Workington Reds host the NPL Premier Division leaders tonight (7.45pm) but they won’t have with them their big star ‘signing’.
FC United of Manchester produced a major surprise pre-season when they announced that Man United legend Eric Cantona had become a co-owner with members of his family.
Cantona lives in Lisbon with his actress wife but has maintained strong links with Manchester.
At the time FC United of Manchester reported: “It’s not every day you welcome a footballing legend to Broadhurst Park but it’s even better when he leaves as a fellow co-owner.”
Cantona spent several hours at a private function hosted by the club.
The club said afterwards: “Eric was warm, curious and incredibly supportive of what we stand for.
“He took a real interest in the club, spending time with us to learn more about our journey, our values and the power of doing football differently. It’s fair to say he got it.
“We’re proud to announce that Eric has now joined FC United as a co-owner. Not only that, but he’s also signed up all four of his children and his two brothers too – showing real commitment to the club and everything it represents.
“Even more excitingly, Eric has agreed to keep in touch and explore an ongoing relationship with the club.”
Cantona is not on the official guest list sent to Workington by FC United of Manchester ahead of tonight’s game.
Reds go into the game having registered their first win of the season on Saturday, a good 2-1 victory at Bamber Bridge.
Manager Darren Edmondson was delighted for the players “who worked their socks off” to get that elusive first success.
But he knows full well they have to follow up with a positive performance and result tonight against the league leaders.
There were no worrying injuries on Saturday and the same group should be available tonight.
Injuries are still likely to keep out three of Saturday’s absentees – Kyle Nugent, Cieran Casson and Hayden Atkinson.
Two players who joined Reds two months ago have been released and are returning to former club Holker Old Boys – Nathan Reid and Tom Dawson, who scored both their goals on Saturday.
