goal lead on the night and turned the aggregate score on it’s head. Roma were stunned. You could sense this was going to be a special European night and fortunately for United fans, we get our fair share of them. Every year when the draw comes around, United fans, particularly match going ones, crowd around the Television to see which teams are going to be visiting O.T and which weird and wonderful cities we can look forward to visiting on our travels. In the Premier League we are subjected to much of the same ‘Soccer AM’
inspired nonsense that away fans aim at us, but we know that in Europe, we can look forward to different nationalities of fans bringing their countries terrace culture to our stadium. Whenever people ask me who brings the best fans to Old Trafford, my answer is always a European team. European football has always been a big part of Manchester United. Starting with Sir Matt Busby championing British teams entering The European Cup and ending up where we are today. Three European Cups to our name out of the four finals we have played in. Not to mention The Cup Winners’ Cup success in 1991. We’ll never forget the young men who lost their lives representing our football club in the Munich air disaster. Many older Red’s assure me that without that day we would be the ones singing “we’ve won it five
times” or maybe even six or seven. We were the first English side to win the European cup in 1968 and the last to do so in 2008. It saddens me when you see so much apathy towards the group stages of the Champions League now. I know that growing ticket prices and the credit crunch have made it harder for many Reds to make every game and the emergence of the Automatic Cup Scheme hasn’t helped matters at all. We’ve been very fortunate over the last twenty years to be as successful as we have been and maybe qualifying for The Champions League has become something we now take for granted. All I know is that you don’t really miss something until it’s gone and when Old Trafford is rocking like it was that night against Roma, there is no place on earth I’d rather be.
Boycott the Daily Mirror – won’t stop until they’ve gone too far. by YOLKIE
The Daily mirror. Whether
patting United on the back with hand and stabbing them in the same place with the other as in 2000 or whether employing someone whose CV must read of just “I hate Man Utd and I car not rite very wel”, the Mirror have for a long time been the scourge of Britain’s most popular football club. Their Wayne Rooney expose – published with no direct quote or evidence from anyone with a name, and published despite Rooney having obtained a “super injunction” – showed the lengths they will go to in order to attack Manchester United. Coming just 18 months after a former Mirror journalist who now writes for Football365 proudly admitted to his part in encouraging the burning effigies of Beckham in 1998 (though backtracks with a “I didn’t tell them to do it!” style comment) and implored England supporters to treat Rooney as “non human” for no other reason than dislike, one has to wonder where the Mirror will stop. The unpleasant thing is that you would imagine they
won’t stop until they’ve gone too far. And, sadly, splitting a family up doesn’t seem like a step too far. Publishing the story with just a few days to go until Rooney heads to a venue – Goodison – where he is likely to come under extreme abuse, is asking for something else. I implore all United supporters reading this and having the same thoughts on their conscience to do s omething about it. Stop reading or buying the Mirror, or write to complain. Read on, for why. It matters not whether the story is true, in this instance. If it is true, then Wayne Rooney has been a very silly boy indeed. He will know that. But this is part of the celebrity culture we live in and the constant accessibility that players both court and feed from often comes back to bite them. Rooney’s every move throughout his career has been under a microscope; this year alone has seen the majority of the media almost willing him to get injured for 4 months (ending with the inevitable) and castigating him for daring to indulge in
normal young man activities like having a night out. This shouldn’t matter to the 70,000+ match goers every other week and those millions around the world who want to watch him play 90 minutes for United and concern themselves with supporting the club only. But the intended vitriol focussed on Rooney is done so with the one purpose of detracting from his club form so they can revel in United’s subsequent probable lack of success. Rooney is a shy lad, but has still made himself accessible to the media, so it begs the question, why pick on him? There are other players with “injuctions” out, one “allegedly” a Liverpool player. No-one of course can touch that. Liverpool are currently afforded an indefinite blanket of media protection postHillsborough, where the Sun and the News of the World daren’t publish anything truly negative about the club and the Mirror, having curried favour with them as a result for the last 20 years, revel in the fact they can do things to destabilise United. Why would they want to ruin the relationship with Liverpool now?
One can only look at the way they reported on the Gerrard / DJ incident and the angle they have chosen to pursue the Rooney story. With Gerrard, the Liverpool player was described as “gentle” and the DJ as “foul mouthed” despite the video evidence from Radio City revealing an unprovoked attack. Rooney has been portrayed as the villain of this piece against an “innocent” prostitute! The video “interview” with said prostitute consists of no information whatsoever save for an answer of “yes” to the question “did you sleep with Wayne Rooney”, which is followed by a stupid smile. Without wanting to question the cast-iron credibility of someone who charges money for sex and willingly sleeps with expectant fathers, the beaming smile at answering the question screams of someone not quite being completely honest. In the following days of the nightclub DJ incident the Mirror launched a hard defence of Gerrard; one only imagines what kind of childish insults resident fool Derek McGovern is conjuring up in his mentally challenged cranium considering his illustrious past. Please bear in mind I’m not comparing the incidents, I’m comparing the Mirror’s treatment of both stories at similar stages.
As I said, though, it’s the continued dedication to attacking Manchester United that is going too far. The alleged affair took place almost a year ago; the injunction talk has been around since April. The Mirror have chosen to go against the injunction because filth sells; that’s no big surprise and my reaction isn’t one of naivety. But choosing to reveal the story now, with Rooney looking like finding form and with Everton away as his next game? Choosing to go with the story now, with Rooney’s kid almost a year old, knowing that you’re sending the man into a lions den next Saturday. Very classy, fellas. Fergie is faced with two options, drop Rooney to save him the incredible level of abuse he is destined to face, or field him and put him through it. I’ve no problem with Everton supporters as a whole but let’s face it, there will be one or two trying to get very personal with him when he’s within earshot. And that’s the best case scenario. Is this kind of incitement what helps the people at the Mirror go to sleep at night? On their business charter is “constant harassment of Manchester United” their paramount objective? Over at Football 365 the writer who was working for the Mirror at the time (whose name evades me, I think it was Nick Miller
but I can’t be sure as the article has since been deleted) openly confessed with writing a piece after the World Cup in 1998 with the intention of getting up Fergie’s back. Outstanding professionalism. Proudly describing the inspiration for the headline of “our duty to taunt Beckham”. Why would any right thinking individual write such a thing? Why, after seeing what happened with Beckham in the following months, would they think it’s right to try and put another player through it? Why choose NOW to release a story that has been around the blocks for a while, with no evidence to support it? It’s less than soulless, it’s vindictive. It’s seeing what happened in 1998 and hoping for similar or worse results. Wayne Rooney might well be a silly boy; but it’s those at the Mirror that should be ashamed of themselves even more. They were responsible for encouraging and inciting the behaviour towards Beckham in 1998. They’re just as responsible for doing so now, with the knowledge of how their writing can influence the behaviour of thousands of morons. When will they stop? Sadly, the answer clearly seems to be, “not until they’ve gone too far”.
Are we right or what? I’m not sure which bit gets on my nerves more? Is it the fact that even after the World Cup shambles, the papers and TV are still scrambling to show and cover every moment of The National side whether it is important or not, or is it the point that Wayne Rooney yet again is the talk of the town. What ever your views on what he did or did not do with a prostitute, I’m sure you would agree with me when I say, the part of the whole ordeal that get’s me annoyed is the way in which the press rally together to have a dig at him. With the story on the front and
back of every paper across the land, the crime (which by the way is not a crime) he has committed is in his personal life and should not and I’m sure will not affect his professional career. Take for instance, those cricketers who if proven guilty not only shamed their sport, own names and their livelihood but also their own country. These players have not been put through the same coverage as Rooney by a mile. Ok, I’m not saying they have been ignored but the coverage was on a smaller scale and was one sided. The reason the press
target footballers is because of the role model theory. Using the point that young kids look up to them and want to be like them, so if they go and do something like Rooney has done, they act like this will increase gun crime in the future and probably bring down England as a whole or some shite like that? The cricketers somehow don’t fall under the same firing line, even though they not only cheated at their game but made some good money out of it too, how’s that for a role model? Are we right or what?
football quiz The very hard Man United quiz
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By
7. Which Utd player was nicknamed the judge?
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Der Rote Meister
1.What was Paul Scholes first senior honours for United?
8. Who were England’s opponents when Bobby Charlton won his 100 cap?
2. Only 3 utd players have scored over 200 goals for the Red Devils, can you name them?
9. In which year did United sign Eric Cantona?
3.In which year was the King Denis Law voted European footballer of the year? 4.Who was the first black player to play for Utd? 5. Name uniteds first foreign signing? 6. What is utd’s biggest F.A. cup victory?
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10. Who did George Best score 6 goals against in the F.A cup match in 1970?
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11. Who was the manager of United before Sir Matt Busby (God bless him)? 12. Matt Busby broke the British transfer record in 1962 when he brought the lawman to Old Trafford, how much did Denis cost?
Crossword Across 3. Who scored the goal that is said to have saved sir Alex’s job 4,6 8. what is Manchester United kit man called who starred in an advert with Ronaldo 6,6 11. Who was sir Alex Ferguson’s first signing as united manager 3,8 12. What is United new signing Bebe’s First name 5 13. How many times united won the fa cup 6 14. What was Brain Mc Clairs nickname 6 Down 1. When Andy cole signed for Newcastle United who went the other way as part of the
deal 5,10 2. Where was Ryan Giggs born 7 4. Who was United manager before sir Alex 3,8 5. Aganst which club did Mark Hughes score his first senior hat trick 5,5 6. Who was sir Alex’s first assistant at Manchester United 6,4 7. Which club signed Paul Ince from United in 1995 5,5 9. Which team ended United’s 40 year unbeated home record in European competition 10 10. Who was united goalkeeper in the 1989-90 fa cup final win 3,6
What’s going on folks? By Sufiyan Kala
Newcastle at home. First day of the season and the second song in, “Who’s that t**t from Argentina”. How uplifting it must be for the players when after all that happened last season; narrowly missing out on the league, unluckily getting knocked out of the European Cup and the bad luck with injuries at the wrong times of the season we sing about somebody who no longer wears the famous red. Our support never fails to amaze me at times! Even at the end of last season at crucial times in matches the oncegreat-now-become-s**t Wesley Brown song was being sung for no apparent reason. Sometimes Wesley wasn’t playing and sometimes he wasn’t even on the bench altogether. Our support needs a kick up the backside. Since the rise of the G&G campaign, Old Trafford has been a louder place, the first match versus Hull was quite a vocal one with the scarves being twirled
and the songs being sung. Our results also proved that the atmosphere in the stands was channelling out onto the pitch. So why some of our fans feel need to sing about players who no longer play for us or players who aren’t on the pitch or even on the bench just mystifies me! Where’s the originality gone? Whenever the Calypso is sung, it’s almost a race to see who can finish it first. Sweat drips from my head every time I clap along to it. “Take me home” is always sung with half a heart and the holding of scarves whilst singing “We’ll Never Die” has become almost a crime because the husband and wife who’ve only been coming since 2003 can’t see from behind you! Old Trafford’s atmosphere has had some
cynicism thrown towards it over the previous years with there being too many ‘prawn sandwich brigadiers’ and the ‘funeral’ type atmosphere described by Fergie after the dreadful performance off the pitch against Birmingham in 2007. But we’ve proved on so many occasions, against Roma, Milan, Liverpool (in 2007), Barcelona ( in 2008), Arsenal ( in 2009), Milan, Bayern (for the first 43 minutes anyway), City, Liverpool
JCL’s don’t help one bit. and a few more last The airing of more origiseason that if the fans nal songs, U-N-I-T-E-D are given a kick up the (although it involves City backside, if the fans are is a good one to get the given the firing up that is needed then ‘it’s just another atmosphere going), we can reclaim match’ to ‘this could slower the ‘louder be my last United versions of than a jumbo jet’ roar of the match and I intend to the Calypso Stretford End make as much noise asand more songs about when Rooney possible’ players. heads in a last But mostly minute winner. We can reclaim the rivalry we need to change the attitude of the United fans between each stand to see that come week in week who’s loudest. How do we out from ‘it’s just another do that? Well getting in match’ to ‘this could be my early for starters helps the last United match and I inatmosphere build, the
Apathy society meeting
tend to make as much noise as possible’. Now I’m not say this will definitely change the atmosphere from rather dull at times to a cauldron or noise but it will somewhat improve it. It doesn’t matter if we’re playing Barcelona or Bristol City, Liverpool or Hartlepool. Old Trafford should always be a cauldron of noise, an intimidating place for away fans and players to come. We’ve done it for the odd game now we need to aim to do it for nearly every game!
eastlands branch
Apathy society meeting...... Hello my lazy can’t be bothered friends! Just a quick thank you to all the apathy society members Who did not make it to the last meeting and to let you Know the lack of turn out was fantastic! Unfortunately due to illness I did make to the last Meeting my self, but I was overwhelmed by the sheer deficiency and absolute absence of all Our die easy member’s. can’t wait not to see you at the next game.
Win lose or draw by Ian Barber As the boo’s and jeers echoed around Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium in late June, a dejected Wayne Rooney trudged off to the dressing room, making his feelings know to ITV’s waiting cameras. ‘’Nice to see your own fans booing you, that’s loyal support’’, muttered our number 10, much to the disgust of a nation of misguided once every four year football fanatics. ‘’We’ve paid good money to come here, they should at least beat Algeria’’, cried hosts of cretins across South Africa. And this is the reason why they’ll never realise what it’s like to be a United fan. Or at least it should be. The pain of losing to Leeds last term was bad enough, but to hear large portions of the so called Old Trafford faithful booing and hissing at the eleven men in red at half time was outrageous. I’ll admit we were awful and Wellbeck was woeful, but if you think that booing your team is the perfect tonic to being humiliated for 45 minutes by your rivals then seriously, fuck off to Eastlands. The simple fact is that we are United. You’ve all seen the banner, not arrogant, just better. We have the best team, the best manager, the best ground and the richest history in the land. I’d dearly love to write that our fans are leagues above every other club, but we’re increasingly being let down by a ‘booing’ minority. Leeds, unfortunately, is just the tip of Iceberg. Care to remember Sunderland at home last season? Blackburn away? The
latter featured some of the most vicious victimisation of a player in recent memory. It was clear to see that Dimitar was having an absolute holocaust, as Carlton Palmer might say, but the abuse hurtled his way was horrific. For one reason or another, the laxydasical Bulgarian hasn’t exactly enamoured himself to us, but let’s at least respect the shirt. As far as I’m concerned, I’m proud as fuck to be a Manchester United fan. The sound of ‘’we’ll keep the red flag flying high’’ ringing in my ears during the very occasional bad result makes me happy to be a red. It’s not just about winning trophies, it’s about feeling part of your club, so much so that it feels like it runs in your veins. This is what keeps us coming back each week, and football fans all over the country as they flock to a most of the time windswept ground in the pissing down rain every Saturday. For us, with our success, comes evil. The day-trippers, the glory supporters, the prawn sandwich eaters and the tourists that have been fragmenting our support for the last decade. Sure, they pump money into the club, although at the moment that’s not necessarily a good thing. With this new breed of United fan comes an overriding expectancy with about as much patience as Stevie G with a shit DJ. These types will scream and shout, boo and jeer, or even have a wander into the team’s dressing room to have a nice little chat about where it all went tits up.
At the end of the day you have to ask yourself what is your reason for supporting United? I was born a red, and was taken down to Old Trafford only a couple of years later for my first taste of M16 and Warwick Road. I’d dearly love to remember my first match but I was too young to probably know where the hell I was. Unfortunately, I’m not old enough to proclaim that I was there for Division 2 football, or the wilderness years of Sexton, but I’d like to think my attitude has always been the same. Win, Lose or Draw, it doesn’t matter, because I’m here enjoying watching the team I’ve followed all my life. Personally, one of my greatest memories of following United was the 96 FA Cup Final, probably still up there as one of the best days of my life. Having dragged my extremely pissed off Dad to Wembley at 9am for a 3 o clock kick off, the atmosphere and the feeling of following my local team down to London was electrifying. We could have been trounced by the dippers that day and it wouldn’t have
mattered. The standards at this club have been set so high by those who have preceded us that we must continue to strive to maintain our honourable history. With this in mind, at the time of going to press, Wazza’s actions are scattered all over the red tops with pretty incriminating evidence of his infidelities. While many of us seem split on the issue, here comes my two pence. While I will not be booing or abusing Wayne for his pretty fucking stupid actions, I sure as hell won’t act in the pathetic way Chelsea fans did when Mr Chelsea himself was revealed to be the terrible twat we knew he was all along. We shouldn’t sink to their level and condone that kind of behaviour, as I’m sure Fergie will agree. Let’s face it, 2010-11 is going to be as tough as ever, but the unwritten rule which every manchester United fan sould know and adhere too is WIN, LOSE OR DRAW you never EVER boo a united player.
Statistics
Two great players...
Paul Scholes is one of those player’s you just can’t live without, just look at England. Famed for his extremely professional approach to the beautiful game, Paul is the backbone of the club now and has been for years. Ever strong and versatile Paul looks as good now as he did back then. ‘I’m not the best, Paul Scholes is.’ - Edgar Davids. ‘I tell anyone who asks me - Scholes is the best English player.’ - Laurent Blanc. ‘An all-round midfielder who possesses quality and character in abundance.’ - Italian World Cup-winning
manager Marcello Lippi.
Name: Duncan Edwards Usual position: Wing half Shirt number: 6 Height: 180cm (5ft 11ins) Date of birth: 01 October 1936 Birth place: Dudley United debut: 1953 to 1958 Appearances: 177 Goals scored: 21
Busby said: “Duncan Edwards is the most complete footballer in Britain - possibly the world”
DUNCAN EDWARDS
PAUL SCHOLES
Name: Paul Scholes Usual position: Midfielder Shirt number: 18 Height: 1.70m (5ft 7ins) Date of birth: 16 November 1974 Birth place: Salford United debut: 1991 to present Appearances: 445 (as of august) Goals scored: 101 (as of august) Fergie said: “Paul Scholes is blessed with something special”
..One great team
Statistics
Legend, the ‘TANK’. Down on our statistics as a wing half Mr. Edwards could play pretty much anywhere in any conditions. Famed for his power and size this all time great would push and fight his way though anything and anyone. I genuinely think that if Duncan was on the market today even at 1950’s standards and fitness united would sign him up. One of the great and famous Busby Babes this talented man was lost in the Munich Air Disaster. But, before this he had already proved his place among the greats both for his club and country. ‘the only player that made me feel inferior’ -Bobby Charlton ‘there is no doubt in my mind that Duncan would have become the greatest player ever. Not just in British football, with United and England, but the best in the world.’
-Tommy Dochert
Forum comment of the week
Forum comment of the week for the first issue is a belter! we saw this piece sent in by Cantona7 and we think its great:
“Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the most absurd film idea of all time . A film about Manchester City who haven’t won anything in 34 years, cannot fill their ground but all of a sudden have an Arab sugar daddy pumping billions into the club to buy success only to finish fifth last season. The film starts apparently w...ith their first leg victory over United in the League Cup (even featuring United’s supporters red flare ruining their big “blue moon” pre-game display in the trailer) and then goes on to doucument how United ruined every chance they had of any silverware with dramatic last minute winners, also denying them a place in the European Cup. Essentially, Manchester City have made a film about how Manchester United ruined their season. If they weren’t real, we’d make them up for a laugh.” We checked the trailor out and found some reviews and he’s right. To get involed or have your say log on to www.redarmyforum.co.uk and we will print the best comments next time. Turn out was as good as match day
Blue moon rising paper reviews:
The SUN:
Purley decortive
The Times gave it four star’s followed by the words “ing rubbish”
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