Despite their relatively short history – playing their first game in 2005 – several players have played for FC United of Manchester as well as the Shaymen.
Simon Garner played for FC United before joining Town and in December 2010 scored in a fixture between the sides. The game, played at Gigg Lane, was decided by Garner’s 52nd minute header right in front of a sizeable travelling support.
Scott McManus, by far now FC Halifax Town’s longest serving player, had signed for FC United in 2010 after being released by Crewe Alexandra.
His stay wasn’t a long one and he signed for the Shaymen the following year where he has remained since. McManus is currently still side-lined with an injury sustained in the FA Trophy final.
Steve Torpey signed for the old club Halifax Town AFC from FC United in 2006, after he had the honour of scoring the fan-owned club’s first ever goal, in a friendly against Flixton. Torpey left the Shaymen in 2008 for Stalybridge Celtic, but did play again briefly for FC United in 2010/11 before retiring.
Luke Ashworth signed for Halifax in December 2011, but only made a handful of appearances before leaving in 2012. Defender Ashworth, along with McManus and Garner, was a part of the squad that lost in the 2011/12 Conference North play-offs 3-2 on aggregate to Gainsborough Trinity. Ashworth is a current FC United of Manchester player along with two other former Shaymen: Harry Winter and Dale Johnson.
Central midfielder Winter initially joined Town on loan from Northwich Victoria in the 2009/10 season, but was recalled by his parent club in March 2010. He signed on a permanent deal for the Shaymen later that year but his season was plagued by injury and he left in 2011. He has also played for Chorley and Trafford. Winter joined FC United in November 2015.
Despite showing early promise, Dale Johnson’s Town career was cruelly ravaged by injury. He was ultimately released in 2013, having spent time out on loan at Barrow but being unable to reclaim his 1st XI place upon returning to the Shay.
Johnson signed for FC United in March of this year and has also played for Altrincham, Hyde, Droylsden, Salford City and Ashton United – for whom he signed upon leaving the Shay.
Read more posts by Kelly Gilchrist
;
