West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC preview

The build up to the 2016/2017 campaign continues on Tuesday evening as FC United make the short trip Chorlton to take on West Didsbury & Cholrton AFC.

The game itself will be played as a memorial match for Rob Turley, West Didsbury & Chorlton’s Vice Chairman who passed away last month.

Money raised on the evening will be donated towards Turley’s favoured charity Betel UK, a charity dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives following issues with drugs and alcohol.

Turley joined the club, what was then known as West Didsbury AFC, 41 years ago and made his name in the Lancashire and Cheshire League as a prolific centre forward.

Following retirement from playing, he took every role possible in supporting the club including, but not exclusive to, manager, chairman and secretary. It was during the club’s time in the Lancashire and Cheshire League that he was awarded the honour of League President.

Turley was the driving force behind the club’s ability to find their Brookburn Road home in the 1990s and their rise from the Lancashire & Cheshire League and into the North West Counties Football League in the 2000s.

Turley passed away following the final home game of last season after a prolonged battle with illness. The respect Rob had earned within the game was evident in the days following his passing with the outpouring of messages throughout football.

Club Chairman Glyn Meacher said: “Rob’s contribution to this football club was unrivalled and his passing has had a massive effect on everyone at the football club. We’re delighted that we can welcome FC United to Brookburn Road for a third time; and we are grateful for them agreeing to help the club honour Rob in front of his friends and his family.

“Rob worked tirelessly to help others, for no personal gain, in football and for charitable causes. Thanks to the large crowd we are expecting to attract on the evening we are hoping to make a sizeable donation in Rob’s name to his chosen charity Betel.???

The two teams have met twice previously with United still to register a victory after going down 3-1 in a pre-season game in 2013 and then drawing 1-1 in 2014.

Our hosts currently play in the North West Counties Premier League at level nine of the league pyramid. Last season, they had a great season finishing fifth in the league table, although their total of 68 points was a fair way off champions Colne who were promoted with 100 points.

Tuesday’s game is a 7.45pm kick off with admission and match details provided below. So get yourself to that football ground.

Tuesday 12th July kick off 7.45pm
West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC v FC United
The Recreation Ground
Brookburn Road
Chorlton
Manchester M21 8FE

Admission is £5 for adults, £3 concessions and free for under 12s accompanied by an adult.