FC United of Manchester name Tom Greaves as permanent boss

By Matt Bishop
FC United of Manchester have announced the permanent appointment of Tom Greaves as the club’s new manager, with Jack Doyle named assistant manager and Tom Conroy named first team coach.
The National League North side parted company with the club’s only ever manager, Karl Marginson, in October after a torrid run of form, and Greaves was appointed caretaker player/manager.
During his time at the helm, the 32-year-old and his backroom staff oversaw four wins and two defeats, and he is delighted to have been given the job on a permanent basis.
Speaking to the club’s website, Greaves said: “The idea of going into management, once my playing career was over, is something I’ve had in my mind for quite a while.
“This has come much sooner than I expected, but with Tom and Jack and all the backroom staff, I’m lucky to have a fantastic team alongside me. I’ve enjoyed the experience so far, and it’s definitely given me a taste for more.”
FC United are currently languishing just one place above the relegation zone, three points clear of Nuneaton Town, and Greaves’ task this term will be to keep the Rebels in the National League North – with the fans on his side.
“My approach to football is pretty simple.” said the new boss. “I want to see good, attacking football – I know how important that is to the supporters at the club.
“Above all, I want to see hard work out there, playing for the badge. In my eyes there no excuse for any player to not got out there and give it their all. The fans will back the players to the hilt, so long as they knew they were out there giving 110%.”
“I’m under no illusion of the difficult task ahead. We are in a relegation battle, and we’re in for a real fight over the coming months.
The division is tight enough that going on a good run can really catapult us up the league, but I’m conscious we’ve got a tough December that could send us the other way. But I’m confident we’ll get out of the situation we’re in.”
“The attitude of the lads in the dressing room has been second to none. I’ve been left a squad of really talented players. What stands out to me is how dedicated they all are.
We’re taking one game at a time at the moment, and that’s meant we’ve changed things up with tactics from game to game. That the lads have all been willing to adapt to the changes, without complaints, is a testament to their attitude.”