Fan of the week

FC United of Manchester fanatic Robert Thompson contacted the website during the summer to say he was counting down the days until the new season as the summer was a living hell without being able to watch his team or any NonLeague football.

And Robert insists he loves NonLeague football despite some fans from clubs of other clubs suspecting otherwise.

Robert really doesn't quite understand the dislike shown to his team by some supporters of other NonLeague clubs.

He said: "I still look out for Manchester United's score but my club and my team is now Football Club United of Manchester and I love it and I love NonLeague football.

He said: "When we started in the North West Counties League other clubs didn't like us even though we brought a lot of fans through their turnstiles.

"It's especially annoying as we have embraced NonLeague football and are a supporters owned and run club."

Robert has supported the FCUM since its inception and has just missed the odd game in four years through the occasional bouts of illness.

Like the vast majority of FCUM fans Robert's original team was Manchester United until the Glazer family obtained overall control of Manchester United.

Robert sympathised and totally agreed with the decision to form a new club and he, like thousands of others, left his support of Manchester United behind and started to follow the rebels.

After three successive promotions Robert has certainly had a successful introduction to NonLeague football and is enjoying his time watching UniBond Premier league football.

Robert especially enjoys away games with his team as he is a keen traveller on the self-styled 'boogie bus'.

The 26-year-old explains: "The boogie bus is the party bus of all the coaches that travel to away games. There is loads of music, laughs galore and regardless of the score we have a great day out."

Robert is hopeful that FCUM can continue to progress through the pyramid and also play at their own ground in the very near future.

He participates in loads of fund-raising initiatives for the club and next weekend will takes his place in the clubs Minithon ­ a sponsored run or walk which is hoping to raise money for the club and the charity Medequip4kids.