Post by Scott on Jul 7, 2006 13:28:43 GMT
From Salford Advertiser:
RYAN Giggs’ brother Rhodri could be following in his sibling’s famous footsteps by signing for United - well almost.
The 29-year-old Salfordian is training with FC United of Manchester, the club formed by supporters of Manchester United following Malcolm Glazer’s take over at Old Trafford, after he impressed the club’s management during a charity game at De La Salle in May.
Rhodri, originally from Swinton, played for a celebrity team against FCUM in the fundraiser for injured rugby player Chris McGuirk and reds’ assistant manager and fellow Salfordian Phil Power asked him to go along to the club’s first pre-season training last week.
While Ryan’s success with Man United is well documented, Rhodri has had a less successful time. He was highly rated as a young footballer and had trials at several clubs but his career was hampered by off the field incidents which included a spell in prison for a nightclub brawl in August 2001 and he was also the victim of a car-jacking in Manchester in 2004.
However, he has continued to play at a semi-professional level and Power says he’s got a real chance of making FCUM’s first team and the chance to play in front of up to 6,000 fans at Gigg Lane, Bury in the North West Counties first division.
Power said: "I’ve known Rhodri for a few years and our ‘keeper Phil Melville also knows him, so when we saw him play in the charity game we asked him to come training. He looked good in the game and still has the touch he had when he was younger, and he also impressed in training.
"He plays across the front, either wide on either side or down the middle so if selected he will offer a few new options for us next season. He’s been playing for Mossley last season, so he’s in good shape and fitness will not be a problem."
Rhodri could be given a chance to shine when FC play their first pre-season friendly away at Radcliffe Borough on Saturday, July 15.
RYAN Giggs’ brother Rhodri could be following in his sibling’s famous footsteps by signing for United - well almost.
The 29-year-old Salfordian is training with FC United of Manchester, the club formed by supporters of Manchester United following Malcolm Glazer’s take over at Old Trafford, after he impressed the club’s management during a charity game at De La Salle in May.
Rhodri, originally from Swinton, played for a celebrity team against FCUM in the fundraiser for injured rugby player Chris McGuirk and reds’ assistant manager and fellow Salfordian Phil Power asked him to go along to the club’s first pre-season training last week.
While Ryan’s success with Man United is well documented, Rhodri has had a less successful time. He was highly rated as a young footballer and had trials at several clubs but his career was hampered by off the field incidents which included a spell in prison for a nightclub brawl in August 2001 and he was also the victim of a car-jacking in Manchester in 2004.
However, he has continued to play at a semi-professional level and Power says he’s got a real chance of making FCUM’s first team and the chance to play in front of up to 6,000 fans at Gigg Lane, Bury in the North West Counties first division.
Power said: "I’ve known Rhodri for a few years and our ‘keeper Phil Melville also knows him, so when we saw him play in the charity game we asked him to come training. He looked good in the game and still has the touch he had when he was younger, and he also impressed in training.
"He plays across the front, either wide on either side or down the middle so if selected he will offer a few new options for us next season. He’s been playing for Mossley last season, so he’s in good shape and fitness will not be a problem."
Rhodri could be given a chance to shine when FC play their first pre-season friendly away at Radcliffe Borough on Saturday, July 15.
